Pitcairn PA-4 Fleetwing II

Ten 90 h.p. Curtiss OX-5 powered Fleetwing II's were built before they were converted to the Wright J-5 Whirlwind engine. Designed and flown first in 1927 as a follow on to the single PA-1 Fleetwing.

Span 33'0" (upper) 30'0" (lower) Length 22'2"
Height 8'11"

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I think the Pitcairn "Mailwing" is the real looker.

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My maternal grandfather, Albert C. Carl is referenced in the excellent 11 /91 Sport Avaition article on your PA-4 as the pilot who flew your aircraft in the 1928 Transcontinental Air Race. While visiting with my mother and dad who now live in Tampa, FL a week or two ago I worked with my mother in sorting file box full of my grandfacther's clippings, photos and the like from his 20+ years as a pilot (he passed away in the early '40s). In any event, among the many original news articles of that day on the 1928 race were a few photos and probably the most significant document was a complete log of the trip with descriptions of unplanned repair stops, time traveled from point to point, fuel consumed and the like. I am in awe of what you and your father accomplished in restoring that renarkable aircraft and would welcome an opportunity to take my mother and dad (both now 80 years old) to see it.

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I own and still fly a Pitcairn PA-4 Fleetwing that was restored by my Father with my help. It has been flying since 1990 and is still powered with a Curtiss OX-5. It
is serial number 5 and carries its original registration
number: C3261...In 1991 we flew this aircraft to Oshkosh,
Wisconsin where it was named the Grand Champion Antique
that year at the EAA National Convention. Would sure love
to get a copy of your photo. It is a picture of serial number 1, the prototype...I believe that number 5 is the
only surviving example.

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I've been around airplanes from 1932 to 1980s. In 1934 a
visiting plane came in at the old Monrovia Airport. Upon
asking the owner I learned it was a Pitcairn Fleet Wing with J65 Engine. I've not seen one before or since. A&P mechanic and Commercial Licenses Inactive at 95 Yrs.

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