Designed to carry the night airmail, the Pitcairn had excellent maneuverability, range, speed (130 mph) and was considered a very modern equivalent of the Pony Express in 1929.  In later years Pitcairns became popular as crop-dusters because of their excellent load-carrying ability.

This particular aircraft was flown from Vancouver, Washington to the Aerodrome in 33 hours.  It flew at the Aerodrome from 1963 through 1980 when it was put into temporary retirement.