Step back into the romance of early aviation and discover a true Art Deco jewel of the skies at the International Sanicole Airshow 2026: the Waco UEC Cabin Biplane. Graceful, rare, and impeccably restored, this aircraft captures the spirit of an era when flying was as much about elegance and adventure as it was about engineering.
The aircraft on display at our show is nothing short of extraordinary. Built in Troy, Ohio, it is one of only three WACO OEC aircraft ever produced and the only surviving example in the world. Delivered in 1932, it served its first owner faithfully until 1943 before being carefully placed into storage. Its story resumed in 1960 with a new engine, taking to the skies once more over Oregon until 1984. After decades of anticipation, a full restoration journey began in 2012, moving from Germany to the United Kingdom, where in 2016 it emerged reborn, restored to its former glory while discreetly upgraded to meet modern safety standards.
Despite these updates, the aircraft proudly retains its wonderfully quirky dual-position control column, allowing control to be switched between pilot seats, a delightful reminder of the ingenuity of early designers. Finished in the authentic colours it wore upon delivery in 1932, the Waco looks today exactly as it would have done in aviation’s golden age.
Now part of the Safety Jogger collection of historic aircraft, this magnificent biplane is flown by Stijn De Jaeghere from Ostend-Bruges Airport. Rare, refined, and steeped in history, it promises to be one of the standout attractions of our static display.
Experience the elegance of a bygone era up close at the International Sanicole Airshow at Hechtel-Eksel on 12-13 September 2026. Don’t miss the chance to admire this aviation treasure and meet its pilot at the Safety Jogger stand on the showground.
