At RARE Aircraft, exceptional service and unforgettable experiences are at the heart of everything we do. But don’t just take our word for it, hear directly from pilots, collectors, and aviation enthusiasts who have trusted us with their aircraft needs. From seamless transactions to personalized support, our community’s stories reflect the passion and dedication that set us apart. Explore their testimonials below and discover why RARE Aircraft remains the go-to destination for rare and specialty aircraft.
I first encountered Ben Redman with Rare Aircraft at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh several years ago. I was in the market for a Bi-Plane and knew what I wanted. Ben was very busy with trade show duties so I briefly introduced myself and told him I would connect with him after the show. He had a beautifully restored UPF-7 but I wanted a different color. Rather than pressure me to buy the blue one he had in his inventory, he agreed to build me what I wanted and paint it the colors I wanted. I ended up with a trophy quality aircraft. After a few years of flying the plane, I decided that the Bi-Plane route wasn’t for me. When I asked him to sell the plane, he graciously agreed to find a buyer. Within a month, it was on its way to her new home.
Based on that experience, I decided to sell my Denali Scout. I asked Ben if he would be interested in managing the sale of that plane for me. He agreed, and within a few weeks that plane was sold to her new owner.
I was so pleased the way Rare Air handled those three transactions, I asked if he would sell my pride and joy, a 1957 DeHavilland Beaver on amphibious floats. He said he would manage that sale for me as well. It took a little longer, but by the time we completed the transaction both the new buyer and I were happy with the result.
Overall, Rare Aircraft Ltd, is a very professional organization with skills necessary, whether you are wanting to build/restore a vintage aircraft, or buy/sell an aircraft, I have no reservation in recommending Rare Aircraft to manage the transaction for you.
My experience with the Rare Team has been exceptional and I look forward to more opportunities in the future. They make the process fun and satisfying.
In terms of upkeep, I use RARE Aircraft, who restored my WACO, to maintain my Kenmore built de Havilland Beaver. We basically do a 100hr inspection every six months. I like it when Ben calls and says it’s Arctic Ready. That means everything is perfect and ready for a trip to the Arctic Circle and back. When you’re on a lake in Canada 50 miles from anything, you want to know pushing the starter button will work out every time.
Dear Roy, Jeremy and Ben,
Let me thank you and your team for the amazing work you did on the complete remanufacture of my Waco UPF-7. This is the second airplane I contracted to have completely redone and the first one with Rare. What sets Rare Aircraft apart is: EVERYTHING
Everything at Rare is second to none:
Most importantly the end product that I received is “An amazing flying machine” To potential new clients of Rare: There is just one warning about planes from Rare Aircraft: Whenever you land, be ready to spend time with the crowd that will show up and want to get close. We also had to stock up the fridge at our hangar for the ongoing visitor stream.
Thank You Rare Aircraft!
I’ve always wanted a classic biplane. Now I have one of the best! Roy, Jeremy & Ben were there to help from the beginning and now that I have the airplane, they are still there.
The support, understanding, compassion and availability of the folks at Rare Aircraft is to be emulated by anyone who wants to run a first class business.
I ordered N32141 and she went from a tired old girl to a piece of artwork. The workmanship is fabulous. The airplane is stunning. More than once I’ve been told by pilots that she is the most beautiful airplane they have ever seen. One guy said she is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen!
Now I am not a high time pilot…about 170 hours in a Cessna 150 and about the same in an Aeronca Champ. The transition to the UPF-7 was very manageable. This WACO flies like a dream. She is happy three pointing on a grass or hard runway, dancing with the clouds, getting over on her back at 4000’ or just plain old showing her gorgeous smile and lines while parked in front of the airport restaurant.
She is a crowd pleaser, a show winner, a dream come true, and, for now, she is mine.
If you are looking for a plane like mine, see the boys at Rare Aircraft.
1941 WACO UPF-7 N32141
2014 WWII Era Champion Bronze Lindy AirVenture Oshkosh
As airline pilots, Rodolphe and I often had to travel to USA, especially Seattle. Visiting collections in Paine Field, we discovered a fantastic red beech 17. Better and new. Close to the rudder cables was a tiny label : “Rare Aircraft, MN.” At this time, we were looking for a Boeing Stearman to fulfill a dream. So back to our hotel we googled “Rare Aircraft” and found out that N56178, a Stearman, was for sale by these people. The dream could begin.
Back to France we phoned the company, the owner, Roy, told us about this plane, sent the pictures, and we realized this plane was really what we were looking for. It took me 2 weeks before I could make it to Faribault. 2 weeks which could have been enough for Roy to sell the plane within the USA. But we had made a “telephone hand shake” and the plane was waiting for us.
How excited I was when I push the entrance door of the hangar. N56178 was here, all the Redman family took time to describe the plane to me. All the papers where fine, the plane was as nice as I could spot on the picture. We made the deal and the plane was containerized.
I will always remember Jeremy telling me “We stand behind our sales” and that is for sure absolutely true. Of course we had small difficulties flying the plane in Europe, because she is a grand mother. Each time I need any advice I call or email Rare Aircraft and each time I get an accurate answer.
Be sure that if we can afford it, our next plane will come from Rare Aircraft.
French Flight School dedicated to Stearman : www.stearman.fr
President of the “Stearman Club de France”
I want to thank the entire crew at Rare Aircraft for the fantastic restoration work on Stearman N44JP. When I was trying to decide which direction to go with the restoration, several criteria came to mind—quality and workmanship, willingness to understand the restoration purpose, and timing. The quality of workmanship that went into it was outstanding. Roy took the time to understand what I wanted. We spent hours on the phone and in person talking about every last detail. Of course, authenticity was tops on my list. He went to great lengths to research the airplane and to learn as much as possible about its history. If he didn’t know it, he took the time to find out from the most knowledgeable folks around. Throughout the restoration, I was in constant contact with the team through emails, photos, and phone calls when I could not be there in person. Needless to say, I was extremely impressed. And, the project was completed on schedule and delivered to the Galesburg fly-in in September 2011.
The most impressive thing I encountered throughout the entire project was the service after the project was completed. Ben, Jeremy, and the rest of the team always followed up on any issue no matter how small, promptly and thoroughly. You can tell they take great pride in the work they do. They treated N44JP as if it represented their company’s reputation.
N44JP has been in our family for many years. Deciding who would handle the restoration was a major decision. Now I know I made the right one. Thanks to everyone at Rare Aircraft.
I heartfully thank the crew at Rare Aircraft not only for saving my Dad’s historic Stearman but also for doing such a professional job on the restoration!!! It flew hands-off on the first flight, and now, with many hours on it, the only thing I’ve had to do is change the oil!!! I feel it is the “Best” of the Best!!! Thank you!!!
If you want the finest in a vacuum…come see me. If you want the finest in a vintage airplane, go to RARE AIRCRAFT!
