1930 Lincoln PT-K - N275N

The Lincoln PT-K model was the next development of the Lincoln-Page PT, designed specifically as a flight training or low cost sport flying airplane. The “Page” had been dropped from the company name before the PT-K came out, so the “PT” stood for “Page Trainer”.

The PT-K was considered a well designed airplane from an aerodynamic standpoint in 1929, taking into account the mannerisms of a student pilot. The fuselage had a long moment arm for the tail surfaces, meant to desensitize the pitching and bucking of a nervous student pilot as he worked his way through the curriculum. In other words, the Lincoln was not too fussy and wouldn’t get all upset due to a little pilot error.

The PT-K was powered by a 100 hp Kinner K5, which could max out at 104 mph. It was no exceptional trick for the PT-K to perform a well rounded loop from level flight; there was really no need to dive and gain excessive speed to bring it around.

The structure of the PT series proved to be quite rugged. The original design had a split axle landing gear configuration with a shock absorbing bungee chord. The later design featured a stiff-legged rigid gear, coupled with low pressure airwheels. The low pressure airwheels had more than enough “give” in the sidewall so that no further shock absorption was needed.

The PT-K was available with a few options, including a metal propeller, a lightly framed fully enclosed canopy for cold weather flying, navigation lights, and engine starter. One other item available as an option was Bloxham “Safety Sticks”. This option allowed the instructor to disengage the student’s control stick if a student “froze” during the flight.

EAA’s PT-K was built in November 1930 as an open cockpit, two seat biplane. Norm Sten restored and flew the Lincoln PT-K for several years then donated it to the EAA in 1972. The AirVenture Museum flew the old Lincoln at Pioneer Airport for several years and used it for hand-propping demonstrations.