The last known remaining Fairchild PT-19A used for primary flight training by the Tuskegee Airmen in 1944 is currently under restoration to flight by the American Heritage Museum.
The Tuskegee Airmen were America’s first group of African-American military airmen, serving in the 332nd Fighter Group and 447th Bomber Group of the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII. These young men included pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support staff, instructors, and all the personnel who kept the planes in the air. They were named after the location where they trained, Tuskegee Airfield near Tuskegee, Alabama.
The Tuskegee Airmen were subjected to racial discrimination, both within and outside the Army. They were denied military leadership roles and skilled training because many believed they lacked qualifications for combat duty. Before 1940, African-Americans were barred from flying for the U.S. military. Civil rights organizations and the press exerted pressure that resulted in the formation of the all African-American pursuit squadron. The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice and became one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II.
The American Heritage Museum acquired the last known remaining Fairchild PT-19A used to train Tuskegee pilots (Serial number 9504AE, 43-31512) and it is currently under restoration to flying condition. It appears, from the records, that this aircraft was manufactured by Aeronca, Middletown OH and delivered to the USAAF on February 6th, 1944. It was assigned to the Primary Pilot Training School, Tuskegee AAF in Alabama on February 12th, 1944. The restoration project is a 100-point, full restoration that will bring this historic aircraft back to factory-fresh condition. The restoration is being completed by noted aircraft restorer Mikael Carlson in Sweden.
Restoring such an important aircraft is a time-consuming and expensive process. We can only accomplish this through your support and donations – so please help us get the PT-19A flying and “Keep ‘em Flying” for the education of our future generations by generously giving to our Tuskegee Airmen PT-19A Restoration Project Fund.
Click here to make a donation to the Tuskegee Airmen PT-19A Restoration Project Fund
Restoration Update: July 2025
In the Fall of 2024, the American Heritage Museum leadership made the decision to move the Fairchild PT-19A Recruit restoration project from Florida to Sweden for completion. The restoration project is now being undertaken by Mikael Carlson, one of the world’s foremost vintage aircraft restorers. Renowned for his expertise in wood and fabric construction, Carlson’s exceptional craftsmanship was previously employed by the AHM through his groundbreaking restoration of our original World War I Nieuport 28 completed in 2022. Given that the PT-19 is primarily constructed of wood and fabric, Carlson was the ideal choice to bring this historic aircraft back to flying condition.
Since its arrival in Sebbarp, Sweden earlier this spring, Carlson has been hard at work in his workshop and has made significant progress. The final wood fabrication on the wings and control surfaces has been completed, and fabric covering—using Grade A cotton—has been applied over the wood laminate of the wings and the rib structures of the control surfaces. These components are now ready for paint application. A successful test fit of the wings has also been conducted. The focus for the remainder of the summer will shift to finishing the required fabrication and restoration of the fuselage in preparation for fabric covering.
Carlson reported that progress has been moving faster than anticipated and praised the quality of the work previously done on the aircraft. He expressed confidence that the PT-19A will be fully restored and ready to fly by summer 2026, with plans to transport it back to the United States in the fall of that year. Once completed, the aircraft will stand as a flying tribute to the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, becoming the only airworthy example of the PT-19 with documented operational history as a trainer for this legendary group.
