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First-ever Learjet Polar Mission departs Wichita, raises $100k for restoration

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A Learjet flying to the South Pole, then to the North Pole, took off from Wichita Wednesday night. It's an effort to raise money for the Classic Lear Jet Foundation to restore the first-ever Learjet delivered. A flight captain on the crew said that it's the first-ever Lear Jet to make this journey. Brenda Lear, the widow of Bill Lear Jr.—the son of Lear Jet's founder—was in attendance. She became emotional as the plane was named in honor of her late husband. 'I'm going to cry for allowing this flight to be the William Powell Lear Junior Mission, Polar Mission,' Lear said. The emotion behind keeping Wichita aviation history alive. 'This is a pretty unique, new experience for all of us,' Polar Mission Captain Bart Gray said. He said more than a year of planning for their crew of four to make history was well worth it. 'A lot of late nights and all-night working on this and thinking about it; now that it's finally here, this town is amazing. When it comes to Wichita, no matter who you talk to, they're tied to aviation, which is such a cool place to be,' Gray said. Bart's co-captain, Joshn Podlich, said they successfully raised their goal of $100,000 for the Classic Lear Jet Foundation. It will be used to restore the first-ever Learjet delivered, the Lear 23, Serial Number 3. 'It's important to keep the name alive however possible; that way, the leader of business aviation, the first Learjets, aren't forgotten and don't go by the wayside,' Podlich said. Bill Lear Jr. had special hats made before his passing so he would still be in the air. His wife is giving the final one to the crew before takeoff. Her way of knowing they'll make it back to Wichita, safe. Kansas WWII paratrooper to make his final jump this weekend 'This is going to keep everybody safe on the flight, because they're taking Bill Jr. with them,' Lear said. The crew shared that they hope it is clear over Antarctica for them to get a glimpse of the South Pole. They plan to land back in Wichita this Saturday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.