The JN-4 Jenny was the primary airplane trainer for American pilots in World War I, and nearly 15,000 were built for the war effort
VANCOUVER — Pearson Air Museum has received a rare, newly refurbished 1918 Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” biplane for exhibit. The airplane was acquired as a part of the museum collection through a federal contract, and restored Century Aviation from East Wenatchee.
The airplane’s paint scheme replicates an aircraft that flew from Pearson Field in the early 1920s as a part of the Army Air Service’s 321st Observation Squadron. It joins a DH-4 Liberty and a recently finished replica of a 1912 Curtiss Pusher. All three of these planes represent aircraft that flew from the field, and are now part of the museum’s permanent exhibits.
The JN-4 Jenny was the primary airplane trainer for American pilots in World War I, and nearly 15,000 were built for the war effort. Thousands were sold as military surplus after the war, and were at the center of the “barn storming” craze, when daredevil pilots demonstrated these aircraft in dangerous stunts, including flying them through barns.
“It is wonderful having a Jenny at Pearson Air Museum,” said Air Museum Manager Bob Cromwell, “This is the first time that a DH-4 and a JN-4 have been together at Pearson Field since 1927.”
A grand opening ceremony for the JN-4 Jenny will be hosted at Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. Fifth Street, on Sat., Sept. 28, starting at 11 a.m. The public is invited to attend. There will be guest speakers and a ribbon cutting.
What: Pearson Air Museum Acquires a Newly Restored Curtiss JN-4 Jenny
Where: 1115 E. Fifth Street, Vancouver, WA 98661
When: Grand Opening Ceremony on Sat., Sept. 28, starting at 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
