Celebrating the legacy of Learjet
Six decades ago, Lear Jet 23-001 first took to the skies over Wichita, KS – and Oct. 7, 1963 went down in history as the dawn of the business jet industry.
Today, the legendary Learjet family includes more than 2,000 aircraft, all proudly supported by the OEM expertise that is only found at Bombardier. “Bill Lear developed the Lear Jet from day one to be a purpose-built business jet,” explained Rick Rowe, Director of Public Relations with the Classic Lear Jet Foundation (CLJF). “That led all the rest of the business jets into today’s world.”
The Learjet aircraft legacy was celebrated 60 years to the day after that first flight with a CLJF open house and dinner. Bombardier hosted both events in Building 14 of Learjet’s Wichita complex.
While the first flight anniversary was top-of-mind, the events also acted as a fundraiser for a very special restoration. In February, CLJF took possession of Lear Jet 23-003, the first production Learjet aircraft delivered to a customer. In August, generous donations from Clay Lacy of the Clay Lacy Foundation and Lynn Krogh, Founder and CEO of International Jet, allowed the CLJF to pay off the balance on the aircraft.
By the time Oct. 7 rolled around, there was a lot to celebrate.
“Bombardier has been very supportive. They donated the space for the open house and the dinner – in fact, they were a Presenting Sponsor,” said Rowe.
The open house was held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Building 14’s east bay. About 300 people toured Lear Jet 23-003, while four more Learjet aircraft were parked on static display.
“We had Learjet 45-609, the last Learjet delivered (in March 2022), plus a Learjet Model 55 once owned by Johnny Carson, a Lear 35 air ambulance plane, and Clay Lacy flew in with his Lear 35,” said Rowe. “The Lear 55 was open to the public.”
In addition to the aircraft, the open house featured a silent auction fundraiser, Bill Lear memorabilia, and a selection of Learjet model airplanes – including some engineering models that were never put into production.
Later that evening, about 180 people attended a ticketed dinner in the west bay of Building 14. Diners heard three presenters speak of their connections to the iconic Learjet brand.
Al Higdon handled public relations for Learjet during the days of Bill Lear. He recounted his time and experiences at the company, sharing a selection of photos featuring famous Learjet aircraft owners.
Brian Barents, CEO of Learjet from 1989 to 1996, oversaw the company during its transition to Bombardier ownership in 1990, as well as the launch of the Learjet 60 and Learjet 45 aircraft lines.
Finally, Chuck Cox, founder and CEO of Northern Jet Management in Grand Rapids, MI – which flies the last Learjet aircraft to come off the line, as well as 12 others of the type – applauded the aircraft from the perspective of a longtime operator.
Rowe, a former demo pilot for Learjet, said the aircraft set the standard for quality, longevity and cost-effective business operations.
As for Lear Jet 23-003, he said CLJF has big plans.
“We expect to restore the plane to airworthy condition to keep the story alive and operate it as a living flight history piece. It will educate students of all ages about the process and the story of how the Lear Jet was born and promote the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) educational aspect.”
Work has yet to commence, although CLJF volunteers are currently reviewing aircraft logbooks to plan the required inspections and map the road to restoration.
Click here to find out how you can help the Classic Lear Jet Foundation restore Lear Jet 23-003.