The Pitcairn PA-1 Fleetwing (Pitcairn Aviation - One) is the first

biplane A biplane is a fixed-wing aircraft with two main wings stacked one above the other. The first powered, controlled aeroplane to fly, the Wright Flyer, used a biplane wing arrangement, as did many aircraft in the early years of aviation. While ...

designed for air racing and commercial airmail service by

Pitcairn Aircraft Company The Pitcairn Aircraft Company was an American aircraft manufacturer of light utility aircraft. An early proponent of the autogyro, the company, later known as the Autogiro Company of America among other names, remained in business until 1948. ...

Design

The Fleetwing biplane featured three cockpits capable carrying four revenue sightseeing passengers. The fuselage used (square and round) steel tubing with fabric covering. The squarish fuselage featured a slanted radiator on the front of the lower cowling

Operational history

The prototype PA-1 crashed after a flight with the control cables rigged backwards. A second aircraft was built shortly afterward.

Specifications (Pitcairn PA-1 Fleetwing)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pitcairn Pa-1 Fleetwing PA-01 Single-engined tractor aircraft 1920s United States mailplanes Biplanes Aircraft first flown in 1925