D-29A

The New Standard D‑29A was a biplane produced by the New Standard Aircraft Company of Paterson, New Jersey, during the late 1920s. Developed from the earlier D‑25 and D‑26 models, the D‑29 series was intended as a versatile trainer and sport aircraft for both civilian clubs and military schools. The D‑29A featured a welded‑steel tube fuselage, wooden wing ribs, and fabric covering, all typical of the era’s lightweight construction. Powered by a 125‑horse‑power Warner Scarab radial engine, it delivered a respectable cruise speed of about 100 mph and a service ceiling near 12 000 feet. Its three‑seat open cockpit allowed an instructor, a student, and an observer to communicate easily, while fold‑away wing struts simplified storage. The aircraft’s robust landing gear and forgiving handling made it popular with flying schools, and it saw limited use by the United States Army Air Corps for primary training. Though production numbers were modest—fewer than 200 airframes were built—the D‑29A exemplified the transition from rudimentary barn‑storming planes to more systematic pilot‑training platforms. Its straightforward design influenced later utility biplanes and helped cement New Standard’s reputation as a reliable contributor to early American aviation.