Fairchild FC

Fairchild · United States · first flew 1926 · light aircraft

The Fairchild FC (and related FC-1 / FC-2) series were American high-wing cabin monoplanes of the mid-1920s designed primarily for aerial photography and bush operations, featuring folding wings for easy storage.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• 1920s American high-wing cabin monoplane with folding wings
• Designed for aerial photography and bush flying
• Enclosed cabin for pilot and passengers — advanced for its era

Boxy high-wing monoplane with a prominent radial engine, fabric-covered fuselage with flat sides, folding wings, and an enclosed cabin sitting ahead of the wing — noticeably more practical than open-cockpit contemporaries.

Specifications

• The Fairchild FC has a length of 8.5 m (28 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 13.7 m (45 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 177 km/h (110 mph).
• Typical crew: 1 + 3 passengers.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Sherman Fairchild designed the FC series to support his aerial photography business; the FC-2 of 1926 became commercially successful and established Fairchild as a major aviation manufacturer. The design's folding wings, enclosed cabin, and reliable Wright Whirlwind engine made it popular for early commercial operations in North and South America.

Variants

FC-1 prototype; FC-2 main production variant; FC-2W with more powerful engine; Fairchild 71 was a developed, larger version.

Where you'll see it

Used by commercial operators, aerial survey companies, and bush pilots across the Americas in the late 1920s; Pan American and predecessor airlines used early FC variants for mail carrying.

Related aircraft

• Fairchild 71
• Fairchild FC-2
• Fairchild 22
• Fairchild 24
• Aero A.22
• Aero A.30
• American Eagle A-101
• Arado S I

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