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North American BT-14 (NA-64)

The NA-58, Army Air Corps designation BT-14, was a basic trainer developed by North American from its earlier BT-9. Except for the fabric-covered movable surfaces on the tail and wings, the BT-14 was an all metal aircraft. The Army Air Corps purchased 251 BT-14s.

Very similar to the BT-14, this North American NA-64 is one of a group of aircraft originally built for the French. When Germany defeated France in 1940, undelivered NA-64s were diverted to the Royal Canadian Air Force where they served as Yale I flight and radio operator trainers. In 1974 the aircraft on display was extensively restored, after which it flew in air shows and conducted aerial photography. In 1978 Challenge Publications Inc. (Air Classics, Air Combat, Air Progress), Mr. Edwin Schnepf, president, donated it to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. 

A Flight Training Mishap
This exhibit demonstrates what could happen to a cadet pilot when taxiing with the wind from behind and applying his brakes too hard. The wind would lift the tail, and the nose would hit the ground. Such an accident resulted in at least a stern lecture from the instructor and possibly the student's dismissal from the school. On average during the war, 40 percent of the cadet pilots did not graduate from flying school.

TECHNICAL NOTES (BT-14):
Armament:
None
Engine: Wright R-985-25 of 450 hp
Crew: Two (instructor pilot and student pilot)
Maximum speed: 177 mph
Range: 765 miles
Ceiling: 21,650 ft.


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