Status of the red Stearman, Johnson inducted into MAHOF

Ray Johnson, of Buffalo, has a well-known Stearman in our area. His vibrant red Stearman biplane graced the skies over Buffalo for many years. Johnson bought the plane in 1980 and owned it until February of 2021, when he sold it to Paramount Pictures. 

“I didn’t know who I was selling it to until I filled out the paperwork,” he recalled. The plane was purchased in order to be used in the filming of “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part Two” starring Tom Cruise. The movie is to be released in 2025. Johnson shared that the movie had been delayed due to the writer and actor strike. 

Years after the biplane had left Buffalo, people are still asking Johnson about the iconic plane. “People have been asking me where the plane is now and the status of the plane, so I thought it was time for an update,” Johnson said.

Johnson worked on the plane for 20 years before its first flight in 2000. “I flew it for 20-21 years,” he shared. Johnson commented he is interested in seeing movie once it comes out. 

“I can’t believe the stunts he will do, hanging on that plane in the air,” Johnson said about Cruise after seeing promotions for the movie. 

Red Stearman timeline 

Johnson purchased the plane in 1980, and worked on rebuilding it until 2000, when he took it out for its first flight. He then owned and flew the plane until selling it to Paramount Pictures in 2021. 

Since Paramount Pictures has purchased the plane, Johnson has received updates on the status and location of the plane. “Usually, they tell me it’s low key at first,” Johnson said. 

When it was first purchased, it went from Minnesota to Florida. From Florida, it was dissembled to be put into a shipping container and shipped to Duxford, England. 

Once it was winter in Duxford, the plane was shipped to South Africa. The next destination for the plane was Norway. After Norway, the plane returned to England for re-shooting for the movie. 

“I think they wanted a variety of backgrounds,” Johnson shared when describing the various locations the plane has been. Ray’s last update was approximately three months ago, “The plane is in California, which is where Paramount Pictures is located,” he shared. 

“For people who want more information or want to know the status of the plane, they can Google: ‘Ray Johnson Stearman’ or ‘Tom Cruise Stearman’ to keep up to date,” Johnson said. 

Johnson inducted into Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame

“I want to share that I have been inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame,” Johnson announced. Johnson was inducted in 2022. The Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame (MAHOF) honors pioneer and historic aviation persons in Minnesota. 

Johnson received a plaque from the MAHOF. “I was recognized for my contributions in aviation,” Johnson said humbly. Johnson has a passion for aviation and has made a huge impact on the Buffalo community and beyond. 

On the MAHOF website, it says this about Ray: “Johnson has made a name for himself in the aviation world as a mentor to students and promoter of the Buffalo airport through the organization he developed, Friends of the Buffalo Airport. He was instrumental in negotiating long-term renewable hangar leases with the city. He also designed, produced, and sold RayJ aircraft towbars.”

To read more about Johnson’s induction to MAHOF and to view a video made to highlight his career and accomplishments, visit: https://mahof.org/inductee/raymond-w-johnson/.

Johnson still has a hangar at Buffalo Municipal Airport and currently owns a plane. Aviation continues to be a passion of his.