Our Aircraft

Fairchild PT-19A
Primary Trainer

The Fairchild PT-19A was an American two-seat monoplane trainer during World War II. Designed in the late 1930s, it served with the United States Army Air Forces and allied nations (including Canada and Britain) as a primary training aircraft.

Introduced in 1940, the PT-19A (company designation Model M-62) was built in large numbers – over 7,700 units were produced – and it introduced thousands of new pilots to the basics of flight

Our Fairchild PT-19A wears U.S. Army Air Corps primary trainer colors (blue fuselage and yellow wings) and features tandem open cockpits and fixed landing gear.

The Fairchild PT-19 was a primary trainer aircraft used extensively during World War II. Designed for pilot training, it introduced thousands of young aviators to the fundamentals of flight, preparing them for more advanced fighters like the P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt.

Why It Was Important

  • Served as a primary trainer for Allied pilots in WWII
  • Featured a low-wing monoplane design for improved aerodynamics
  • Introduced pilots to faster, more responsive aircraft compared to biplane trainers
  • Used by U.S. Army Air Forces, RAF, and Canadian RCAF

Key Specifications (PT-19A)

✔ Crew: 2 (student pilot & instructor)
✔ Engine: Ranger L-440-3, 200 hp
✔ Max Speed: 124 mph
✔ Range: 480 miles
✔ Wingspan: 35 ft. 11 in.

🚀 Did you know? The PT-19A was nicknamed “The Cradle of Heroes” because it trained thousands of WWII pilots who later flew in major battles across Europe and the Pacific.

Aero Commander L-28B
"Ike's Bird"

The L-28B Twin Commander 'Ike's Bird,' a historic U.S. Air Force aircraft, soars through the clouds. This twin-engine utility plane was famously used by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as the smallest aircraft ever to bear the Air Force One callsign. Known for its reliability, as well as its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, the Twin Commander played a vital role in military transport and VIP travel. Today, it stands as a symbol of aviation innovation and presidential history.

The L-28B Twin Commander was a versatile twin-engine aircraft used for VIP transport and military liaison missions. Its most famous role was as one of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Air Force One aircraft, earning the nickname “Ike’s Bird.”

Why It Was Special

  • The smallest Air Force One aircraft ever used
  • Short takeoff & landing (STOL) capability for remote airstrips
  • Reliable twin-engine design for VIP & reconnaissance transport
  • Ideal for covert missions & military operations

Key Specifications

✔ Engines: Twin piston engines (2X 340 hp)
✔ Max Speed: 250 mph
✔ Range: 1,500 miles
✔ Service Ceiling: 25,000 ft.
✔ Crew: 2 pilots + up to 6 passengers

📜 Fun Fact: While larger Air Force One planes handled long-haul flights, “Ike’s Bird” allowed President Eisenhower to access smaller airfields for regional trips, ensuring greater flexibility during his presidency.