The Tour Will Crisscross The USA, Starting At Sun 'N Fun
A group of passionate aviators are defying the state of the world and planning on a unique tour of the USA in 2021. What started out as an homage to the 50th version of the National Stearman Fly In (NSFI) in Galesburg, IL, is now the 'Boeing Stearman Homecoming Tour 2021'
The tour will crisscross the USA, starting at the Sun n Fun event in Lakeland, Florida on April 13 and ending at the NSFI on September 5, arriving as a big gaggle of planes. Visits are planned to historically important places, small grass roots like airfields and major events, such as AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI and the Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealeton, VA.
It will be traveling in the style of the old 'barnstorming' days, with all the excitement and challenges that go along with it. Also, it is a real Homecoming with Stearmans arriving from overseas to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
By showcasing the Stearman, the tour will accomplish two missions:
- Showcase the Stearman as the iconic multi role biplane for fun and personal growth - inspiring a young generation to view aviation as a tool and source of inspiration
- A nation-wide presentation of the Stearman will 'future proof' the Stearman and to introduce a new generation in the world of flying.
In addition to showing the planes in the air and on the ground, the Tour will hold the unique 'The Old Crow Magic Show' around the Stearman 'Old Crow', featuring a theatre/magic performance by international artists.
On the weekdays, the artists will also reach out to nearby children hospitals and schools with their entertaining program.
The tour is the primary program of the Wings of Inspiration Foundation, a non-profit foundation. The Board of Directors and their team have worked behind the scene for over a year designing and preparing for the tour. The tour works with non-paid volunteers and is open to pilots, entertainers and helpers that want to show aviation as a great platform for fun, excitement and life lessons.
The Tour's Board of Advisors include pilot/novelist Stephen Coonts, MD/clown Patch Adams, Pat Carr, representing the Stearman Family and captain Tom Lowe, initiator of the very first Stearman gathering almost fifty years ago.
Under the slogan 'We need you, the children need you, the world needs you', the foundation hopes to further enhance the interest from pilots, volunteers, sponsors, event organizers and other parties into their initiative.