RECOVERED: Fairchild PT-19
The PT-19 Cornell was designed to be a more advanced primary trainer having many of the same characteristics of the Boeing/Stearman PT-13 but had a wing-loading factor that was about 43% more than the PT-13. In this way the PT-19 provided the USAAC pilots with a trainer that more like the fighters they would eventually fly, rather than the older biplanes. Other advantages were that the Cornell had instruments for blind-flying, and could be fitted with a hood over the front cockpit for blind-flying training. 774 examples were built by Fairchild, with another 143 being built by Aeronca.
The Spirit of Flight Fairchild PT-19A is serial number 9504AE and was built by Aeronca Aircraft Company in Middletown, Ohio. This PT-19A is a rare WWII aircraft that was operated by the famed Tuskegee Airmen in Tuskegee, Alabama. The aircraft was recovered from Pennsylvania by Warbird Recovery after being with the same owner for over 50 years. The Spirit of Flight Center plans to restore the PT-19 to flyable condition.
Type: Two-seat primary trainer
Crew: 2
Armament: None
Specifications:
Length: 27′ 8.5″ (8.45 m)
Height: 7′ 7.5″ (2.97 m)
Wingspan: 36′ 0″ (10.97 m)
Wing area: 200 sq. ft (18.58 sq. m)
Empty Weight: 2022 lb (917 kg)
Max Weight: 2736 lb (1241 kg) max at takeoff
Powerplant: One Ranger L-440-C5 inline. 200HP
Performance:
Range: 400 miles (644 km)
Cruise Speed: 101 mph (163 km/h)
Max Speed: 122 mph (196 km/h)at 9000 ft.
Ceiling: 13,200 ft (4025 m)