Fairchild 82A

  • Period: Interwar (1919-1938)
  • Uses: Bush Flying
  • First Flight: July 6, 1935
  • Display Status: In Reserve Hangar.

The Fairchild 82A was a Canadian-designed successor to the FC-2W-2 and 71 models. It won immediate acceptance by Canadian bush operators who appreciated its good load-lifting capabilities for freight. The 82A proved to be one of the north’s most reliable bush aircraft. The type was made in Canada and seven were exported to Mexico and South America. Only 24 were built once construction was phased out to make room to produce the Bristol Bolingbroke.

For bush use, some operators preferred the Fairchild 82A to the more famous Noorduyn Norseman. The last 82A in service disappeared on a flight in the Northwest Territories on June 9, 1964.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: CF-AXL
  • Manufacturer: Fairchild Aircraft Ltd., Canada
  • Manufacture Date: 1937
  • Construction #: 61
  • Aquisition Date: 1967
  • Provenance: Donation from Canadian Pacific Airlines

Manufactured in 1936, the Museum’s aircraft flew with Canadian companies until donated to the Museum in 1967.

Specifications

Wing Span:
15.5 m (51 ft)
Length:
11.2 m (36 ft 10 3/4 in)
Height:
2.8 m (9 ft 4 1/2 in)
Weight, Empty:
1,388 kg (3,060 lb)
Weight, Gross:
2,720 kg (6,000 lb)
Cruising Speed:
206 km/h (128 mph)
Max Speed:
233 km/h (145 mph)
Rate of Climb:
2,740 m (9,000 ft) / 10 min
Service Ceiling:
4,770 m (15,650 ft)
Range:
Unknown
Power Plant:
one Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1 Wasp, 600 hp, radial engine