James Stewart: A Look Into His Private Jet Source Bing.com
James Stewart was an American actor, producer, and director, who was widely considered to be one of the world’s biggest movie stars. He was known for his roles in classic films such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Rear Window, and Vertigo. But did you know that Stewart also had a private jet?
The History of James Stewart’s Private Jet
After World War II, Stewart became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. With the fame and money came the opportunity to purchase his own airplane, a Lockheed 12A, which he nicknamed “Betsy”. The plane was a single engine, four-seat aircraft that was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior engine. It was capable of a maximum speed of 200 mph and had a range of 750 miles.
Stewart purchased the plane in 1948 and used it for his travels, both for business and pleasure. He flew it to the set of many of his movies and also used it for pleasure trips to his favorite places. He was even known to fly it to his home in Los Angeles from New York City, a journey of almost 3,000 miles.
The Lockheed 12A
The Lockheed 12A was originally designed as a military transport aircraft. It was produced between 1938 and 1941 and was used by the Royal Air Force, the US Army Air Corps, and the US Navy. The plane was also used by commercial airlines, including American Airlines and United Airlines.
The plane was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior engine, which produced 450 horsepower. It could carry up to four passengers and had a maximum speed of 200 mph. It also had a range of 750 miles, which meant it could easily make the trip from Los Angeles to New York.
The Legacy of James Stewart’s Private Jet
James Stewart was an avid pilot and enjoyed flying his private jet. He was even known to fly himself to the set of many of his movies. Stewart’s love of flying was so strong that he even served as a pilot in the US Air Force Reserve during the Korean War.
Stewart’s private jet is now on display at the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica, California. The plane was lovingly restored by volunteers and is a reminder of the great actor’s passion for flying. It’s a fitting tribute to the man who was more than just an actor, but also an avid pilot.
Conclusion
James Stewart was an American actor, producer, and director who was widely considered to be one of the world’s biggest movie stars. He was also an avid pilot who owned his own private plane, a Lockheed 12A. The plane was lovingly restored and is now on display at the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica, California. It’s a fitting tribute to the man who was more than just an actor, but also an avid pilot.
