Destiny decreed that the Stearman would be built in greater numbers than any other American biplane. They are perhaps best remembered as one of the primary trainers used to train Allied pilots before and during WWII. Most cadets had never driven an automobile before, let alone flown an aircraft, but they were expected to solo after only six hours! Lloyd Carlton Stearman created the company and operated it under his own name from 1933-1938, then Boeing stepped in and created its Stearman Aircraft Division. From 1933 through 1945, 8,585 Stear-mans were built. Through more than 220 photos and informative captions, you'll see their widely varied history and begin to understand why the love for their tradition continues so strongly today.