Fairchild PT-19 Cornell

 
MAPS Member Bill Everett during PT-19 training, Chickasha Field, Oklahoma, 1944
• photos courtesy W. Everett

Aircraft Background:
First developed in 1938 as a civilian aircraft (the M-62), orders for this rugged primary trainer grew rapidly with the onset of World War II.  By war's end, over 7,000 Cornells variants were produced.  Cornells were supplied to Canada, Norway, Brazil, Ecuador, and Chile.  To keep up with demand, they were built under license by Aeronca, Howard, St. Louis Aircraft Corporation and Fleet Aircraft, Ltd.

Brian Brubaker works on the PT-19 prop • photo © Rick Tenan

Aircraft History:

The PT-19A (serial number 43-31365) was a gift to MAPS by Barbara Bergstrom of Cleveland. It was disassembled and transported to MAPS in April 2002.  The restoration crew hopes to have it restored and flying in about a year.

Photos by Bruce Balough

SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 36 ft.
Length: 27 ft. 8 in.
Height: 7 ft. 9 in.
Weight: 2,450 lbs. loaded
Armament: none
Engines: Ranger L-440 of 175 hp.
Crew: Two
Serial Number: 43-31365

center wing section is frame • photo © Rick Tenan

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 124 mph.
Cruising speed: 106 mph.
Range: 480 miles
Service Ceiling: 16,000 ft.

Crew Chief: Bruce Balough

Crew Chief's Update (Restoration Progress):
The wooden frame of the aircraft has been media blasted by U.S. Technology of Canton and is being cleaned while work starts on the center section.