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Pitcairn PA-5 Mailwing, 1927. Creator: Pitcairn Aircraft Inc
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Pitcairn PA-5 Mailwing, 1927. Creator: Pitcairn Aircraft Inc
Air transport; mail plane; single engine; bi-plane. The Pitcairn PA-5 Mailwing was designed to carry air mail along the routes of the eastern United States. Efficient and economical, it helped build the route structure for what would ultimately become Eastern Air Lines. The Mailwing NC-2895 was built in 1927 and was the prototype for a series of Pitcairn mail planes. It combined a square-steel-tube fuselage with wooden wings, both covered by fabric. After it became obsolete as a mail plane, this airplane served several private owners, survived a crash, and saw use as a crop-duster. It was repurchased by employees of Eastern Air Lines, restored, and presented to company president Capt. Edward V. Rickenbacker, who later donated it to the Museum. The plane was restored in 1975 by veteran Eastern pilot Capt. Joseph Toth
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Media ID 23877443
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Pitcairn PA-5 Mailwing, a remarkable aircraft designed by Pitcairn Aircraft Inc in 1927. Serving as a mail plane along the routes of the eastern United States, this single-engine bi-plane played a crucial role in establishing the foundation for what would eventually become Eastern Air Lines. With its efficient and economical design, it revolutionized air transport during that era. The Mailwing NC-2895 featured in this image was not only the prototype for a series of Pitcairn mail planes but also possessed unique characteristics. Its square-steel-tube fuselage combined with wooden wings covered in fabric made it both sturdy and lightweight. After its retirement from mail duties, this versatile airplane found new life under various private owners. It survived an unfortunate crash and even served as a crop-duster before being repurchased by employees of Eastern Air Lines. Following meticulous restoration work led by veteran Eastern pilot Capt. Joseph Toth, it was presented to company president Capt. Edward V. Rickenbacker as a testament to their shared passion for aviation. Now preserved within the National Air and Space Museum's collection, this historic artifact represents not just an iconic piece of technology but also symbolizes the spirit of innovation and progress that defined early aviation history in America.
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