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3 PT-26 Cornells Visit CAM on Saturday Oct. 24 / 2026 for Inspiration

3 beautifully restored Fairchild PT 26 Cornell’s flew to CAM on Saturday Oct 24 / 2026 to display these aircraft to CAM visitors and volunteers and to inspire CAM’s own Cornell Restoration Team…….mission accomplished!

The PT-26 Cornell’s were built under license by Fleet Aircraft in Fort Erie ON during WWII. You can learn more about the Cornell and our project on our our website here.

Steve Gray in his Newly Restored (first flight last month)

This is Steve’s second Cornell restoration. His first Cornell restoration was completed a couple of years ago and is the Blue Norwegian Air Force Cornell shown in the image below.

This “Norweigen” Cornell was flown to CAM by Tim Eckenmiller, a friend of Steve’s, an Air Canada Pilot and a member of the Tiger Boys in Guelph, ON as is Steve.

Steve Gray’s Fairchild PT 26 Cornell in Blue Norwegian Air Force colours being checked out by Al Wilson and Dennis Phillips, both on CAM’s Cornell restoration team.

Doug Harkes and Co-Pilot in front of Doug’ s beautifully restored Cornell. Doug won a “Lindy” (award for highest quality workmanship) at Oshkosh a year or so ago.

Doug Harkes (wearing ball cap)and Co-Pilot in front of Doug’s Cornell
Doug Harkes (L) and Steve Gray (R) in front of CAM’s Cornell in restoration.

Steve has generously shared his experience and expertise with our CAM Cornell Restoration Team – Al Wilson, Dennis Phillips, John & Perry Burford.

When is our Cornell restoration going to fly?

…….our Cornell is going to fly on Wednesday……we are just not sure which Wednesday yet!

Perry Burford
CAM Cornell Restoration Team