Historic archival collection of engineering drawings for the Fairchild PT-19B, PT-23, and PT-26A Cornell primary trainer aircraft, representing an early microfilm-to-digital preservation effort. These drawings were transferred from deteriorated microfilm reels in Toronto by a specialized small business owner with the equipment and expertise to recover aging archival materials—a labor-intensive process that rescued these rare documents from further degradation.

Definitive Collection with Free Lifetime Updates: This is a living collection that we continuously expand and refine. As we acquire additional Fairchild Cornell engineering drawings, improved source materials, or variant-specific documentation, we update this collection and provide free lifetime updates to all purchasers. Your one-time purchase guarantees access to all future additions and improvements to this collection.

Historical Note: The Fairchild Cornell Trainer Family

The Fairchild PT-19/PT-23/PT-26 Cornell series served as one of the primary trainers for Allied air forces during World War II, introducing thousands of pilots to military aviation. Designed by Fairchild Aircraft and first flown in 1940, the Cornell featured an open cockpit (PT-19/PT-23) or enclosed canopy (PT-26), low-wing monoplane configuration, and fixed landing gear. The PT-19 Cornell was powered by the Ranger L-440 inline engine, while the PT-23 used the same powerplant with minor modifications. The PT-26A, built primarily for the Royal Canadian Air Force and RAF, featured an enclosed canopy for cold-weather operations and was known as the Cornell in Commonwealth service. Over 7,700 Cornells were produced between 1940-1944 at Fairchild facilities in Hagerstown, Maryland and under license in Canada. The type served with the USAAF, RCAF, RAF, and numerous Latin American air forces as a primary trainer bridging the gap between basic trainers and advanced combat aircraft. Post-war, many Cornells entered civilian service as sport aircraft and crop dusters. Today, a small number of airworthy PT-19/PT-23/PT-26 aircraft survive in private collections and museums, treasured by warbird enthusiasts for their historical significance and classic lines. The Cornell represents an essential chapter in Allied pilot training history.

Engineering Drawings Included in This Collection

• Original engineering drawings transferred from microfilm archives
• Airframe structural blueprints covering PT-19B, PT-23, and PT-26A variants
• Weight and balance reports with variant-specific data
• Tare weight modifications and field change documentation
• Material bills and parts specifications
• Drawing change records tracking engineering revisions
• Component detail drawings for restoration reference
• Technical specifications and dimensional data

This collection provides coverage of Cornell engineering documentation across three major variants, offering valuable reference material for understanding the design differences between PT-19B, PT-23, and PT-26A models—essential knowledge for restoration projects and historical research.

Engineering Norms and Standards

These blueprints reflect American aviation engineering standards and military specifications from the 1940-1944 production period, including USAAF and RCAF technical requirements, CAA (Civil Aeronautics Authority) certification standards, and Fairchild Aircraft's internal engineering practices developed at their Hagerstown, Maryland facilities. The drawings document the design standards, materials specifications, and manufacturing processes used during wartime production, including the engineering changes that differentiated the PT-19B, PT-23, and PT-26A variants.

Archival Quality and Transparency

Microfilm Source with Quality Limitations: This collection represents an early effort in aviation documentation preservation—transferring deteriorated microfilm reels to digital format through specialized equipment in Toronto. The original microfilm reels were in poor condition, and the resulting digital scans reflect those source limitations. Image quality varies throughout the collection, with some drawings showing contrast degradation, line clarity issues, and artifacts typical of aged microfilm. This was a labor-intensive recovery process that preserved these rare documents before further deterioration made them unreadable.

Value for Serious Researchers: Despite quality limitations, this collection offers archival value for Cornell restorers, historians, and researchers who need access to engineering drawings that are otherwise unavailable. For those working on PT-19B, PT-23, or PT-26A restoration projects, these documents provide essential reference material—weight and balance data, material specifications, and structural details—that cannot be found elsewhere. This is archival rescue work, not pristine documentation, but it serves the community of enthusiasts keeping these warbirds flying.

Specialized Documentation

For those maintaining or restoring airworthy Fairchild Cornell aircraft, this collection serves as foundational reference material. Restorers should also consult:

• Type Certificate Data: FAA Type Certificate A-751 for PT-19/PT-23 and related TCDS documentation
• Engine Documentation: Ranger L-440 inline engine manuals and overhaul specifications
• Airworthiness Directives: Current FAA ADs applicable to vintage Cornell aircraft
• Field Modifications: Documentation for common post-war civilian conversions and STCs

Where to Find Additional Documentation

Official Support:
For airworthiness and regulatory guidance, contact the FAA and consult Type Certificate A-751. The Cornell is no longer supported by an active Type Certificate holder, so vintage aircraft specialists and A&P mechanics with warbird experience are essential resources.

Historical Archives and Community:
Connect with fellow Cornell enthusiasts through warbird associations, vintage trainer forums, and organizations like the Antique Airplane Association. The Cornell community shares knowledge, parts sources, and restoration expertise for these increasingly rare trainers.

Specialty Documentation Providers:
Online Aviation Library specializes in preserving rare aviation documentation. For additional Fairchild technical materials, wartime trainer manuals, and related American aviation engineering references, explore our comprehensive catalog.

Format and Delivery

• Format: PDF files transferred from microfilm archives (compressed in RAR archive)
• Source Quality: Variable quality due to deteriorated microfilm source material
• Delivery: Instant digital download upon purchase
• Extraction: Files are compressed in RAR format. Free extraction software available at rarlab.com
• Compatibility: Works on all devices with PDF reader software
• Archival Note: This collection represents preservation of aging materials—quality reflects source limitations but provides otherwise unavailable documentation

Disclaimer: This item is sold for historical and reference only. These are either original or copies of manuals and blueprints used when these aircraft were in active duty, now transferred into electronic format. These manuals and blueprints are not meant to be used for current update material for certification/repair, but make an excellent reference for the scholar, collector, modeler or aircraft buffs. For proprietary reasons, we generally only provide civil manuals and blueprints on obsolete aircraft/engines/helicopters. The information is for reference only, and we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy or currency of any manuals.

Reference herein to any specific commercial products by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, is not meant to imply or suggest any endorsement by, or affiliation with that manufacturer or supplier. All trade names, trademarks and manufacturer names are the property of their respective owners.

This digital compilation, structure, indexing and presentation are © Sicuro Publishing.