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The Tampa Bay Wing is proud to have developed partnerships with Trig Avionics, Lakeland Linder Airport, Sun-N-Fun Aerospace Expo, SheltAir Aviation, and Double M Aviation. Our partners' support helped the Tampa Bay Wing receive its first airplane, a Fairchild PT-19, which we flew from Dallas to Lakeland in May, 2024 and placed in our hangar at Sun-N-Fun.

CAF Tampa Bay Wing's Facebook page


PT-19 Status: UP

The Tampa Bay Fairchild PT-19 is being flown by Sebastian DaSo with Larry DaSo in the rear cockpit south of Lakeland Linder Airport. Sebastian Flew the PT-19 from Fresno, California, to Dallas. He returned two weeks later and, with the help of Ken Hewes, flew the PT-19 from Dallas to Lakeland. Sebastian flew our PT-19 from coast to coast, a true cross-country trip. Thank you, Sebastian, for your commitment to the Tampa Bay Wing.

HomeAirplane

One year after receiving Commemorative Air Force official Wing status, The Commemorative Air Force-Tampa Bay Wing, together with our dedicated members and aviation enthusiasts, achieved a significant milestone by completing the process for our first airplane assignment. This momentous occasion saw the CAF purchasing two Fairchild PT-19 airplanes in Fresno, California. With careful consideration of the historical significance, condition, and availability of parts, the Tampa Bay Wing selected N53656, built-in 1942. N53656 underwent a thorough inspection and annual at a maintenance shop in Fresno, where all six cylinders were removed and overhauled. After completing all necessary work and flying off break-in hours, N53656 was deemed ready for its cross-country flight.


The PT-19, N53656, holds a profound place in American military history. It was part of a series of airplanes known as Primary Trainers, which played a pivotal role in the training process for United States military pilots. These pilots would eventually progress to flying more advanced airplanes such as the P-38, P-40, P-47, P-51, and the Corsair fighters, B-17 and B-24 bombers, or the C-47 military transport used to drop Airborne troops in World War II. The PT -19's historical significance is a testament to its role in shaping our military aviation history, which we hold in deep reverence and respect.


An operational flight plan was meticulously crafted, and Sebastian DaSo, the Operations Officer for the Tampa Bay Wing, played a crucial role in its development and execution. He flew to Fresno to join the team in moving the airplane on its first leg to Dallas, Texas, the home of the CAF HQ. This journey, spanning 10 hours over two days, required the team to first fly to southern California to cross through the lower Sierra Nevada mountains. Two weeks later, Sebastian and Ken Hewes, Wing Leader, would travel to Dallas and complete the second leg, bringing the Tampa Bay Wing's first airplane assignment to Lakeland, Florida, at Lakeland Linder Airport, home of Sun N Fun Expo. The final leg to Lakeland was a 10-hour flight spanning two days. The picture captures the moment as Sebastian and Ken taxied to Hanger C at Sun N Fun hangers, a testament to the careful planning and execution of the operation and the teamwork involved.


N53656 is not just a piece of our American military history but a living testament to our past. The PT series planes PT-19, -23, -26, trained our military pilots in the 1940s, and N53656 is a part of this rich legacy. After completing the training process in the PTs, pilots would continue their training in Advance Trainers like the North American Trainer AT-6 before moving on to fighters, bombers, or transport airplanes. The Tampa Bay Wing is privileged to display our PT-19 at various airshows and fly-ins, offering a unique opportunity for the public to witness and learn about this historical aircraft. Moreover, we are thrilled to offer rides to the public, allowing them to experience the thrill of flying in a piece of history. This is a rare chance for the public to be a part of our rich aviation heritage, an opportunity that we are excited to share.


Tampa Bay members meeting CAF pilot requirements and qualifications can fly N53656. The qualified pilots have the opportunity to fly historic airplanes with the CAF after undergoing a thorough review of their flight experience and skills. The Tampa Bay Wing members have the chance to fly a Primary Trainer, a privilege that comes with the responsibility to maintain the aircraft's historical integrity and safety. The requirements are as follows: Be an active member of the CAF and an active member of the Tampa Bay Wing, have 200 total hours, have a tail wheel endorsement, and be reviewed by the Tampa Bay Wing Flight Evaluation Board, FEB. Once all processes are completed, the pilot may start training in N53656 with one of several Certified Flight Instructor/ Instructor Pilots. These pilots volunteer their time to train Tampa Bay Wing pilots, ensuring that all flights are conducted safely and responsibly.