The Boeing-Stearman PT-17 Kaydet was an American military primary trainer used to introduce pilots to powered flight. It formed part of the Stearman Model 75 family, whose closely related versions differed principally in engine installation. The Continental-powered PT-17 became one of the familiar open-cockpit trainers of the Second World War.[1]Stearman PT-13D KaydetNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Stearman Kaydet Trainer, Select ProductsBoeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Training aircraft design
The Kaydet combined wooden, fabric-covered wings with a welded-steel fuselage and fixed landing gear. Its two open cockpits accommodated instructor and student in tandem. Boeing describes the structure as deliberately rugged, a valuable quality for aircraft repeatedly exposed to novice handling.[2]Stearman Kaydet Trainer, Select ProductsBoeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The PT-17 used a Continental R-670 radial engine rated at 220 horsepower. Lycoming-powered aircraft carried the PT-13 designation, while Jacobs-powered examples were designated PT-18. These were related members of the same training family rather than entirely different aircraft designs.[1]Stearman PT-13D KaydetNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Stearman Kaydet Trainer, Select ProductsBoeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Military training
The Army Air Corps adopted the Kaydet family during the 1930s. During the war it became a standard primary trainer in the United States and with Allied nations. Cadets learned basic aircraft control and made their first solo flights before progressing to more advanced machines.[1]Stearman PT-13D KaydetNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The Navy employed related aircraft under its own designations. The family was also supplied to countries including Canada, China, the Philippines and several South American nations, giving the design an international training career.[2]Stearman Kaydet Trainer, Select ProductsBoeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Production and civilian use
Boeing manufactured 8,584 complete Kaydets between 1936 and 1944, with additional spare components equivalent to a substantial number of aircraft. Wartime demand transformed a relatively conventional biplane into a major production programme.[2]Stearman Kaydet Trainer, Select ProductsBoeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
After the war, more modern trainers replaced the Kaydet in military service. Surplus aircraft found civilian work, notably agricultural spraying and crop dusting, where slow-speed handling and robust construction remained useful. Restored examples later became prominent historic-aircraft performers.[1]Stearman PT-13D KaydetNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Stearman Kaydet Trainer, Select ProductsBoeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details