Biplane (hanging above)

Purchased by New York State in 1931, this plane was used by the Conservation Department to spot forest fires. It could hold two to three passengers and has stick and foot-pedal controls.

NYSM H-1987.11.1

Guiding Questions:

  • Compare the sailplane to the biplane: How are they similar and different?
  • What keeps the sailplane up in the air?
  • What keeps the biplane up in the air?
  • Why would the conservation department want to use an airplane?

Airplanes were used for spotting forest fires, as documented by these photos courtesy of NYS Archives:

NYSM Coloring Page - Biplane (thumbnail)

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