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 PT-17 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 six 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 45 years of experience.

The Pilots

Capt. Lee Fox

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!

Col. 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.

Col. RICHARD "IKE" McCann

Richard "IKE" McCann grew up on the wing, literally. At the age of just 3-years old he was "helping" his father and grandfather as they built a small plane in their garage. Following his passion for aviation, IKE became an aerospace engineer and joined the United States Air Force as a pilot. He received pilot training in the T-6A Texan II and was selected to fly Combat Rescue helicopters, eventually becoming an Evaluator Pilot in the HH-60G Pavehawk.

Still on active duty and flying in the USAF, IKE also owns his own two-seat biplane and flies the L-5G for the Commemorative Air Force. A decorated combat pilot with over 2,000 hours under his wings, IKE is excited to share his passion for flight with you! He can't wait to answer your questions because there is virtually nothing he does not know.

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.