1929 Travel Air B-4000
Registered NS-5 by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1930 to chart America’s first coast-to-coast airway routes. Restored across three decades by Howard Clark’s family and Rob Lock of Waldo Wright’s.
Originally purchased by the Department of Commerce to map airways, restored over three decades by Howard Clark and Rob Lock.
Mapping the Skies: The Travel Air B-4000
The 1929 Travel Air B4000, a true gem of aviation history, played a pivotal role in shaping early commercial navigation. Originally purchased by the Department of Commerce in January 1930, it was registered as NS-5, a unique government designation that still remains on its tail alongside NC13906. This aircraft was used to map airways, contributing to the development of America’s flight infrastructure until it was sold to Stinson Aircraft on March 14, 1934.
Painstakingly restored by Howard Clark and his family over three decades, and completed by the exceptionally talented Rob Lock of Waldo Wright’s Flying Service restoration workshop, this Travel Air is an exceptional example of early aviation craftsmanship. It features authentic Pioneer 4-inch instruments from 1929, the correct period livery, and even an original tool kit carefully assembled to match its historic roots.
Now part of The Caldwell Collection at Mustang Field, the aircraft is undergoing the final phases of restoration. With plans to take flight in late summer 2025 it will be displayed at the Collection and AirVenture 2026, this Travel Air will continue its journey—both in the sky and as a living tribute to the pioneers of early aviation.
For more information including photographs, restoration information, history, and how we came to acquire the plane go to www.DreamWacos.com/travel-air-b4000/
A Barnstormer’s Dream & Navigator’s Tool
A computer rendering made from reference photos, not footage of the airplane
Drawn from reference photos
From every angle
See the 1929 Travel Air B-4000 in person
The Collection is open Tuesday–Friday 10am–4:30pm and Saturday 10am–2pm, free admission. You can see this aircraft up close in Hangar 3, where the same shop that maintains and restores the whole Collection works on site. It's part of our flying fleet. On flying days it may be out on the line.
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