Help Save a 100 Year Old Airplane

The National Motorcycle Museum has received as a donation** what some experts say may be the oldest unrestored airplane in the world. But we need your help to safely move it, stabilize its condition and display it in the National Motorcycle Museum in Iowa, to preserve it for all to enjoy. At more than 100 years old, the airplane is fragile and this work has to be done correctly. We hope YOU can help make it happen.

Q: What is the money being raised for? A: The funds will be used to transport, structurally stabilize and display the unique 1911 Steco Aerohydroplane donated to the National Motorcycle Museum. The "biplane" airplane is a one-of-a-kind experimental prototype created by Ralph S. Stephens in Chicago in 1911. The wingspan is 42', the length, 35'. Steerable and pneumatically damped landing gear, optional pontoons, it also features semi-enclosed tandem seating and wing warp stabilizers as some of its innovative features. Experts cite a very rare, low hours seven cylinder Gnome-Rhone rotary engine as well. They also remark on an original wood, steel and fabric airframe, nothing repaired or altered, though the engine is newly rebuilt and operable. These same experts say this could be the oldest unrestored aircraft as most like the Wright Flyer have been damaged, repaired and certainly recovered over the years. The Steco remains original, yet is in a fragile state.

Q: How will the funds be spent?
A: The aircraft needs to be structurally stabilized, disassembled, removed from its current compromised location, carefully packed in trucks and brought about 300 miles to the National Motorcycle Museum, ASAP. From there we will attend to fragile and torn fabric covering, reassemble the plane and hang it in the Museum so that it can be observed, appreciated.

>Stabilize wood and fabric structure of plane
>Label and dismantle (minimally) the aircraft
>Pack Carefully in 53 foot trailers for transport
>Transport aircraft to National Motorcycle Museum
>Re-assemble aircraft
>Hang in Museum for visitors to observe and appreciate
>Organize Steco mechanical drawings
>Seek to secure copies of additional drawings in public sector, lost when Steven’s estate was sold

Q: Why is this project important, why should it be supported?
A: The Steco Aerohydroplane is a key piece in the history of American aviation which was about seven years old when the Steco Aerohydroplane was created by Stephens. Long forgotten it needs preserved and studied along with the deep collection of papers, drawings and contemporary writings that are with it, or need to be located.

Q: What is the corporate structure of the National Motorcycle Museum?
A: The National Motorcycle Museum was established 25 years ago and is a 501(C)3 chartered in the state of Iowa. (NOTE: The Museum is a Certified Charity and therefore your donations may be tax deductible.)  It is one of just a few American motorcycle/transportation museums open to the public daily, year around except for New Years Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The National Motorcycle Museum operates on donations of cash from interested and supportive enthusiasts and has four full time staff, several part time staff and a growing group of volunteers. Displays include nearly 500 motorcycles, 40 bicycles, Quarter Midget race cars, pedal cars and toys plus a huge graphic collection including advertising art and photography. Note: Though donations of any amount are appreciated, Donors of $250, $500 or $1000 will be recognized for their support within the Steco Aerohydroplane display.


The Steco Aerohydroplane is an important part of American Aviation history. Help us protect and present it for researchers and future generations to enjoy. Thanks for your support of this project.  We appreciate any help you can give, and please help us spread the word!

**Note: The Steco Aerohydroplane and Steco Cycle Car, spare parts, drawings and casting patterns  were all donated to the Museum. The Cycle Car has tandem seating, uses an early Mack V-Twin motorcycle engine. Cycle cars are therefore akin to motorcycles and it is through the possibilty of the Aerohydroplane and the Cycle Car coming to the Museum that we became interested in the entire Steco collection. Stephens engineered and designed both transportation devices, and we plan to explain all his accomplishments in a single cohesive exhibit at the National Motorcycle Museum.