Winnie’s Story
Winnie, our 1941 Boeing Stearman, represents a time when flying was raw, open and unforgettable - the golden age of aviation.
Originally built as a military trainer, aircraft like Winnie were used to prepare pilots for the skies during a defining era in history. Decades later, she has found a new purpose - not in training pilots, but in creating unforgettable experiences.
1941 – Military Trainer - Built to Train Heroes
Winnie was built in 1941 as a Boeing Stearman military trainer, preparing young pilots for service during World War II. Aircraft like her were often a pilot's very first taste of flight, helping train thousands of aviators before they moved on to fighters and bombers.
Agricultural Years – Crop Duster - A New Life in the Fields
After her military service, Winnie began a new career as a crop duster. Flying low and slow over farmland, she helped support agricultural communities for many years, proving the toughness and versatility that made the Stearman famous.
California – Private Ownership - Preserved by Passion
Winnie eventually found a home with a private owner in California. During this chapter of her life, she was lovingly maintained and cared for, helping preserve this remarkable aircraft for future generations to enjoy.
Omaka, New Zealand - Sharing History Through Flight
Before coming to Australia, Winnie spent many years flying passenger experiences from Omaka Airfield in New Zealand. There, she introduced countless people to the thrill of open-cockpit flying and became a much-loved part of the local aviation community.
Open Air – Bunbury, WA - A New Chapter Begins
In 2024, Winnie was purchased by Johan and brought to Western Australia. After an extensive restoration and refurbishment, she returned to the skies in 2026, continuing her incredible journey more than 80 years after she was built.
From Warbird to Crop Duster
Many Boeing Stearmans survived long after World War II thanks to a second career in agriculture. Their rugged construction, reliable radial engines and ability to carry heavy loads made them ideal crop dusters, helping farmers across the world for decades after the war ended.
These photos hold a special place in Winnie's story.
When Johan first came across them during his research, he simply thought they were fantastic examples of Stearmans working as crop dusters. It wasn't until much later that he realised the aircraft in the photographs was actually Winnie herself.
If you look closely, you can see her registration number painted on the tail, confirming that these images capture a real chapter in her history.
To think that the same aircraft flying passengers over Bunbury today was once skimming over farmland spreading crops is a remarkable reminder of the many lives Winnie has lived throughout her 80+ year journey.
Our Mission
At Open Air, we don’t just fly - we create memories. From quick bursts of adrenaline to once-in-a-lifetime milestone celebrations, our packages are designed to give you more than just a flight. They give you a story to tell, a connection to history, and the thrill of adventure.
Why She's Called Winnie
Every great warbird deserves a name, and for us, there was only ever one choice.
Winnie is named after Johan's grandmother, Winifred, who shared the same birthday as the aircraft. It felt like more than just a coincidence - it was the perfect way to honour someone so special to our family while giving this remarkable aeroplane a name that suited her timeless character.
The name Winnie has a classic charm that perfectly reflects the era in which she was built. It feels right at home on a 1941 Boeing Stearman and has become part of her personality.
Of course, no classic warbird would be complete without its own nose art.
Inspired by the iconic pin-up artwork that adorned many military aircraft during World War II, we created Winnie's very own pin-up girl. She's a tribute to the golden age of aviation and gives Winnie a unique identity that's both authentic to her history and personal to our family.
Today, her name and her pin-up artwork are two of the features that passengers remember most - small details that help make Winnie truly one of a kind.
Open Air Blog posts
Meet Hayley Coulson – Behind the Scenes at Open Air Adventure Flights
Meet Hayley Coulson and learn how her background in aviation, customer experience and business operations complements founder Johan Strydom's vision, helping create unforgettable Boeing Stearman experiences at Open Air Adventure Flights.
20 Fascinating Facts About the Boeing Stearman
Discover 20 fascinating facts about the iconic Boeing Stearman, the legendary WWII trainer aircraft. Learn its history, unique features and why you can still fly one today in Bunbury, Western Australia.
What Does It Feel Like to Fly in an Open-Cockpit Aircraft?
Ever wondered what it feels like to fly in an open-cockpit aircraft? From climbing onto the wing of a 1941 Boeing Stearman to feeling the wind in your face and hearing the roar of the radial engine, it's an aviation experience unlike any other.
