Dates

Event

1928

Constructed as a FC-2W2.

From 1929 to 1935

To US Aerial Expedition to the Antartic led by LT. Commander Richard Byrd.
The aircrafts first flight in the Antarctic was on January 15, 1929, and provided a steady platform for thousands of aerial photographs of the new and unexplored terrain. The aircraft flew mapping and general reconnaissance expeditions, as well as several rescue missions, until its return to the United States in early 1935.

From 1935 to Circa 1942

It logged time barnstorming and surveying across the United States and Guatemala. After heavy renovations and consolidation with other Fairchild aircraft, questions regarding the authenticity of the airframe, wings, and other components arose in the 1940s.

Circa 7 July 1972

Certificate of airworthiness for N8006 (FC-2-W2, 140) issued.

7 July 1972

To National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC with c/r N8006.
Purchased in 1961.

1989

Restored.
The work was carried out by the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Long Island.

Loaned to Virginia Aviation Museum, Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field), Richmond, VA.
View the Location Dossier

Markings Applied: Stars and Stripes, Byrd Antartic Expedition
Stars and Stripes on forward fuselage, Byrd Antartic Expedition in large letters along rear fuselage.

20 September 2011

Photographer: Robert Nichols

13 April 2013

Photographer: Daniel L. Berek
Notes: This beautiful aircraft, one of several flown by Richard Byrd (after whom Richmond Internatinal Airport was originally named) is on display at the Virginia Aviation Museum, on loan from the NASM. The aircraft has been fully restored; part of the original fabric has been preserved at the Cradle of Aviation Museum

27 June 2013

Civil registration, N8006, cancelled.

2017

Loaned to Shannon Air Museum, Shannon Airport (EZF), Fredericksburg, VA.
View the Location Dossier

15 May 2018

Photographer: Larry Johnson
Notes: at Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum