One of the outstanding pioneers of aviation, Lear (1902-1978) held more than 150 patents on inventions such as the automatic pilot for planes, eight-track stereo cartridges and the car radio.

Until 1967, he was the owner of the Learjet Corporation, pioneers in the manufacturing of small corporate jets. He unveiled his radically new jet-powered business aircraft the “Learjet” in 1963.

A Learjet 23 that belonged to William Lear is displayed in the outside storage area at the Yanks Air Museum.  This aircraft holds the speed record between Los Angeles and New York and return.