PT-26  Fairchild Cornell

The Vintage Wings of Canada Fairchild Cornell (10712) was built by the Fleet Aircraft Company of Canada, one of 1642 Cornells constructed under license, and they were designated either as PT-23s or PT-26s. As the Second World War advanced, the RCAF needed a more advanced trainer for the BCATP. The existing DH 82C Tiger Moths and Fleet 16B’s used for elementary flying training proved to be a significant step down from contemporary service aircraft. In the spring of 1941, the RCAF therefore decided on a development of the Fairchild Aircraft (US) Company’s PT-19 trainer design. The RCAF version was to feature an enclosed cockpit, an improved heating system, equipment changes along with a Ranger piston engine. This modified version was to be known as the Fairchild Cornell in Canada and it rapidly entered production and found favour at elementary flying schools beginning in 1943.

Cornell 10712 was one of five bought from war surplus at Windsor Mills, Quebec by Paul Durand and his eldest son Bob in 1955. The price paid by the Durands that day ranged from $150.00 to $300.00