"Featured Aircraft" (The Hangar)...

This corner of the hangar features one of our favorite aircraft... the Consolidated "Commodore." Enjoy!

Originally designed as a Naval Patrol Flying Boat, the Commodore was one of the first passenger aircraft to offer such luxuries as upholstered seats, full in-flight meals served on fine china, and sleeping berths.

Serving during the 1920's & 30's throughout the Caribbean and South America, three were originally acquired by NYRBA - New York, Rio and Buenos Aires Airlines for their scheduled passenger service to Brazil and Argentina. Following NYRBA’s acquisition by Pan American World Airways, Pan Am purchased 11 more Commodores, bringing their total in service to 14 aircraft. These Commodores were used almost exclusively for scheduled flights from Miami down to its major destinations along the east coast of South America.

During the second world war the Pan Am Commodores were adapted for navigational training, turning out hundreds of US Army Air Corps and Royal Air Force navigators. The last Commodore was finally retired from operations on September 19, 1946 after 16 years of service.

Consolidated “Commodore” specifications:

Engines -2 Pratt & Whitney Hornet Engines (575hp). Cruising speed -108 mph. Range – over 1000 miles. Max gross take-off weight -17,600 lbs. Capacity – seating for 22 passengers. Wingspan – 100 feet. Length -68 feet. Height – 16 feet.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Beth Stewart at Pan Am air.org for her hard work and dedication to keeping the memory of these great aircraft alive, and for her permission to use materials from the "Pan Am" website. Great job, Beth!