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Boeing PT-13 "Caydet" ("Stearman")

Owner: David Hughston

Status: FLYING

HISTORY

Originally known as the Model 75 and generally referred to as the "Stearman" the colorful and remarkable "Caydet" series of primary trainers were the first airplane for thousands of pilots in the air services to the U.S., British, Chinese, Venezuelan, Peruvian and other governments.

 

Designed by Stearman and built by Boeing the PT-13 thru PT-18 series differed little except in engine types fitted. Navy designations for the series are N25-1, N25-2, and N35-3. The N25-3 being fitted with tail gear and other refinements more suitable for Navy training.

 

U.S. Army Air Corps pilot training quota jumped from 500 in 1938 to 33,000 pilots in 1941. In 1942 the U.S. Navy raised its quota 300 percent to 30,000 pilots. Brightly painted "Caydets" flew from U.S. training fields all over America becoming the best known primary trainer in U.S. service.

 

Wars end saw Caydets gradually replaced with newer types. An aerobatic gem, surplus planes became popular with aerial applicators being a familiar sight low over farmland.

 

Ryan PT-22 "Recruit"

Owner: Commemorative Air Force

Status: FLYING

North American T-6 "Texan"

Fairchild PT-26, Piper L-4

Taylorcraft L-2

Replica Aichi D3A "Val" (Vultee BT-13)

MORE COMING SOON

Rio Grande Valley Wing   •   Port Isabel - Cameron County Airport  •   (956) 479-8585

© Commemorative Air Force, Inc., except as otherwise marked. All rights reserved. 2020.