1) The majority of World War II pilots in the U.S. learned how to fly in a Kaydet. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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2) The Kaydet was a primary trainer, the first airplane a cadet would fly. Even more importantly, this was the aircraft they would solo in before receiving their pilot wings. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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3) Dry ice was used to blast off old paint from the aircraft during its restoration. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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4) Restoration staff painted seven coats (14 applications) of finish on the fabric-covered PT-13. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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5) This PT-13D is marked as it looked on the day it was accepted by the U.S. Army Air Forces – Jan. 13, 1945. (U.S. Air Force photo by Don Popp) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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6) Five restoration specialists worked on the aircraft during the 15-month project — a total of 4,156 man hours! (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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7) The aircraft has both Navy and Air Force markings. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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8) The leather trim around the cockpit was sewn in place by museum restoration specialists. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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9) An inertial starter (rather than an electric one) was added back onto the aircraft to ensure it looked as it did coming off the assembly line. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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10) The existing metal propeller was replaced with a historically-correct wooden one from the museum’s collection. It was delaminating so it also had to be restored. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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11) The restored aircraft even includes the inspection stamps, which the museum had recreated for the project. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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12) The museum’s PT-13D is c/n 75-5963, USAAF serial number 42-17800, BuNo 60591. It was the 63rd from the last one built. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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13) The PT-13 will be part of an expanded Tuskegee Airmen exhibit. The aircraft will be used to represent flight training during the war. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next fact, use the arrows above the photo]

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13 cool facts about the World War II PT-13

Published Aug. 1, 2014

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