Fairchild FC-2

This single-engine high-wing monoplane first flew in June, 1926. The fuselage seats four passengers, in pairs (or bench seats) behind the pilot. Two doors on the right side allow access. The aircraft has earned a reputation for toughness and reliability.
Some modifications have been made to the aircraft of the Starweather-Moore Expedition, as follows: non-retractable ski landing gear, short range radio equipment including direction finder, clock-driven sun compass, artificial horizon, motion picture camera rack and optically flat window, a hoisting eye atop the fuselage, and an electric engine heater. A heated cabin is standard equipment. The wings can be folded back alongside the fuselage by two men, in about two minutes time.

Power Generation

The power plant is one Pratt & Whitney "Wasp" S1H1-G ine cylinder air-cooled radial, 550 HP. Features include inertia (hand cranked) and electric (battery) starter, and a 12 gallon oil tank (normally filled with 10 gallons, to allow for expansion). The engine uses 25 gallons of gasoline per hour at 'cruise' setting, or 35 per hour at full power. Total fuel capacity is 220 gallons, carried in wing tanks. Engine overhauls are needed after 300 hours of operation.

Width

50'

Length

31'

Height

9'

Weight

2050 lbs. (empty), 4600 lbs. (maximum gross weight)

Speed

115 mph (cruising 130 mph (max 45 mph (stall)

Complement / Crew

1 (pilot)

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

4 passengers