CAF Raising Money for Historic Stinson AT-19

Advanced trainer needs an overhaul.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

CAF Rainier Squadron AT-19 in flight [Credit: Rainier Squadron]

Key Takeaways:

The Commemorative Air Force's Rainier Squadron is raising funds to cover an estimated $70,000 engine overhaul for its 1944 Stinson AT-19 Reliant warbird.
This specific AT-19 was one of approximately 500 provided to the UK through the Lend-Lease program, serving with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm in the Southeast Asian theater.
After WWII, the advanced trainer aircraft was returned to the U.S., demilitarized, and sold as surplus, eventually passing through several civilian owners before the CAF acquired it in 1985.
Based at Arlington Municipal Airport, the aircraft is a popular attraction at local airshows and fly-in events, used by the all-volunteer Rainier Squadron to preserve aviation history.

See a mistake? Contact us.

One of the most challenging aspects of owning a vintage aircraft is that they can be expensive to maintain—especially if it’s a former military aircraft, also known as a warbird. That’s why the Commemorative Air Force’s Rainier Squadron in Washington state has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of an engine overhaul for its 1944 Stinson AT-19 Reliant.

AT stands for “advanced trainer.” During the war they were used as navigational trainers and liaison aircraft.