Although not the most streamlined aircraft of its day, the Curtiss Fledgling performed the duties it was designed for quite well.  Considered one of the finest training planes ever built, the Fledgling was designed with strength, easy servicing and good-natured flying characteristics in mind.  Design work and testing took place at Garden City, L.I., New York and Fledglings were manufactured at the Curtiss plant in Buffalo.  Several variants utilizing various engines were also developed.

Our Curtiss Fledgling was purchased from Hank Palmer in 1973 after Cole Palen saw the aircraft at the annual Sun & Fun Air Show in Florida.  It was used as a workhorse at the Aerodrome for several years serving as a bomber, camera platform and in several other roles as well.  It is featured on the cover of the book "Wind in the Wires" by Mike Vines, and is currently awaiting restoration.