Upcoming Events
Wings of Freedom GOP Convention Show
Monday September 1, 2008
Annual Open House
Saturday September 6, 2008
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Fall Bomber's Moon Ball
Saturday September 6, 2008
8:00 PM
Ryan PT-22 Recruit
The newest addition to the Minnesota Wing fleet is the Ryan PT-22 Recruit primary trainer. Donated in September, 2007, the aircraft was moved by ground from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin to the Wing's home base at Fleming Field in South St. Paul. Work began immediately to inspect the aircraft, begin all necessary maintenance and restoration work and raise funds to rebuild the existing engine. A great condition, sound airplane, the Minnesota Wing anticipates the aircraft will become a part of the History Flight program sometime during 2008.
It's open cockpit design makes it a unique aircraft and certainly one that will be a real pleasure to fly in or see flying at shows.
As a primary trainer, the aircraft also completes the collection of "pilot trainers". In one visit, you will be able to view and inspect a primary trainer, basic trainer and advanced trainer. All pilots went through these levels of flight training before they were designated for fighter, bomber or transport training.
The Ryan Recruit was the first monoplane primary trainer used by the U.S. Army Air Corp. The PT-22 was the final version of the airplane, and 1,023 were built through 1944. The aircraft was used in training programs until the end of WWII when the aircraft was retired.
The Minnesota Wing's PT-22 is a beautiful example of a very original airplane.