SUMMARY
Although the Ryan PT-22 trainer named "Miss Cherie"  is in excellent shape for a lady of her age, the aircraft’s engine is nearing the end of it's recommended time before overhaul. Members of the Razorback Wing would like to remedy that as soon as possible and hope that this Christmas they can raise the money to purchase and install a overhauled Kinner R-55 engine.

HISTORY
The Ryan PT-22 is a low-winged, radial-engine monoplane with an open cockpit and tandem seating. This aircraft type was used to train pilots during World War II. The PT-22 was the U.S. Army Air Corps’ first purpose-built monoplane trainer. It is estimated that more than 14,000 U.S. Army Air Force pilots learned to fly in the PT-22 before progressing on to more advanced trainers and the fighters and bombers used to win the War. Ryan Aeronautical Company produced less than 2,000 of the aircraft in the 1940s.

PROGRESS
The Razorback Wing airplane sports a polished aluminum fuselage with U.S. Army Air Force Training Command yellow nose, wings, and tail, finished with a red, white, and blue rudder. When explaining the aircraft to the public, Razorback Wing members like to start off by saying “she trained the pilots that would win the War.”

TASKS AHEAD
Miss Cherie  is currently in flying condition, but the current engine was last rebuilt in the early 1990s and is reaching the end of its recommended life. The wing has identified a overhauled engine for sale that they would like to purchase and install on the airplane.

VISION
The Razorback Wing is based in North Little Rock and is the only CAF unit in Arkansas, so they have a large territory to cover and plenty of events to attend and flyovers to perform. "Miss Cherie" is also currently on the CAF rides program and offers passenger flights so others get to enjoy the sights and sounds of the wonderful PT-22. A overhauled engine will help the Razorback Wing ensure that they can continue to share this aircraft with the public for many years to come.