1927 Swallow - N4028
Location: Pioneer Airport
From the drawing board of famed designer Matty Laird, the first Swallow was built in 1920 in Wichita, Kansas. Laird sold the company to pursue air racing, and the new owners included Walter Beech and Lloyd Stearman. They developed the New Swallow, which after modifications became a success. These aircraft were used for many different types of flying, but the air mail service is where they left their mark on aviation history.
EAA’s 1927 Swallow is serial No. 899. It was first purchased in 1927 for $2,485 by Lou Edgar in upstate New York. When the company delivered the aircraft with paperwork ready to be filled out, they were shocked to find that Lou was a woman. She had bought the aircraft to learn how to fly. She named the airplane The Schenectady Rambler. She learned to fly in it and then sold the aircraft. It changed hands several times before coming to EAA for a full restoration led by Buck Hilbert.
This aircraft remains one of, if not the oldest aircraft which a ride can be purchased in, right at EAA’s Pioneer Airport. Take Flight in the Swallow.
Length: 23 feet, 10 inches
Wingspan: 32 feet, 8 inches
Empty Weight: 1,447 pounds
Gross Weight: 2,200 pounds
Cruise Speed: 85 mph
Seats: 2
Powerplant: Continental R-670 Radial
Horsepower: 220 hp
