Northeast Airlines Stinson SR-8E Reliant
The SR-8E
Stinson Reliant SR aircraft (SR-1 to SR-10) were made from 1933 to 1941, and popular with private operators and small charter companies. All Reliants built as SR-6 and earlier models are straight wing planes. Later models, like the SR-8E, were nicknamed the "gullwing", for their unique double-tapered wing design. Both SR-8D and 8E versions had relatively roomy cabins, but the Wright engine on the 8E model offered extra power and performance.
Service with Northeast
This Northeast Airlines Stinson Reliant was not used for scheduled passenger service but as an instrument trainer from February 1941 to November 1942. Northeast operated a flight instruction school and had an excellent reputation and training experience. In 1939, Northeast, then known as Boston-Maine Airways, established one of the first pilot training courses in the U.S. During World War II, Northeast participated in the National Defense Program by training advanced military flight instructors.
Donation
Mr. And Mrs. George Massey donated this plane to the Delta Museum in 2004. Retired Captain Massey started his 32-year career with Delta in 1956, as a flight engineer flying Douglas DC-6 and DC-7. He retired as an international captain in 1988, the same year that he purchased the Stinson.
Restoration
Repainted in 2005 by our aircraft restoration team in 1940s vintage Northeast livery of Stinson Blue and International Orange. Features logo of New England Pilgrim astride a Lockheed 10 Electra and slogan “Making a Neighborhood of the Northeast.”
More Information
Flickr: More photos of Northeast Stinson Reliant
2005 Delta News Release: Announcing donation of Stinson Reliant