An opportunity to be part of history Come join us as we preserve the past, enjoy the present, and promote the future!

The Beechcraft Heritage Museum is a distinctly original one-of-a-kind, living and working aviation museum that traces the lineage of the Beechcraft family of airplanes. The Museum began life as the Staggerwing Museum Foundation, incorporated in October of 1973, under the auspices of the Staggerwing Club. In April 2007, the Museum became the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. This change reflects our commitment to promoting aviation education and preserving the heritage nurtured by generations of enthusiasts of all Beechcraft models from 1932 through the present. No matter what area of this history which branch of the family tree interests you most, youll find it here. We invite you to join us. The Museum is situated in a picturesque campus-style setting adjacent to the Tullahoma, Tennessee, Regional Airport (THA). An attractive blend of authentically restored early American log structures and modern museum-quality construction, this 60,000 square foot facility currently houses more than two-dozen aircraft, plus many aviation artifacts and memorabilia for the enjoyment of our Members and visitors.

The Museums history begins early in the annals of aviation in this country. Walter H. Beech was born in 1891 and raised in nearby Pulaski, Tennessee. In 1924, prior to founding the Beech Aircraft Company, he, along with Clyde Cessna, and Lloyd Stearman, became principals in the newly formed Travel Air Manufacturing Company, located in Wichita, Kansas.

1929 Travel Air Model 4000

Mystery Ship, c/n 1 NR614K

1925 Travel Air Model 1000, c/n 1

Twin Engine Beechcraft Model 18 Introduced Beech, Cessna, and Stearman, become principals in Travel Air Manufacturing Company Founding of Beechcraft Aviation Company Birth of Olive Ann Birth of Walter Beech Mellor (Beech) First Model 17 Beechcraft Passing of Walter Beech Olive Ann Beech Inducted to Aviation HOF Walter Beech Inducted to Aviation HOF

1891 1891

1903

1925 1932 9
Travel Air manufactures first Model 1000 Travel Air acquired by Curtiss-Wright

1946 94
Introduction of the V-tail Beechcraft Bonanza

1973
Staggerwing Museum Foundation Incorporated

2007 0
Staggerwing Museum becomes Beechcraft Heritage Museum

Thaden and Noyes win Bendix Trophy Race

Each of these legendary aviation pioneers soon founded successful aircraft companies bearing their respective names. Today, we are proud to have three examples of the early Travel Air: the companys first production aircraft Ole Number One a 1925 Model 1000 on loan from the EAA AirVenture Museum, plus a 1929 Model 4000 the model in which Louise Thaden won the 1929 Womens Air Derby. A third example, currently under restoration, is the famous 1929 Travel Air Model R Mystery Ship, NR614K the first of only five built, and the winner of the Free for All speed event at the 1929 Cleveland Air Races.

In August of 1929, Travel Air became a major subsidiary of the giant Curtiss-Wright Corporation, and by early 1932, as President of the Curtiss Wright Airplane Company, Walter Beech believed that the market was in need of a high-speed, four-place cabin biplane. When he attempted to interest Curtiss-Wright senior management in producing this new aircraft by presenting the concept drawings of engineer Ted Wells, they refused, citing the harsh economic climate as the reason. Consequently, Walter resigned from Curtiss-Wright to found the Beech Aircraft Company on April 19, 1932. His partners were his wife, Olive Ann Beech, Ted Wells, K.K. Shaul, and investor C.G. Yankey.

BOB BURNS TULLAHOMA 2008

The first Beechcraft, a Model 17R, registered NC499N, was test flown by Wilbur Pete Hill on Nov. 5, 1932, less than seven months after the company was founded. The aircraft served as the Beechcraft demonstrator until May 24, 1934, when it was purchased by the Ethyl Corporation. Unfortunately the aircraft was severely damaged in upstate New York on Dec. 11, 1935. Nearly 50 years later, in 1984, Museum member Stephen Pfister located the planes wreckage where it had been buried and began the meticulous reconstruction effort. The Staggerwing Museum Foundation purchased the aircraft, completed its restoration, and dedicated NC499N in honor of Pfister on October 8, 1990. As the first aircraft built by the Beech Aircraft Company, this beautiful restoration is our museums centerpiece. Officially designated as the Beechcraft Model 17R-1, NC499N became affectionately known to pilots as the Beechcraft Staggerwing. Throughout its life, this aircraft has become famous as the first of many thousands of its Beechcraft siblings noted for their beauty, quality, speed, and excellent flight characteristics. Staggerwing No.1 resides in the Beech Center immediately adjacent to the main entrance. This area also currently houses the gift shop, as well as a general-purpose area, lounge, and catering facilities.

BOB BURNS TULLAHOMA 2008

The first Beechcraft ever built, the 1932 Model 17R-1

The initial inspiration for the 1973 founding of the Museum by the Staggerwing Club came from famed pioneer aviatrix Louise Thaden. Flying a stock 1936 C17R Staggerwing, she and copilot Blanche Noyes won first place in the 1936 Bendix Trophy Race, besting racing professionals and military aircraft in a one-day flight from New York to Los Angeles. The Louise Thaden Library, housed in an authentically restored log structure, displays the prestigious 1936 Bendix trophy, her 1929 Womens Air Derby trophy, and many other artifacts honoring her aerial accomplishments. This area includes other displays of the early Beechcraft years and room for social activities.

Dedicated in 1975, the adjacent Walter H. Beech Hangar houses our Travel Airs, and several of the early Staggerwings including a 1934 B17L, and a 1936 C17B. A restored collection of aircraft paint schemes demonstrates the approach to custom aircraft building taken by the Beech Aircraft Company in the early years.
1938 Twin Beech Model 18D, c/n 178, the 11th Twin Beech built and one of only three remaining pre-world War II models.

BOB BURNS TULLAHOMA 2008

The Museums first major expansion occurred in 1995 with the addition of the Adjoining the Walter Beech hangar is the Olive Ann Beech Gallery and Chapel. Following her husbands death in 1950, Mrs. Beech became President and CEO, retiring in 1982 as Chairman of the Board. This delightfully restored Tennessee log cabin, containing furniture from Mrs. Beechs corporate office, is popular with Members and is used for official functions and has been the site of numerous weddings. Twin Beech 18 Society. Following on the heels of the immensely popular Model 17, the Model 18 Twin Beech was introduced by Beech Aircraft in 1937. This airplane is arguably the most versatile general aviation aircraft ever developed, enjoying a civilian/ military production run of nearly 8,000 aircraft over 33 years. On display in the Alton E. Chuck Cianchette Hangar is one of only three existing pre-World War II examples of the Model 18D. This 1938

SAM CRIMM II

aircraft was used by Prairie Airways, a Canadian regional airline. Visitors will also find a military version of the Model 18, designated the C-45. Several thousand other military versions served throughout the world during the war. Also displayed is a 1959 Super E18S Miss Maine, which served in the flight department of several corporations during its career. Are you one of the thousands who love the great Bonanza and Baron airplanes? If so, youll be pleased to know that the Bonanza / Baron Museum division was launched in 2003. With a master plan calling for a total of 90,000 square feet, the first phase of hangar construction was dedicated in 2004, followed by the second phase in 2006. Among the treasures in this hangar are two of the oldest 1947 Beechcraft Model 35 Bonanzas, the first Model 55 Baron built in 1960, and the 1/5 scale original Bonanza wind tunnel models from 1945. Also featured is a turbinepowered A-36 Bonanza, which was flown around the world on four separate occasions.

An especially unique exhibit is a one-of-a-kind actual Bonanza V-35B cutaway. This aircraft was displayed in the Smithsonians Washington D.C., Air & Space Museum after being built to highlight the details of an all-metal aircrafts construction, the V-tail control system, and the engine details. Are you a fan or student of aircraft design and engineering? An exhibit known as the Olive Ann Beech Staggerwing, a 1938 E17B, is displayed without its fabric covering so that our visitors may appreciate the intricate design details of these fascinating aircraft. The Staggerwing was one of the first general aviation aircraft to undergo wind tunnel testing as well as feature a retractable landing gear. Mrs. Beech donated the original 1933 engineering artifacts used for this development. An example of modern aircraft construction is represented by the all-composite Beechcraft Model 2000A Starship. The design features pusher engines and a canard wing layout intended to provide jet-like performance with turboprop efficiency. The Starship pioneered the use of an all-graphite composite airframe, instead of aluminum, as the first such civilian aircraft to be fully certified by the FAA. Much of the technology and experience gained is now being used in current and proposed aircraft construction.

1994 Model 2000A, c/n 49, one of only 53 built.

BOB BURNS TULLAHOMA 2008

2007 RUSSELL MUNSON

As a Museum Member, youll play a valuable role in the important work of passing the history of aviation on to future generations through youth programs designed to promote aviation. We are an EAA Air Academy satellite location using a hands-on aviation based program to promote interest in science and mathematics for students Ages 10-16. Students attending the Air Academy have their tuition paid by our Scot Perry Education Fund. And our educational efforts arent limited just to youth. Adult members benefit from our Aircraft Maintenance Seminars. These include topics such as Beechcraft Model 17 and 18 Landing Gear Retraction, Radial Engine Operation, Spar and Inspection procedures, and the broad-based

your family, and guests will also benefit from invitations to register each year for the Museums annual Beech Party plus other Museum activities. This is your opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of socializing with friends, making new acquaintances and participating in educational seminars. Our unique facilities, informative museum programs, and a broad variety of recreational activities offered by the surrounding area make this an ideal relaxing vacation destination.

knowledge and experience across all Beechcraft models that youll be able to share as a Museum member. As a Museum Member, you will also receive the Beechcraft Heritage Museum magazine and free Museum admission throughout the year. You,

M E M B E R S H I P

F O R M

Beechcraft Heritage Museum P.O. Box 550 Tullahoma, TN 37388 (931) 455-1974 (931) 455-1994 (fax) email: info@beechcraftheritagemuseum.org website: www.beechcraftheritagemuseum.org
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RENEWAL MEMBERSHIP: Staggerwing # ____________ TravelAir # ________________ 18 Society # ______________ Bonanza-Baron # ___________ NAME: ________________________________________________________________________
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SPOUSE:_______________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:* ____________________________________________________________________

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DUES: o Annual Membership: USA - $50; Foreign - $60 (USD) o Lifetime Membership: $1000 - may be paid in two installments of $500 within six months.
Please make checks payable to: Beechcraft Heritage Museum Please indicate your aircraft of choice:

o Travel Air o Staggerwing o Twin Beech o Bonanza o Baron o Other Beechcraft

A I R P L A N E
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Beechcraft Heritage Museum P.O. Box 550 Tullahoma, TN 37388

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We would like to have PICTURES and INFO of your airplanes, projects, & family to share with the other members of the Museum via the Newsletter! Thank you!

The Beechcraft Heritage Museum is a taxexempt, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation, so contributions are tax-deductible. The Museums operations are funded by annual memberships, donations to the Friends of the Museum program, and income from our investment portfolio. Contribution opportunities include annual or lifetime memberships; donations to the investment, education, or building expansion funds; endowment gifts; as well as a donation or loan of aviation artifacts and display aircraft.

Annual Membership Dues are only $50 ($60 USD foreign), and Lifetime Memberships $1000, payable in two installments if you wish. There is so much to be gained for such a small investment. The Beechcraft family of airplanes has a storied and glorious history, one that continues to this day. This is an opportunity for you to be part of that history. Please join us today and add your own branch to the Beechcraft family tree.

Interstate I-24, Exit 111, take Highway 55 South through Tullahoma to Highway 130 North; travel West 1/2 mile to Beechcraft Heritage Museum. We are 70 miles Southeast of Nashville and 70 miles Northwest of Chattanooga. Tullahoma Regional Airport (THA) AWOS-3: 128.325 UNICOM: 123.0 Museum located on the field south end of RWY 36

Major Highways Direct to Museum:

Flying to the Museum?

HOURS of OPERATION (March 1 November 30 Only)

Tuesday Saturday 8:30 AM 4:30 PM Open by appointment December through February

Adults (18+) $10.00 per person Students (12-17) $5.00 Children (11 and under) FREE Museum Members FREE Groups - Call 931-455-1974

ADMISSION

TULLAHOMA MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

TULLAHOMA AIRPORT BLDG.

E LL E VI L SH VIL NA LBY E SH

L& N RA ILR OA D Y WA GH U. S. HI

GRASS RUNWAY PARISH AERODROME

41 -A

OLD SHELBYVILLE HIGHWAY TENNESSEE 130

BEECHCRAFT HERITAGE MUSEUM

A OG NO TA AT CH

LYNCH

BURG VILLE

TENNESSEE HIGHWAY 55

E FAYETT

P.O. Box 550 570 Old Shelbyville Highway Tullahoma, TN 37388 931-455-1974 www.beechcraftheritagemuseum.org info@beechcraftheritagemuseum.org