Why We Named Her Winnie

When Johan received our 1941 Boeing Stearman earlier this year, one of the first things he did was take a close look at her structure and history. During his inspection, he came across an old metal plaque, riveted just behind the pilot’s seat. Stamped into the plate was a date: 3rd September 1941 — her official date of manufacture.

Later, while discussing the aircraft with his mother and sharing some of the finer details he had discovered, he mentioned the date. It quickly sparked a personal connection: it was the same date as his great-grandmother Winifred’s birthday — though, of course, a different year.

Johan was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and comes from an Afrikaans family with strong Dutch and German heritage. His mother now lives in the historic village of Stanford, just outside Cape Town — a region known for its charm, character, and quiet strength. Naming the Stearman Winnie felt like a respectful nod to the women in his family, and a meaningful way to carry that legacy into the skies.

From the beginning, we knew this aircraft wasn’t just a machine — she would carry stories, memories, and experiences for years to come. Giving her a name with genuine family significance felt like the perfect beginning to this next chapter.

And so, Winnie she became — a timeless name for a timeless aircraft.

By Hayley Coulson