Pitcairn PA-18

PA-18
Pitcairn PA-18 in flight at Andy Barnhart Memorial Airport, New Carlisle OH, April 17, 2009.
Role	Sport autogyro
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Pitcairn Aircraft Company
First flight	1932
Number built	ca 20

The Pitcairn PA-18 was an autogyro produced in the United States in the early 1930s. In 1931, Pitcairn had produced a lightweight autogyro suitable for the private pilots as the PAA-1. Experience with this and with other light, low-powered machines convinced Pitcairn that while the concept was good, they presented significant handling problems to inexperienced pilots. The PA-18 was designed as a machine for the same market, but with a more powerful engine and structural strengthening. The availability of more power contributed greatly to the aircraft's responsiveness at low speeds.

In 2008, a PA-18 was restored to flying condition by Jack and Kate Tiffany of New Carlisle, Ohio. At the same time, a second PA-18 was under restoration by the Posey Brothers firm at the Trenton-Robbinsville Airport. Most other PA-18s were purchased by the United States government in 1940 and sold on to the United Kingdom. They never arrived, however, since the ship carrying them was sunk by a German submarine.

Data from "Pitcairn, A G A, Pitcairn-Cierva, Pitcairn-Larsen"

General characteristics

Performance

Cierva Autogiro Company ; Buhl Aircraft Company ; Pitcairn Aircraft Company

Cierva C.19 ; Buhl A-1 Autogyro ; Pitcairn PCA-2

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