The Beechcraft model 17 was the first aircraft Walter Beech designed after he left Travelair and formed his own company, Beechcraft. A sleek cabin biplane, the Staggerwing was the Lear Jet of its day. Seating 5 people it is a fast plane even by today's standards. Having a top speed in excess of 200 MPH when fitted with a 450 horsepower Prat & Witney Wasp engine it also has a very slow landing speed due to its biplane configuration. It was also one of the first comercialy available aircraft with flaps and retractable landing gear.
