NC79091 —

Great shot for a curious plane!

beautiful Beech 17 Staggerwing

The last pre-WWII Beechcraft. Rare design with retractable gear and, as is usual for a bi-plane, no flaps.

Great photo of a sweet plane!!

The Rolls Royce of The fourties..with a wooden panel in side.
nice picture.

In my opinion, it is a rare aircraft design that can have the adjective "elegant" attached to it.
The Staggerwing is one of them.

This was another example of civilian aircraft out performing all military aircraft before WWII. I had a chance to ride in a Stagger Wing back many years ago and even as a young pilot, realized the grace and speed of this Beechcraft product.

1980, I was in Wichita going through factory KingAir pilot training. Olive Ann Beech was still kicking and owned her own 17. Beautiful, reminded me of a 1937 Cord automobile, leather, mahogany, and quality everywhere.
Quite the aircraft.

The Staggerwing did have flaps don't remember if they were on the top or bottom wing.

I was told that Reno air races had a Staggerwing class in the 60's
Beautiful plane and quite popular in it's time.
On my top 5 wish list.

Ailerons on the top wing, flaps on the bottom wing

That is a nice pic, Scot! Especially since I'm guessing you don't see too many Staggerwing Beech's flying into Sky Harbor too often.

Thanks Greg, Actually this plane come into PHX a lot, but this is the first time the picture actually turned out.

Well, ya did good! ;-)