Red, White and Stearman

Two Boeing Stearman participated in static display at the 2012 Marion Airport Fly-In a few days ago in Marion, Iowa. Stearman biplanes were manufactured during the 1930s and 40s. These remarkably sturdy planes served as pilot training platforms for American aviators during World War II. This silver colored Stearman, according to its pilot was built in 1940 and painted in 1942 training colors. The aircraft served in St. Louis, Missouri during the war as a trainer for naval aviators. The pilot says the plane is on its second engine after overhauls retired the first. Both planes appear to be in excellent condition with fabric or composite material making up the wings and fuselage. Both planes also drew substantial attention from the crowd, helping to make this year's run-up to Independence Day just a bit more patriotic.

Ultralight Planes Prepare for Takeoff

Two ultralight planes leave the flight row at the annual Marion Airport fly-in on July 3, 2005. Every year on the weekend before the Fourth of July, the Marion, Iowa airport (just NE outside of Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Hwy 151) stages a fly-in pancake breakfast for the general public. You never know what you will see but the ultralights are generally there. True ultralights (FAR 103) typically start at around $6,000 (USD) and go up from there, although you can find good used ones starting at around $2,500. Light sport aircraft on the other hand cost significantly more. This video posted on YouTube has had over 15,700 views to date and has been watched the most in California, Florida, Texas and Canada, although it has been seen in many other countries.