Press Release: Brandon, MB – October 2, 2025
The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATPM) is excited to announce the acquisition of a Boeing Stearman Kaydet, a legendary training aircraft that played a key role in preparing Allied pilots during the Second World War. This classic biplane adds a new dimension to the Museum’s collection and helps bring to life the stories of courage, innovation, and service that shaped the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP).
First flown in Wichita, Kansas in 1934, the Stearman quickly became one of the most important training aircraft of the war. More than 8,400 were built, and it is estimated that half of all U.S. military pilots received their initial flight instruction in a Stearman. In Canada, the RCAF operated 300 PT-27 models at Elementary Flying Training Schools across the Prairies in 1942. Although quickly replaced by enclosed-cockpit trainers better suited to winter flying, the Stearman remains a powerful symbol of the Allied training experience.
The aircraft joining CATPM’s collection was built in 1943. Like many Stearmans, it was converted for civilian use after the war and is currently painted bright orange. “It is a beautiful plane but we are hoping to gain support to restore it to the original wartime RCAF colours,” said Zoe McQuinn, Director General of CATPM. This aircraft was generously donated to the museum by Mr. Gerry Papp, of Winnipeg.
“This Stearman is a wonderful addition to our collection,” said Jeff Bell, CATPM Pilot and Head of the Flying Committee. “It’s not just an airplane – it’s a story of training, resilience, and heritage that we can now share with visitors for years to come.”
Media Contact:
Zoe McQuinn, Director General
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum & RCAF WWII Memorial
300 Commonwealth Way, McGill Field, Brandon, MB, Canada, R7A 5Y5
204- 727-2444
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum & RCAF WWII Memorial 