1940 Waco UPF-7

Waco UPF-7:
A Trainer Turned Timeless Classic

The Waco UPF-7 is one of the most recognizable and well-loved biplanes ever built. With over 600 produced, these aircraft played a critical role in the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) before and during World War II, helping prepare the Greatest Generation for military service. As demand for trained pilots grew in the late 1930s, the U.S. government turned to Waco Aircraft Company to provide a reliable and durable trainer—a role the UPF-7 performed flawlessly.

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The UPF-7’s design evolved from earlier Waco models, incorporating key modifications to make it an ideal training platform:
✔️ A high-mounted upper wing, allowing for better visibility and easy cockpit access.
✔️ A cockpit positioned further back, giving it a distinctive, commanding presence in the air.
✔️ A wide landing gear stance, improving stability on takeoff and landing.
✔️ A rugged airframe, designed to withstand the demands of repeated student pilot landings.

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Although it shares similarities with earlier Waco F-series aircraft, the UPF-7 was built specifically with military training in mind, bridging the gap between civilian aviation and military readiness.

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After the war, many UPF-7s were sold as surplus to flight schools, private owners, and barnstormers, ensuring their continued use well into the modern era. Today, restored examples remain some of the most sought-after vintage biplanes, prized for their smooth handling, stability, and nostalgic appeal.

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With its graceful lines and predictable flight characteristics, the UPF-7 quickly converts skeptics into fans—just ask Rob Lock, owner of Waldo Wright’s Flying Service, and a former Stearman and Travel Air enthusiast, who fell in love with the aircraft after flying one. The Waco UPF-7 proves that the company’s original 1930s slogan still holds true today: "Ask Any Pilot!"

This aircraft’s exceptional restoration, historical significance, and sheer joy of flying make it a cornerstone of The Caldwell Collection at Mustang Field, where it continues to educate, inspire, and take to the skies—just as it did over 80 years ago.