In the midst of the 1960s space race, a new plane rocketed to stardom. The Learjet 23, named after its creator, Bill Lear, created a new flight category:
Luxury business travel
It allowed those who could afford it to fly quickly and easily from one small airport to another, cutting down on travel time. Because of that, it became popular with many celebrities of the day, including:
- Frank Sinatra
- Elvis Presley
- Arnold Palmer
- Marlon Brando
- Dean Martin
- Danny Kaye
Bill Lear himself had a history of invention. He was a self-taught engineer who created the first practical car radio and would later go on to invent the 8-track tape.
The Learjet 23’s maiden flight was on October 7th, 1963. Three years later, the Learjet 24 made a record-breaking circumnavigation of the globe, starting and ending in Lear’s hometown of Wichita, Kansas. It broke 18 speed records and showed it could compete on the same level as giants like Lockheed and Boeing.
The plane may have been luxurious, but it was also tiny. The cabin fit six people and was only 4’4” tall. When asked about it, Lear famously quipped, “You can’t stand up in a Cadillac, either.”
Like other famous aviators, including the Wright Brothers, Bill Lear changed aviation forever with his creation.
You can see an original Learjet 23 on display in the We All Fly exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum. Head over to see its small size and big impact for yourself.
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