PA-18

About the PA-18

The Pitcairn PA-18 is an American autogyro featuring a single-engine tractor layout, a single overhead rotor, and an enclosed cabin seating a single pilot. It was developed in the early 1930s for private flyers, building upon previous lightweight designs.

Seeking to resolve handling difficulties experienced by inexperienced aviators in earlier low-powered machines, the manufacturer incorporated structural strengthening and a more powerful engine to improve low-speed responsiveness. Following commercial sales success, the majority of the surviving fleet was acquired for wartime transfer overseas, though the transport vessel was lost en transit. Later, remaining examples underwent restoration to flying status.