CAF Raising Money for Historic Stinson AT-19

Advanced trainer needs an overhaul.

Meg Godlewski

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

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Edited By:

Zach Vasile

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

Key Takeaways:

The Commemorative Air Force’s Rainier Squadron is launching a fundraising campaign to cover the estimated $70,000 cost of an engine overhaul for its 1944 Stinson AT-19 Reliant warbird.
Maintaining vintage aircraft, particularly former military ones, is very expensive, and the squadron aims to raise $25,000 for the first phase of the project to return the AT-19 to flying status.
The AT-19, a former advanced trainer, was supplied to the United Kingdom through the Lend-Lease program and served with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm.
The all-volunteer Rainier Squadron uses its AT-19, a popular attraction at local airshows, for aircraft displays and educational programs to help preserve aviation history.

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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.