Donation and Restoration This 1936 Stinson Reliant was flown by Northeast Airlines, which merged with Delta in 1972. The Stinson was donated in 2004 to the Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum by Mr. And Mrs. George Massey, and was restored to its original Northeast livery in 2005.
George Massey began his 32-year career with Delta in 1956 as a flight engineer flying the DC6 and DC7. He retired as an international captain in 1988, the same year he purchased the Stinson Reliant. "As we witnessed firsthand during our 75th anniversary celebrations, Delta people have consistently been our strong point. Through good times and bad times, Delta people make the difference. So the donation of the Stinson Reliant by retired Delta employee George Massey is especially gratifying as the museum prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary." Delta CEO Gerald Grinstein, 2005. Service History
During World War II, Northeast Airlines participated in the National Defense Program by training advanced military flight instructors. Northeast had an excellent instruction reputation. In 1939, the airline (then known as Boston-Maine Airways) had established one of the first pilot training courses in the United States. This Stinson Reliant was used only for training by Northeast Airlines. Northeast never used it for scheduled passenger service. Video & Pics
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The Stinson Reliant was used by Northeast Airlines flight instruction school from 1941-1942, as an instrument trainer. It was nicknamed the "gullwing", for its unique arched wing design.