Fairchild PT-19 Cornell
Fairchild · United States · first flew 1939 · light aircraft
The Fairchild PT-19 Cornell was a primary trainer monoplane used extensively by the United States Army Air Forces and Allied air arms during World War II. Its open tandem cockpits and gentle handling made it a favourite for ab initio pilot training.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.69 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Two-seat open-cockpit primary trainer of WWII
- Low-wing monoplane with side-by-side or tandem open cockpits
- Widely used under Allied aircrew training schemes
A clean low-wing monoplane with dual open cockpits in tandem, inverted inline engine with ventral exhausts, and spatted fixed undercarriage; the wing has a distinctive gentle taper to rounded tips.
Specifications
- The Fairchild PT-19 Cornell has a length of 8.69 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.02 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 210 km/h (130 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1939, the PT-19 was selected to replace biplane primary trainers as the USAAF prepared for wartime expansion. It was produced in large numbers and supplied to Canada, Brazil, and other Allied nations under Lend-Lease. The type served throughout the war and many examples survive in private ownership today.
Variants
The PT-19 used the Ranger L-440 inline engine; the PT-19A and PT-19B introduced minor detail changes; the PT-23 used a Continental radial engine; the PT-26 Cornell, built in Canada, added an enclosed cockpit for cold-weather training.
Where you'll see it
Used extensively by the USAAF, RCAF, RAAF, and other Allied air forces for primary pilot training throughout World War II.
Related aircraft
- Fairchild F-24W-40
- Fairchild F-24W-41
- Fairchild 82
- Fairchild AT-21 Gunner
- Aeronca Super Chief
- Aichi E13A
- Arado Ar 199
- Bücker Bü 181 Bestmann
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.