Technical Specifications

  • Max Speed: 114 mph
  • Cruising Speed: 105 mph
  • Range: 540 miles
  • Service Ceiling: 16,500 feet
  • Wingspan: 35’ 6”
  • Length: 23’ 5”
  • Height: 7’ 0”
  • Weight: 1,650 lbs max

Armament

none

Engine

65hp Continental A65-8

General Information

Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Company manufactured aircraft in El Segundo California from 1937 to 1945. El Segundo is on the Pacific Coast of California, immediately adjacent to the south side of what is now LAX international airport.

Specific Information

The Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Company applied for an Airworthiness certificate on Interstate Cadet, serial number 109, on 23 June 1941. The certificate, along with the registration number of NC37266, was issued on 19 June, 1941. While these dates appear to be backwards, it can be concluded that 37266 was finished in the factory in June of 1941. On 30 June, 1941, the Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Company filed an Application for Airworthiness Certificate reflecting the aircraft’s original owner, Andrew Flying Service, John Rodgers Airport, Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii. On 30 July, 1941, Andrew Flying Service sold the aircraft to the Underground Flying Club, Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii.

The next FAA record is almost 5 years later, several months after VJ Day, detailing major repairs including new cover on the fuselage, stabilizer, rudder and left elevator. Since all civilian flying was grounded in the Hawaiian Islands for the duration of the war, the long hiatus between inspections is understandable for a small aircraft not deemed of value to the military effort on Hawaii. The repairs to 37266 are done by Yale E. Smith, a mechanic at the Honolulu Vocational School in Honolulu. The final inspection report signed a few days later on 24 April, 1946 notes “Aircraft has been in storage since December 1941.”

It is clear from the FAA records that Interstate 37266 was based in Honolulu Hawaii before, throughout, and for a long time after, the War in the Pacific.

This aircraft is on loan to the Heritage Flight Museum from Greg Anders’ Lost Aviators of Pearl Harbor. To learn more visit http://www.lostaviatorsofpearlharbor.org.

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