Gerald Willig Photography

10/09/2026

🇺🇸 1941 Stearman PT-17 from Cal-Aerofab Flight Academy Inc .

Based at what is now known as Chino Airport during WW2, this Stearman PT-17 trained countless aviators for the war effort.

The Army and Navy both used the trusty Stearman, where they were referred to primarily as a PT-17 with the Army and a N2S-3 with the Navy. Although the Stearman was challenging to fly in the hands of a student pilot with no previous experience, it allowed instructors to quickly evaluate student performance and move those who were not progressing into other jobs. Made primarily out of wood and fabric with a steel tube fuselage, the Stearman was one of the strongest trainers built during World War II.

After the war, many Stearmans soldiered on for decades as crop dusters and air show performers. The remaining examples of this classic aircraft are now sought by collectors worldwide. (source: https://lonestarflight.org/fly/boeing-pt-17-stearman/).

Cal-Aerofab Flight Academy is a 501(c)3 public benefit non-profit organization based out of Chino Airport (KCNO) California, created for the next generation of pilots and mechanics. Building experiences for dedicated young aviators who want to learn to restore, fly, and maintain airplanes.

Is the Stearman PT-17 your favorite vintage biplane? Let us know in the comments! 👇✈️🇺🇸

© Gerald Willig - All rights reserved.

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07/09/2026

🇺🇸 Vought F4U-1A 'Corsair' from the Planes Of Fame Air Museum. The Corsair is an American fighter aircraft that saw service primarily in World War II and the Korean War.

The Corsair was designed and principally operated as a carrier-based aircraft, and entered service in large numbers with the U.S. Navy and Marines in World War II. It quickly became one of the most capable carrier-based fighter-bombers of the war.

Some Japanese pilots regarded it as the most formidable American fighter and U.S. naval aviators achieved an 11:1 kill ratio.

Early problems with carrier landings and logistics led to it being eclipsed as the dominant carrier-based fighter by the Grumman F6F Hellcat, powered by the same Double Wasp engine first flown on the Corsair's initial prototype in 1940. The Corsair's early deployment was to land-based squadrons of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy.

The Corsair served almost exclusively as a fighter-bomber throughout the Korean War and during the French colonial wars in Indochina and Algeria. In addition to its use by the U.S. and British, the Corsair was also used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, French Naval Aviation, and other air forces until the 1960s.

With an amazing 11-to-1 kill ratio in World War II, this beast ruled the skies. Is this your favorite vintage fighter plane? Let us know in the comments! 👇✈️🇺🇸

© Gerald Willig - All rights reserved.

Shop Fine Art Aviation Photography Prints and Merchandise (Aviation Mugs, Calendars...):

🌐 Link in my profile.

Ultra Limited Edition. Museum Quality.

Signed and numbered with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Secured payment powered by Stripe ®.

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Planes of Fame Air Museum Canon USA Canon France

05/09/2026

B-17G "Sentimental Journey" 🇺🇸

05/09/2026

04/09/2026

✈️ 35,000 FOLLOWERS! 🚀

I am absolutely blown away. What started as a simple passion for capturing history in motion has grown into an incredible community of 35,000 aviation enthusiasts.

Whether you’re here for the roar of a P-51 Mustang, the iconic gull wings of the Corsair, or the thunder of WWII heavy bombers rolling through your Reels feed, thank you for tagging along on this journey.

Keeping the spirit and history of these American warbirds alive through my lens is a dream, and sharing it with all of you makes it even better.

To celebrate this milestone, I want to hear from you: What is your absolute favorite WWII warbird, and which one do you want to see featured in my next Reel?

Drop your favorites in the comments below! Clear skies, everyone. 🛩️

Gérald WILLIG

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