In 1928, The New Standard Aircraft Company was founded in Paterson, New Jersey by famous barnstormer Ivan Gates of the Gates Flying Circus and aircraft designer Charles Day. The D-25 was purpose-built for Gates and resulted in a plane that could take aloft four paying passengers instead of the typical one or two.
The New Standard was easy to fly, capable of operating out of small fields due to its high-lift wings and 45-foot wingspan, and featured rugged, wide-stance landing gear ideally suited to coping with rough farm fields. Most importantly, the increased passenger capacity meant a pilot could carry as many as 40 passengers an hour. Reportedly in 1929 the Gates Flying Circus took over 100,000 passengers into the skies for the flight of a lifetime.
Aerobatic performer Steve Oliver and his wife, skywriter Suzanne Asbury-Oliver, purchased the 1929 plane in 1998 from the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and embarked on an eight-year restoration, bringing the plane back to airworthy condition and returning it to it’s originally-intended purpose. “It’s doing what it was designed for — barnstorming! — and sharing the magic of flight with passengers,” says Steve Oliver. “The experience of flight is so dramatic in an open cockpit, experienced commercial pilots are just as excited as someone who has never flown before, because it’s comparable to going from traveling in an enclosed car to a convertible or a motorcycle. What a thrill! It’s all laughs, smiles and back-slapping among every group we’ve taken up in it.”
Other than its radio and transponder, the only modernizations on the plane are seat cushion upgrades. Ride-hoppers sit in comfort on leather-covered seating while cruising at 80 miles an hour, 1,000 feet above the earth for a truly authentic flight experience.
There are no age or weight restrictions for passengers. The plane boasts a 1,100-pound payload capacity, reports a stall speed of 35 mph, and lands at 40 mph, powered by its Wright Whirlwind J-6-7 engine. The biplane can be reserved for fly-ins, private jaunts, corporate outings, community events, and even for weddings and honeymoons. In addition to trips around the pattern, longer options can be reserved, including Champagne Sunset Cruises for four persons, by calling 303-478-4853. If you’re at Sun ‘N Fun, don’t miss it!
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
One, we both know was also used to transport news papers to news dealers Papers went to meet plane from publisher then were flown to points around 60 to 100 miles away beating the railroads and truck.
Getting Up there but hanging In
Lots of Luck to you both.