Aircraft of the Month: Pitcairn Mailwing PA-5

Pitcairn produced several types of aircraft but the Mailwing was designed for carrying mail. The PA-5 was the first in this series. Some of the aircraft specs: Engine - Write Whirlwind J-5, 220HP (Same engine used on the Spirit of St. Louis). Cruise - 110mph. Empty Weight - 1600 lbs. Wing Span - 33ft.!
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The Pitcairn Mailwing's mail route was between New York and Atlanta serving seven cities including Richmond. The same engine that powered the Spirit of St. Louis across the Atlantic also powered the PA-5, Wright Whirlwind J-5. Pitcairn also produced a three seat civilian version of the PA-4 called the Sport Mailwing!

Our Mailwing was built in 1927, Air Shannon purchased the aircraft in 1957 and it was restored in Eastern Air Transport colors in 1972. The fuselage is built of welded steel and wood fairing strips. The wings consist of spruce spars and wooden ribs. The aircraft is fabric covered and is equipped with electric lights and parachute flares for night flying!