"Beech N61278" women's hoodie

On November 5, 2024, Baptiste and Laura Salis airlifted the Beechcraft D17S Staggerwing, registration N61278, from Salzburg, Austria.

Restored by Rare Bird in Hungary, the Staggerwing joins the Aero Vintage Academy collection based in La Ferté-Alais.

Acquired almost ten years ago, the story of this Beech begins in 1943. Built for the US Navy as a UC-43, it was sold after the conflict to a company that converted it for civilian use.

It was then immediately sold to the Barnes family, who used it for almost 3,000 hours.

The Barnes family owned a ranch in Alaska and another in Arizona, and used the plane to commute between the two properties with their entire family. Today, AVA is the second civilian owner of this aircraft.

The meticulous restoration work began at La Ferté-Alais, but due to lack of time, was entrusted to Rare Bird. The aircraft received numerous options and modifications, and was restored to exceptional quality. This makes it undoubtedly one of the finest Staggerwings in the world.

With the arrival of this D17S, there are now four Staggerwings in active flying condition in France.