NORTH HAMPTON – The New England Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (NECAF) is participating in an annual online giving campaign to restore a World War II-era Fairchild PT-23 aircraft that was used as a primary flight trainer by the Army Air Corps. The Twelve Planes of Christmas campaign supports the all-volunteer organization’s mission of restoring and flying vintage military aircraft. Each winter, the campaign highlights select aircraft from the CAF’s 175-plane fleet needing support for restoration, maintenance, or repair.

To keep the PT-23 in tip-top shape and flying in 2024, the NECAF hopes to raise $10,000 for a new wooden propeller, as well as for a comprehensive main gear rebuild and to address brake system and engine repairs. These efforts will bring the aircraft back to its former glory and ensure the safety and functionality of this historical gem, allowing it to continue educating and inspiring aviation enthusiasts for generations to come. To support the renovation, please click here.

The NECAF’s PT-23 was built in 1942 and is one of the first models to come off the assembly line. The low-wing, fabric-covered monoplane is a testament to a bygone era of aviation. Fondly known as the “Cradle of Heroes,” it is a living symbol of our nation’s aviation heritage.

The vintage aircraft is an invaluable educational tool, imparting the history of the primary flight training undertaken by the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II to the New England community. Beyond its historical significance, it offers a hands-on opportunity to instruct individuals in the fundamental principles of flight. As a living artifact of a pivotal era in aviation, the PT-23 fosters a deeper understanding of the past and the essential elements of flight, ensuring that this knowledge is preserved and passed down to future generations.

“As the inaugural CAF aircraft assigned to a unit in New England, the PT-23 is a source of immense pride for the dedicated volunteers working to restore her,” said NECAF founder Nick Infantino. “Restoring it to flying condition will preserve a piece of history that bridges generations and inspires reverence for aviation’s past.”