| Fairchild 100 | |
|---|---|
 American/Fairchild Y1C-24, c. 1932 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Airliner |
| National origin | United States of America |
| Manufacturer | Fairchild Aircraft |
| Designer | |
| Primary user | American Airlines |
| Number built | 27 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 1931 |
| First flight | October 22, 1930 |
TheFairchild 100 Pilgrim is an American single-engined high-wingmonoplane transport, and was one of a series of single-engine utility transports built byFairchild Aircraft.
The 100 was similar in design to theFairchild C-8 and was an enlarged version of it.
The first flight of the aircraft (NC754Y) was October 22, 1930. Although only one aircraft was completed, a modified version also known as thePilgrim 100-A was in production forAmerican Airways, the first operator of the type in 1931. After a total of 16 aircraft, an additional batch of ten aircraft with a larger fin were manufactured by the restructured American Aircraft & Engine Corporation that emerged in 1931 from the Fairchild Aircraft Co. The continuing series was built under the designations,Pilgrim 100-B andAmerican/Fairchild Y1C-24. The first six in the new series went to American Airways. The parent company later reinstated the Fairchild name.
The sturdy Fairchild 100 series served as both an airliner and a bush plane. In 1932, the US Army Air Corps bought four Pilgrim Model 100-Bs designated the Y1C-24 and were initially assigned as light cargo transport and supply aircraft.[1]
After a short time in service, the Y1C-24s were adapted for use as aeromedical evacuation aircraft, carrying up to four litter patients. The aircraft were assigned to pilot training and pursuit aircraft airfields for use as crash rescue aircraft. Exploiting the Y1C-24's ability to take off and land in a relatively short distance, the Y1C-24s remained in service into the late 1930s when they were replaced by newer air ambulance aircraft.[1]
Pilgrim 100-B N709Y is one of a few surviving aircraft from the early days of aviation in thehistory of Alaska. At the time of its listing on theNational Register of Historic Places in 1986, it was the last Pilgrim that was still flightworthy.[2] It is now in the collection of theAlaska Aviation Museum.
Data from United States Military Aircraft since 1909[3]
General characteristics
Performance
