Compared to the more easily recognizable biplane-style primary trainers, the PT-19 offered an advanced training platform which more closely approximated the flying characteristics of combat aircraft types. It provided higher flight speeds and wing loading which better resembled modern monoplane aircraft of the era. This translated into greater precision and care from cadets when flying the PT-19, a skill best learned early.
Fairchild Aviation produced more than 7,700 examples of the PT-19 series, with the first one leaving their factory in Hagerstown, Maryland during February 1940. The Military Aviation Museum’s PT-19A was built in Hagerstown in late 1943, with the USAAF accepting it as s/n 42-83643 in February 1944. The aircraft was initially assigned to the AAF Basic Flying School at Greenville, Mississippi but transferred later to Fletcher Field near Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Did You know?
The PT-19 series of aircraft had different designations depending upon which engine they used. When a shortage of Ranger L-440-3 powerplants stifled PT-19 production, Fairchild adapted the design to operate with the 220 hp Continental R-670 radial engine instead, creating the PT-23 in the process.
Specifications
- Number Built: 7,742 total Cornells (4,500 PT-19A variants)
- Year Produced: 1942
- Serial Number: 42-83643
- Crew: (2) Instructor Pilot, Student Pilot
- Current Pilots:
Dimensions
- Length: 27 ft. 8 3/8 in.
- Wingspan: 36 ft. 11 3/16 in.
- Empty Weight: 2,022 lbs.
- Loaded Weight: 2,736 lbs.
- Engine: 1x Ranger L-440-3 inverted, inline, six-cylinder, air-cooled piston engine
- Engine Power: 200 hp
Performance
- Cruising Speed: 114 mph
- Max Speed: 126 mph
- Range: 400 miles
- Ceiling: 16,000 ft.
- Rate of Climb: 675 ft./min.
Armament
- N/A – unarmed
Gallery & Media
