Once restoration is complete, the aircraft will be one of two airworthy and accurately restored WASP Stearman’s in existence.

The American Heritage Museum in Hudson, MA is proud to announce the discovery of a Boeing PT-17 Stearman, c/n 75-1805, USAAF s/n 41-8246, which has a documented history as a trainer for the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) at Avenger Field, TX during World War II. This historic aircraft will undergo a meticulous restoration to flying condition. Once restored, the Stearman will be a centerpiece in a new, impactful exhibit dedicated to the WASP and their vital contributions to the war effort.

The WASP were pioneering women who broke gender barriers as the first females to fly U.S. military aircraft. The PT-17 Stearman was one of the key primary trainers for these courageous pilots, helping them develop the skills necessary to fly a variety of fighters, bombers, cargo aircraft, and other types during the war in non-combat roles. This aircraft represents not only an important piece of aviation history but also the broader story of women’s empowerment and their essential role in achieving victory during World War II.

“Finding any aircraft that was flown by a WASP is rare, but finding one that actually played a role in training the incredible women that became WASP(s) at Avenger Field is truly extraordinary” notes Rob Collings, President of the American Heritage Museum. “Once complete, this aircraft will be one of just two restored in their accurate WASP livery and wartime condition and will be the only example on flying display within a public museum.”

Rolling off the production line in 1942, Boeing PT-17 Stearman Kaydet construction number 75-1805 was taken on strength in the same year under US Army Air Force serial number 41-8246. Originally assigned to Training Command in Lakeland, FL,  it was transferred in late 1943 to Avenger Army Air Field in Sweetwater, Texas (highlighted at right). This location was home to 318th Army Air Forces Flying Training Detachment, 31st Flying Training Wing, which was tasked with training the newly formed Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). In short order, Avenger Army Airfield became an all-female installation except for a few male instructors and other officers.

An identifiable photo of 41-8246 in WASP training service resides in the University of North Texas archive. The image also features WASP Edna Davis, a member of class 43-5. Since she was a child, she always dreamed of learning to fly. She realized this goal thanks to her training at Avenger and went onto fly a wide variety of military types and holds the distinction of the first WASP to fly the B-26 Marauder medium bomber.

Following the end of WWII, after its WASP training service, 41-8246 was sold into civilian hands and went through a number of owners who modified the aircraft for speed and performance, not knowing the proud heritage of the Stearman. When offered for sale as non-airworthy project in 2023, looking quite different than it did in WWII, its history was realized and it was transferred to the American Heritage Museum for restoration and preservation.

The restoration of 41-8246 will begin with the overhaul of an original 220 hp Continental R-670 radial engine. Next will be the rebuild of the wings, eliminating any post-WWII modifications and returning them to factory-fresh condition. A similar treatment to the fuselage will be required as a number of modifications were made through the years. The intention is to restore the aircraft to the exact configuration it would have had in 1943.

Such a restoration will require generous support from donors and partners with the American Heritage Museum committed to returning this incredible piece of history to honor its WASP heritage. Interested individuals and organizations willing to support this ambitious project are encouraged to contact Ryan Keough, Director of Development, at rkeough@americanheritagemuseum.org or 978-562-9182 x203.

Once finished and returned to airworthy standards, the Stearman will be flown to the museum to become part of a permanent public gallery highlighting the history of the WASP and their impact on the role of women in aviation and technology over the past 80 years and beyond. It will continue to take to the sky as part of our living history exhibitions to honor the WASP, educate the public about their service, and inspire future generations.

Do you know of a WASP pilot who might have flown 41-8246? We are asking anyone who has access to original log books of WASP pilots to look for an entry that might list the Stearman… we’d love to know about other women who flew it at Avenger Field!