Beechcraft G17S Staggerwing
The Beechcraft Model 17 “Staggerwing” is an American biplane with an atypical negative wing stagger (the lower wing is farther forward than the upper wing). It first flew in 1932.
The Beechcraft Model G17SA Staggerwing, on display at the KF Centre for Excellence, was considered the Learjet of its day. The Staggerwing is widely considered to be the most beautiful aircraft ever built.
In total, 785 Staggerwing aircraft of all models were made between 1933 and 1949. Of the G17S model, only 20 were made. They were sold for $29,000 US dollars – a staggering price for the day.
This aircraft has been dedicated as “Spirit of Eric” after owner Eric Hertz of Auckland, New Zealand. Eric passed away in a flying accident in 2013. The aircraft was dismantled and shipped to Kelowna in 2014, where it was reassembled by KF Centre for Excellence staff.
