Sarasota, Florida: World War II aviation history made a stop on the Suncoast this weekend as the Commemorative Air Force stopped by with their Airpower History Tour. The tour consists of four aircraft the PT-17 Stearman, Stearman Speedmail, C-45 Expeditor and B-29 Superfortress. The PT-17 Stearman was manufactured by Boeing and used as a trainer for the US Army Air Corps and the US Navy. The Stearman entered service in 1935 and was produced until 1945. It was the primary training aircraft for the aviators during World War II. The limited model Stearman Speedmail was produced by Stearman to provide luxury transports and deliver mail. The Speedmail on display was owned by the Richfield Oil Company to advertise the Jimmie Allen Flying Club. The C-45 Expediter is a military transport plane built by Beechcraft to transport military staff. On display is the “Bucket of Bolts” a C-45 in the British Royal Air Force. The highlight of the tour is the “Fifi”, the last remaining...
