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IN THE FIELD: Those Magnificent Flying Machines
I have a fascination with aircraft of any kind, and to me, vintage airplanes have the biggest attraction. There is something about a machine constructed of wood, fabric, and metal in perfect form and function, which allows a human to fly.
I was driving by a small privately-run airfield and noticed this biplane on final approach for a landing. It wasn’t easy to miss the bright yellow paint against the blue sky. I pulled over, grabbed the camera and ran up to the fence to get a couple of shots. I wasn’t in time to get photos of the plane while in flight, but I did get a few as it taxied back to the hanger.
This is a Boeing-Stearman. They were made in the 1930’ thru the 1940‘s and used primarily as training aircraft.
David Heilman 
Nice photo, David. I, too, am a fan of those old aircraft. Especially those old war-birds of WWII.
Thanks Bob, I agree…the old planes had a special style about them.
I love aircraft, and love to fly! What a great shot of a great plane. 🙂
Thanks Ted, I finished ground school several years ago and have a few hours of flight time, but the budget wasn’t there to continue. In the future hopefully.
Cool shot! Did he wear a long scarf that was flying behind him? 🙂
Thanks Teri, a long scarf would have completed the picture for sure! There is a small grass airfield down the road with three hangers. Inside one of them is a yellow Piper J-3 Cub from the same era I would love to photograph. It is fabric covered also. It’s like a 2 seat go kart with wings. Way cool!
Classic elegance. These planes remind me of dragonflies.
Classic elegance is a perfect way to describe these airplanes…I love it!!!
What an amazing sight. We occasionally see a biplane doing an air display at the fairs – always show-stopping.
I love these planes…low and slow I like to say. Whenever I see one, it stops me in my tracks!
http://photographyofnia.com/2012/07/31/nominated-for-capture-the-color/
I have nominated your beautiful blog for this award, dear David, love, nia
Thank you Nia for the nomination, It is indeed an honor! In my wildest dreams I never thought I would make so many friends sharing my photos and writing. Thank you!
I bet that would be fun to fly!
I bet it would !!! Wind in your face just cruising along slowly!
Excellent shot, David! The plane reminded me of Amelia Earhart!
Thanks Gracie,I would love to have the chance to fly in one of these…or any vintage aircraft for that matter LOL. the golden age of flight…I wonder if they will ever find out what happened to Amelia and her airplane.
Great shot. I love aeroplanes too. Something to do with my dad I think!!! Stearmans are the planes used by a wing walking team here in the UK. A great sight to see. Looking forward to an annual fix of a great airshow on 11th August. Going to Abbotsford Airshow in BC. Can’t wait. Might need to take a few shots, don’t you think?!!!
Thanks Kate, It takes special kind of person to wing walk..that or they are totally crazy! Hmmm Abbotsford Airshow in a couple of weeks…better bring a handful of data cards for that event!!!
You can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the boy 🙂
You are too funny!!! And it’s true!!!