A variable vane system includes an outer platform, an inner casing radially inward from the outer casing and a vane extending between the inner and outer casings defining a vane axis. An inner vane stem is engaged with the inner casing and an outer vane stem is engaged with the outer casing. The system includes a bearing gap defined radially with respect to the vane axis between each of the inner and outer casings and respective vane stems for allowing the vane to rotate about the vane axis for varying angle of attack. The system includes a pressurized air supply inlet in fluid communication with at least one of the bearing gaps to form a stem air bearing to intermittently float at least one of the vane stems for controlled rotation about the vane axis.