About Helmet & Goggles biplane rides in Fredericksburg, VA -- the flight of a lifetime.

BOEING STEARMAN PT-17

On August 24, 1942, the U.S. Navy took delivery of PT-17 serial number 75-3546. It was one of over 10,000 Stearman biplanes built by the Boeing Airplane Company production facility in Wichita, KS, for the primary training of Army Air Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard aviation cadets. Initially assigned to Naval Air Station New Orleans and later to NAS Dallas this plane was used to train Naval Aviation Primary Cadets during WWII. Known affectionately as the "Yellow Peril" its official Navy designation was N2S-4. This was changed to A75N1 when it was sold by the War Assets Administration after the war. There are more than 1,000 Stearmans registered today, but that includes those in museums and currently under restoration. There are probably around 500 actually in airworthy condition.

Powered by a seven-cylinder Continental W670 engine producing 220 horsepower, this stock Stearman will thrill you with the unique sound of its radial engine. During its life this Stearman has undergone two complete "bare metal" restorations where it was basically re-manufactured from the ground up--essentially becoming a brand new plane each time. Materials and techniques have constantly improved so that this plane is more rugged and durable than the original ones produced during the war effort, but its design has stood the test of time and is still a pilot favorite.

Coast Guard aviation cadets were trained in borrowed Navy Stearmans, but a few USCG units with planes on long-term loans devised their own color schemes. This plane is one of only eight in the world (and the only one in the entire region) sporting an authentic WWII USCG paint job.

After the war many Stearmans were used for barnstorming, crop dusting, and private flying by former WWII flyers. But this plane was always in private hands and has relatively low airframe hours compared to many that were put into commercial operations. It receives very thorough periodic FAA inspections and is constantly pampered by its owner and also its FAA-licensed mechanic who has almost 50 years of experience.

The Pilots

Capt. Lee Fox - Chief pilot

Since his father was trained in a PT-17 before flying heavy bombers all over the world during WWII, the Stearman has always held a special fascination. When the opportunity to acquire this rare beauty presented itself, he could not resist. Many people asked if he'd give them a ride. He saw this as a great chance to share his love of flying and let them experience open-cockpit biplane flying at its best.

Lee Fox began flying as a teenager and never looked back. He flew as a flight instructor, charter pilot, and commuter airline Captain before being hired by American Airlines. During his long career he flew everything from the Boeing 727 to the Boeing 777 on both domestic and international routes. He especially enjoyed his time flying as a check-Captain breaking new pilots in on the Boeing 767.

With well over 25,000 hours experience and the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot award recognizing his long and safe aviation career, he looks forward to sharing his passion for flight with you. Who knows, you may have already flown with him in the back of one of his airliners!

Kevin Price

Ever since his father landed an OH-6 helicopter in their backyard when he was just four years old, Kevin’s been hooked on flying! He got his pilot license at 18 and went on to get commercial and flight instructor ratings. In the last ten years Kevin has concentrated on Warbirds (former military aircraft), touring the country to give rides with the Commemorative Air Force Air Power History Tour in their North American T-6 and PT-13 Stearman.

Kevin is a formation-rated pilot. Locally, Kevin also flies the CAF L-5 Sentinel & UC-61 for the Capital Wing based in Culpeper. With over 2,200 hours, including giving over 700 hours of flight instruction, he prides himself on his super smooth "grease job" landings and can't wait to demonstrate his skill to you.

Jake Patrick

Jake Patrick grew up as a “Military Brat,” where his fascination with aviation was sparked by visits to the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. This early exposure ignited a lifelong passion for flight.

While attending college, Jake earned his FAA Commercial Pilot License, along with Multiengine and Instructor ratings. Following graduation, he completed Navy Officer Candidate School and Navy Flight School, ultimately achieving his dream of becoming a Naval Aviator. As a pilot of the F/A-18E Super Hornet, Jake flew combat missions over Iraq and Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Over the years, Jake has logged more than 10,000 flight hours, including over 5,000 hours instructing others. His experience spans piston, turboprop, jet, tailwheel, seaplane, glider, helicopter, and formation flying. He has piloted more than 120 different aircraft models, including warbirds such as Stearmans, T-6s, L-19s, and L-39s.

Jake is the founder and owner of several FAA-approved flight schools, including one that specializes in Airline Transport Pilot training. He has also operated a seaplane-tour business and served as a captain in corporate, charter, and fractional-ownership operations. As a test pilot, Jake has flown a diverse array of aircraft and currently serves as the instructor and test pilot for the world’s leading manufacturer of seaplane floats.

After a period as an agricultural pilot (crop duster), Jake transitioned to aerial firefighting, flying the Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Boss (Single Engine Scooper). He has instructed for two aviation companies and has been a National Aerial Firefighting Academy (NAFA) instructor. Jake also provides check-out training for several jet aircraft types, with a focus on single-pilot operations. With multiple business jet type ratings, he instructs in familiarization, formation, and advanced procedures. In recognition of his contributions, the National Warbirds Organization named Jake to the 2025 class of “20-under-40” rising stars in the Warbird community.

Jake has owned multiple aircraft, including a Rutan VariEZ, Lancair 320, Beechcraft Baron, Lake Buccaneer, Glasair III, and RV-8. His passion for both aviation and history found an intersection in his association with Helmet & Goggles, where he flies the Stearman biplane. Jake now looks forward to connecting others with aviation history and sharing the unique thrill of open-cockpit flying.

Sights and Sounds

Click the videos below and listen to the roar of the Stearman's powerful engine and see airshow smoke, flips, and gender reveals! Come along for the ride and see the many sights and sounds.