G-THEA Boeing Stearman
From the Bray airshow website:
Most all US Pilots during World War II acquired their initial flying skills in the robust Boeing Stearman, more affectionately known by them as the Kydet. Constructed with a steel frame, cotton fabric covering, Canadian spruce wings and a nine cylinder radial engine the Boeing Stearman designed by Lloyd Stearman and built by the Boeing Company at Wichita Kansas tells a story of American entrepreneurship, aeronautical innovation and determination which culminated in the construction of over eight thousand enduring aircraft. The aircraft featured 'G-THEA' was built in 1942 at the Boeing Wichita Kansas factory and was delivered to Pensacola Florida where it served as a primary trainer to many thousands of US Airmen during World War II. On the 20th March 1999 Ryanair accepted delivery of its first Boeing 737-800 series aircraft and wanting to join the past with the future entrepreneurs Tony Ryan and Cathal Ryan acquired Boeing Stearman G-THEA, re-named it ‘The Spirit of Tipperary’ and put it into the skies over Ireland. Today It is based at the Lyons estate in Co. Kildare and can be seen on sunny days flying in the Irish skies a true testament to the Ryan’s aviation vision past and present.
G-THEA Boeing Stearman
From the Bray airshow website:
Most all US Pilots during World War II acquired their initial flying skills in the robust Boeing Stearman, more affectionately known by them as the Kydet. Constructed with a steel frame, cotton fabric covering, Canadian spruce wings and a nine cylinder radial engine the Boeing Stearman designed by Lloyd Stearman and built by the Boeing Company at Wichita Kansas tells a story of American entrepreneurship, aeronautical innovation and determination which culminated in the construction of over eight thousand enduring aircraft. The aircraft featured 'G-THEA' was built in 1942 at the Boeing Wichita Kansas factory and was delivered to Pensacola Florida where it served as a primary trainer to many thousands of US Airmen during World War II. On the 20th March 1999 Ryanair accepted delivery of its first Boeing 737-800 series aircraft and wanting to join the past with the future entrepreneurs Tony Ryan and Cathal Ryan acquired Boeing Stearman G-THEA, re-named it ‘The Spirit of Tipperary’ and put it into the skies over Ireland. Today It is based at the Lyons estate in Co. Kildare and can be seen on sunny days flying in the Irish skies a true testament to the Ryan’s aviation vision past and present.