About the Plane
This plane is a WACO UPF-7 built by the Weaver Aircraft Company in September, 1942, just three months before I was born. The WACO F-Series was designed as a pilot trainer and production began in 1930. The UPF-7 was the final version and was built from 1937 through 1942. To my knowledge, it is the last production biplane.
It was used in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, a program that started in 1939 to build a backlog of pilots in case of war. Interestingly, the Army Air Corps did not like the UPF-7 and returned 11 of the first 14 delivered. They never ordered more, but the plane continued as a civilian trainer throughout the war.
I don't care if the Army Air Corps didn't like it. I'm battle-ready. Curse you, Red Baron!