National Stearman Fly-In – Day 4

Charlie and Bill Cole’s Stearman first saw service giving Army Air Corps cadets their first steps into the sky during World War II. Later it thrilled air show spectators as one of the red-and-white Red Baron Squadron planes. And this week it was one of two of the aerobatic team’s survivors gracing the skies over Western Illinois during the 38th National Stearman Fly-In at Galesburg Municipal Airport. The other plane is owned by Brian Aukes, Ankeny, IA. Bill Cole, left, is an auto dealer in Bluefield, WV. Charlie Cole, right, who lives in neighboring Bluefield, VA, owns four Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealerships.

Photo: Robert Harrison, National Stearman Fly-In