History
This PT-17 Stearman was accepted by the Army Air Corps in 1940, making it one of the CAF’s oldest airplanes. At one point in its military service, it served with the 318th Flying Training Detachment at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, TX, training Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). The current restoration provides an ideal opportunity to draw greater attention to its unique WASP legacy.
Project
Stearman 41-870’s restoration began as a minor reskinning in 2019, but airframe needs led to a full rebuild. The fuselage has been cleaned and repainted, with cockpit controls reinstalled using new hardware. Volunteers from Vought Heritage Restoration Group joined in May, contributing time and talents toward completion in 2025.
Objective
The Wing seeks funds to complete the restoration and repaint the Stearman in its original Avenger Field silver livery, honoring its WASP legacy. Through events and educational outreach, they aim to inspire interest in aviation history. Once finished, the aircraft will be painted in its original silver training livery, as it appeared at Avenger Field. The Dallas / Fort Worth Wing plans to showcase the Stearman’s essential role as a primary training aircraft and educate others about the history and legacy of the WASP. Through educational outreach, they aim to inspire students to explore aviation and history, collaborating with schools and organizations.
ABOUT 12 PLANES OF CHRISTMAS
Each year the CAF holds an annual fundraiser to help support and highlight aircraft projects for planes in need of restoration, maintenance or repairs. Donors may contribute to a specific aircraft project or to the CAF’s Restoration Grant Fund.
Don’t want to donate online?
Call 877-767-7175,
ext. 105 or mail check to: CAF Headquarters, P.O. Box 764769, Dallas,
TX, 75376
The Restoration Grant Fund
The Restoration Grant
Fund is a dollar-for-dollar match program created to help aircraft
projects with the most need get back into the air faster.
Giving to a Specific Aircraft Project
If you
have a particular affinity for an airplane, you can make a direct
contribution to the aircraft.
Highlights
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