Boeing Stearman ZU-IES joins the Airshow Circuit

By Willie Bodenstein


From this 22 January 2012…………..


to this 22 March 2015.

In 2016 the Stearman made its debut at the SAAF Museum airshow at AFB Zwartkop and performed at a number of other airshows. Airshow spectators can this year look forward to seeing Ivan performing a graceful slow low level display in the Stearman in a number of airshows.


Ivan in the Stearman at the SAAF Museum Show Saturday 6 May 2017.

Ivan's CV:

· Born 9 February 1979. In Neslpruit, South Africa
· Started flying at the age of 14 in 1994. Paid for flying by washing Lowveld Aero Club aircraft for 1 flying hour a month.
· Soloed on 17th Birthday, 9th February 1996.
· Obtained PPL in 1996.
· Matriculated 1997
· Commercial pilot's License 1999
· Flew charter on C310 for Leoair flight centre in Nelspruit with Danie Terblanche
· Obtained instructors rating 2000
· Obtained Airline Transport license 2001
· Joined Nelair charters 2001
· Married Sonica 2006.
· Jeandre born 2007.
· Joined Airquarius contracts flying F28 in 2007
· Joined Comair limited operating Kulula and British Airways 2008
· Became Captain 2017
· Total flying hours 14,000
· Some of the Aircraft types flown: B737-2/3/4/8, DC3, F28, Gulfstream 1, Learjet 25, Harvard, Pitts Special, Bosbok, Cessna and Piper series, Kingair 200, Tiger Moth, Chipmunk, SA Ravin, Aeronca, Auster and others.
· Currently flying as Captain on B737-800.


Jeandre, Ivan and Sonica


Boeing Stearman ZU-IES

· Date of manufacture 1941. An example of over 10,000 built and fitted originally with 220hp Continental engine
· Served with Evon Airforce base training US Army pilots for active duty. During her time with the US Army she had three landing incidents.
· Became surplus to US Army needs in 1945 and was subsequently auctioned of together with other types.
· Became a Crop duster in 1946 and was fitted with Pratt & Whitney R985 engine delivering 450hp.
· 1970 she was crashed during a take-off incident and was subsequently scrapped.
· Remains of aircraft imported to Bloemfontein, South Africa in 2000
· Ivan and Sonica bought the remains in 2012 and started the restoration process
· First flight after restoration on 19 March 2015
· Aircraft currently resides at Petit Airfield Gauteng


The Stearman in the skies over her Homebase at Petit

Aircraft Specifications:

· Empty weight 1400. Max Take off: 2000 kg.
· Engine type: Pratt & Whitney R985, 9 Cylinder 450hp
· Fuel burn: 85 litres/hour
· Cruise speed 180 km/h

Businesses are welcome to contact Ivan via info@pilotspost.com for more details regarding advertising details on the Stearman.

Events 2017
Aviation Personalities






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