Boeing Stearman Kaydet

The Boeing Stearman Kaydet is a legendary training aircraft that played a key role in preparing Allied pilots during the Second World War.

The Stearman Kaydet was designed and built by the Stearman Aircraft Co. and first flown in Wichita, Kansas in 1934, Stearman Aircraft became a division of Boeing in 1934. The Stearman Kaydet quickly became one of the most important training aircraft of the war. More than 8,400 were built, and it is estimated that over half of all U.S. military pilots in WWII received their initial flight instruction in a Stearman.

The sturdy biplane had fabric-covered wooden wings, a welded-steel fuselage, single leg landing gear, and was equipped with a radial engine.

In Canada, the RCAF operated 300 PT-27 models at three Elementary Flying Training Schools (EFTS) in Alberta in 1942, as well as an Instructor School in Ontario. These aircraft were part of the Land Lease deal with the United States. The Stearman had a more powerful engine than the Finch or Moth and performed better in Alberta, which had higher ground elevations. However, an open cockpit made flying in Alberta winters problematic. Because of this, they were quickly replaced by enclosed-cockpit trainers that were better suited to winter flying. Today, the Stearman remains a powerful symbol of the Allied training experience.

The photos above show our Stearman in its’ current civilian colours. The goal is to repaint in BCATP colours as soon as funding can be secured/raised.

The aircraft joining the CATPM’s collection in September 2025 was built in 1943. Like many Stearman Kaydets, it was converted for civilian use after the war. We hope to gain support and funding to update its livery to the original wartime colours of the RCAF sometime in the future. ­­This flightworthy aircraft was generously donated to the museum by Mr. Gerry Papp, of Winnipeg.