The Boeing Stearman (Model 75) is perhaps the most beloved biplane in America — a rugged, radial-engine WWII-era trainer that has become the classic barnstorming and sport biplane.
Key takeaways
- Iconic radial biplane: the classic American barnstormer.
- Rugged and characterful: a treasured warbird trainer.
- Radial-engine and vintage ownership realities.
About the Boeing Stearman (Model 75)
The Stearman is a two-seat, open-cockpit biplane with a radial engine (typically Continental or Lycoming/Jacobs), cruising modestly and prized for its character. Radial-engine maintenance, fabric/structure condition, and provenance drive value and cost. It's a specialty airplane owned for the love of it.
| Specification | Boeing Stearman (Model 75) |
|---|---|
| Type | Radial-engine biplane (2-seat) |
| Engine | Continental / Lycoming / Jacobs radial |
| Cruise | ~95–105 knots |
Typical used price (2026): ~$90,000–$250,000. Condition, avionics, and engine time drive value within that range.
Is the Boeing Stearman (Model 75) Right for You?
The Boeing Stearman (Model 75) suits pilots who fly for the sheer joy of it — sport, aerobatic, or recreational flying rather than travel. It rewards stick-and-rudder skill and, for aerobatic types, dedicated training. Match it to how you actually want to fly; it's a specialist's airplane, not a family hauler.
Ownership & Operating Costs
- Fuel: varies with the engine; often modest.
- Insurance: priced on your tailwheel and, for aerobatic types, aerobatic experience.
- Maintenance: aerobatic use adds inspection attention to the airframe and engine.
- Engine reserve: budget per hour toward overhaul.
For a full framework across models, see our aircraft ownership cost guide.
What to Check When Buying
For a sport or aerobatic airplane, inspect the airframe carefully for the effects of aerobatic loads, review engine condition and complete records, and use a type-experienced shop. Confirm whether a traditional loan fits the purchase price, as many sport aircraft are modestly priced.
Financing a Boeing Stearman (Model 75)
A Boeing Stearman (Model 75) finances on standard piston terms, but many sport aircraft are modestly priced and can approach lenders' minimum loan amounts, where a specialty lender or alternative financing may be the right fit. Jaken Aviation is a brokerage, not a lender — we shop your loan across a national network of aviation lenders.
Prices, specifications, and financing figures are illustrative for the 2026 market and are not offers of credit. Jaken Aviation is a licensed aircraft financing brokerage — a division of Jaken Finance Group — and does not make loan decisions. All financing is subject to lender approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Boeing Stearman (Model 75) hard to insure?
Sport and aerobatic aircraft are priced on your tailwheel and aerobatic experience. Dedicated training helps both premiums and safety, and coverage must bind before a lender funds.
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