CAF Airbase Georgia to Celebrate Completion of Restored WWII Stearman on Sept. 24

The CAF Airbase Georgia, Peachtree City, GA, will celebrate the completion of its restored 1941 Boeing N2S Stearman with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 24 at 4:30 p.m. The aircraft is the latest restoration project completed by the Peachtree City-based unit after six years of work by Airbase Georgia volunteers. Widely used as a primary trainer during WWII, the Stearman introduced thousands of military pilots to flight before they advanced to more complex aircraft.

According to Airbase Leader Mark Richards, the restoration carries special significance because the aircraft was completed in honor of the Rosie the Riveters who supported the wartime aviation industry. “Our Stearman is especially significant because we decided to complete it in honor of all Rosie the Riveters of WWII,” Richards said. “Even further, several of our women members actually worked on the restoration, learning to do much of the critical fabric work that covers the entire aircraft. We can’t thank the entire team enough for the outstanding, dedicated work they have done to bring this aircraft to life.” The Stearman joins a growing list of restoration projects completed by Airbase Georgia, including the Bell P-63 Kingcobra, LT-6 Mosquito, and PT-19 Cornell trainer. The latter was restored to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, while the Kingcobra restoration received national recognition within the warbird community. Although the restoration is complete, the aircraft is not yet ready to begin offering rides to the public.

“We have some steps to complete before this airplane will be offering rides to the public, but we can promise the experience will be unforgettable,” Richards said. Airbase Georgia said the project also demonstrates the need for additional space to house and maintain its collection. The organization plans to announce details of a proposed hangar expansion during its Moonlight Swing gala on Oct. 17. The expansion is expected to support both aircraft preservation efforts and the Airbase’s growing educational programs. Visitors attending the Sept. 24 ceremony will also have a chance to win two tickets to Moonlight Swing through a special raffle. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Citizen’s Choice Awards celebration, recognizing businesses and organizations selected by community members across more than 40 categories. For more information and to support the CAF Airbase Georgia, click on this link: airbasegeorgia.org.