History:
1943 Boeing Stearman PT-17, s/n 42-16396 (N2S-2) “Blondie”
This aircraft was manufactured as an Army PT-17 in 1942 at Wichita Kansas and was delivered to Maxwell Air Base on March 17th, 1943. After a brief stint at Union Field, it was moved to Avenger Field in Sweetwater Texas. It was used in the Contract Pilot School operated by Aviation Enterprises Ltd. This school trained Pilots for the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). It’s “buzz number” identifier was #47 and it was used as a backdrop in the attached photos.
The aircraft was removed from service in July 1945. It was then purchased by Demac Air Service in Colorado and was converted to a crop spraying aircraft in 1948. It served as a 220 H.P. AG plane until 1953 when it was converted to a 450 H.P. duster/sprayer. It continued protecting our food supply from bugs and weeds until 1969 when it was converted back to a “stock” Stearman. It bounced around to various owners for the next 20 years when it ended up in Chuck Andrews shop and was restored to the rendition you see before you as a Navy N2S-2 in 2000.
We purchased the Stearman in 2008 and we immediately named her “Blondie”. After flying her for several years, we decided to research its history and after discovering its previous life as a WASP trainer, we wanted to share that history with you. The “Blondie” nose art you see is intended to pay homage to those who trained in her in a tasteful way, but still retain the “pin-up” fashion that was popular during those years. The parachute, flight suit and goggles were standard issue. The footwear was taken from a WASP photo and the rest, well…is artistic freedom.
The art was completed by R.T Foster of Oklahoma. Several versions of the art were considered, finally resting on the current rendition. Each side is a separate piece of art, painted onto vinyl, then applied to the panel and clear coated.
We hope you enjoyed seeing “Blondie” and we invite you to take a moment to remember all of those who have served our Nation in times of war (including right now).
| Registration Number | Date of Manufacture |
| N222FK | Accepted 3-11-1943 |
| Aircraft Role | Nickname |
| Primary Trainer, Spray Plane, Magic Carpet | “Blondie” |
| Aircraft Type: | Wingspan: |
| Boeing/Stearman PT-17 | 32 feet 2 inches |
| Overall length: | Empty weight: |
| 24 feet 3 inches | 2075 US pounds |
| Gross weight: | Fuel capacity: |
| 2717 US pounds | 46 Gallons |
| Oil capacity | Engine type: |
| 4.76 Gallons | Lycoming R-680 B4E |
| Propeller type: | Max Speed |
| McCauley MC-45-407 | 124 mph |
| Rate of Climb | Cruise Speed |
| 500 fpm | 95 mph |
| Service Ceiling | Number of Crew |
| 11,200 feet | Two Tandem |
| Armament | Bomb Load |
| None | None |
| Number Built | Number Surviving |
| 13000+ | 1000+ |
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Restoration
Blondie was restored as a Navy N2S-2 in 2000 by Chuck Andrews of Wisconsin and in his care it spent several Winters in the EAA museum. Since restoration we have done our best to maintain the aircraft to the best of our abilities. We spend a majority of our time “slowing” down oil leaks and keeping her clean and waxed.
Restoration Images
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Links
http://www.halffastadventures.com/
Printable QR Codes for: Boeing PT-17 (N2S-2) Serial No. 42-16396:
Please read before printing the Avery style labels
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