About the CURTISS WRIGHT TRAVEL AIR D-4000
The Curtiss Wright Travel Air 4000, initially known as simply the Travel Air Model 4000, is a historic general aviation aircraft that had a significant impact on the early days of aviation. This biplane was produced by the Travel Air Manufacturing Company, which was founded in 1925 by a cohort of aviation pioneers including Clyde Cessna, Walter Beech, and Lloyd Stearman, all of whom would go on to create their own renowned aircraft companies. The Travel Air 4000 epitomizes the golden age of aviation during the late 1920s and early 1930s, serving as an important link between the pioneering era of flight and the more commercially oriented aviation industry that emerged subsequently. Its production spanned from 1929 through the early 1930s, with various models evolving based on its original design. Unlike many other aircraft of its time, the Travel Air 4000 was designed with both versatile utility and pilot comfort in mind. The aircraft featured a pair of open cockpits, with a spacious front cockpit that could accommodate two passengers side by side, while the rear cockpit was intended for the pilot. It was powered by radial engines, typically the Wright J-5 or J-6 Whirlwind series, which were renowned for their reliability and performance. The Travel Air 4000 was used for a myriad of purposes, reflecting its versatility. Its strong and durable construction made it ideal for barnstorming, a popular form of entertainment where pilots performed aerial acrobatics and tricks. Additionally, it was used for air racing, mail delivery, and even some of the earliest forms of commercial passenger travel. This model also contributed to flight training, aiding in the development of countless pilots during the formative years of aviation. The Curtiss Wright Travel Air 4000 remains an iconic general aviation aircraft, exemplifying the daring spirit and technical advancements of early 20th-century aviation.