Fairchild Aviation Corporation was founded in 1924 by Sherman Fairchild. The company, originally based in Farmingdale and East Farmingdale, New York, produced the first American aircraft to include a fully enclosed cockpit and hydraulic landing gear. In 1929, Sherman Fairchild purchased the majority stock interest in the Kreider-Reisner Aircraft Company of Hagerstown, Maryland and in 1931 the Fairchild Aviation Corporation moved to Hagerstown.
In addition to designing and building aircraft, Fairchild also pioneered the commercial use of aerial photography.
1929 Fairchild 71
Only 94 of these aircraft were built and today there are only two, including the aircraft shown above, in flying condition. This aircraft has a cruising speed of 100 mph with a maximum speed of 138 mph. It can carry seven people, including the pilot. The Model 71 became a popular airplane for bush plane operators in Canada and the United States as it was reliable, rugged, and well-suited for northern and remote operations.
The aircraft which was on display in the Port Townsend Aero Museum in Port Townsend, Washington, was originally purchased by Paul R. Braniff for Universal Airlines in Oklahoma City in 1929. The following year, the title was transferred to Braniff Airlines and in 1931 it was sold to American Airways Inc. In 1933 it was sold to Lincoln Air Service in Los Angeles. From 1936 to 1954 it was owned by Fairchild Aerial Surveys, Inc. It is currently owned by Jerry and Peggy Thuotte.
1932 Fairchild 22-C7B
This airplane has a cruising speed of 106 MPH and a top speed of 125 MPH. Approximately 8 of these airplanes were built. The engine is a 125 horsepower Menasco Pirate.
This airplane was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon.
1933 Fairchild 22-C7A
This airplane has a cruising speed of 94 MPH and a top speed of 114 MPH. A total of 58 of these airplanes were built. The engine is a 95 horsepower Cirrus High Drive.
This airplane was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon.
1937 Fairchild F-46A
This is an all molded wood airplane made by the Duramold process. The engine is a 450 horsepower Ranger.
This airplane was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon.
1938 Fairchild 24-G
This airplane was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon.
1940 Fairchild UC-86
This airplane has a cruising speed of 118 MPH and a top speed of 137 MPH. A total of 25 of these airplanes were built. The engine is a 175 horsepower Ranger 6-440.
This airplane was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon.
Fairchild PT-19 Cornell
This is a primary trainer that was used during World War II. The U.S. Army Air Corps first ordered the aircraft in 1940 as a part of its expansion program. This aircraft has a cruising speed of 106 mph, a top speed of 132 mph, and a range of 348 miles.
This aircraft was on display in the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.
1943 Fairchild PT-19B
This airplane was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon.
Museums 201
This series compares similar exhibits from several museums. More airplane photo tours:
Museums 201: The Curtiss Jenny Airplane (photo diary)
Museums 201: Piper Cubs (Photo Diary)
Museums 201: World War I Fokker Airplanes (photo diary)
Museums 201: World War I Sopwith Airplanes (photo diary)
Museums 201: Bell Helicopters (photo diary)
Museums 201: Jet airplanes of the 1940s (photo diary)
Museums 201: Gliders (photo diary)
Museums 201: Cessna Airplanes (photo diary)