Fairchild
PT-19
The Fairchild PT‑19, introduced in 1939, was the United States Army Air Corps’ primary trainer during World War II. Developed from the earlier PT‑17 Stearman biplane, the PT‑19 featured a low‑wing monoplane layout that gave student pilots a more modern flying experience. Powered by a 175‑horsepower Warner‑Rogers R‑660‑4 radial engine, it could reach 129 mph and had a simple, open‑cockpit design that facilitated instruction. Production began at Fairchild’s Farmingdale, New York plant, with over 7,500 aircraft built across several variants, including the PT‑19A with a 210‑hp Wright R‑975 engine and the PT‑23 powered by a Continental O‑170.
Its all‑metal fuselage and fabric‑covered wings were easy to maintain, and the aircraft’s forgiving handling characteristics made it ideal for teaching basic flight, navigation, and aerobatics. The PT‑19’s reliability contributed to the rapid expansion of the U.S. pilot training program, helping to produce thousands of combat‑ready aviators. After the war, surplus PT‑19s entered civil aviation, where they served as sport and aerobatic planes, cementing the type’s legacy as a versatile, enduring trainer in aviation history. Internationally, the PT‑19 was exported to several allies, including Brazil and Argentina, where it continued to train pilots well into the 1950s, reinforcing its global impact on post‑war aviation development.
Its all‑metal fuselage and fabric‑covered wings were easy to maintain, and the aircraft’s forgiving handling characteristics made it ideal for teaching basic flight, navigation, and aerobatics. The PT‑19’s reliability contributed to the rapid expansion of the U.S. pilot training program, helping to produce thousands of combat‑ready aviators. After the war, surplus PT‑19s entered civil aviation, where they served as sport and aerobatic planes, cementing the type’s legacy as a versatile, enduring trainer in aviation history. Internationally, the PT‑19 was exported to several allies, including Brazil and Argentina, where it continued to train pilots well into the 1950s, reinforcing its global impact on post‑war aviation development.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1939
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Manufacturer
- Fairchild
- Military Designation
- PT-19, T-19
- Wikidata ID
- Q1393116