Please help us keep Day’s Pay II flying by supporting our efforts.  Take a look at the
12 planes of Christmas  
Thank you for your support.

This PT-23, named Day’s Pay II, honors the original Day’s Pay, a B-17 funded by 50,000 Hanford Engineering Works employees who donated a day’s wages during World War II. The B-17 flew 67 missions over Europe and returned safely, a story still celebrated in Richland, Washington.

History

The Fairchild PT-23 is a World War II-era primary trainer aircraft. A unique feature of the Fairchild PT-23 is its open cockpit and inline engine configuration, which sets it apart from other primary trainers of its time, like the PT-17 Stearman, which had a radial engine. Its metal frame with fabric-covered wings makes it lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for pilot training during World War II. In 2023, the CAF acquired this PT-23, assigning it to the Day’s Pay Squadron in Washington State.

Project

A unique aspect of the CAF is its ability to bring history to life, giving people the rare chance to experience it firsthand. Offering flights to veterans, first responders, and patrons not only helps to financially support the Unit but also serves as a meaningful way to honor veterans and their families for their remarkable service. Providing these flights is a privilege, but it also requires proper equipment and consistent funding to keep the aircraft well-maintained and safely airworthy, ensuring these stories continue to inspire generations.

Objective

The Day’s Pay Squadron is dedicated to expanding its flight operations, increasing honor flights, and deepening its community presence by sharing more stories of aviation history. With this PT-23 aircraft, the Squadron honors both the legacy of World War II pilots and aircrews and the remarkable contributions of the Tri-Cities community to the country. Through these flights and outreach efforts, Day’s Pay II serves as a living testament to how people contributed to the War effort.

Have you checked out the Day’s Pay Event calendar yet?  We are into the 24 Flying Season and have quite a few events coming up.  Please take a look and hope to see you out at some of the events.

Have you thought to yourself hey how can I help Day’s Pay Squadron?  Well let us tell you we are looking for great people to assist all over the place whether you have an interest in ground marshalling, or assisting with our breakfasts, helping spread the word or whatever you are willing to assist with, well, we need you and would like to have you on board.  Please come to the CAF Col Appreciation BBQ Saturday June 1st 17:00 – 19:00 next to Sundance Aviation in Richland.

For unit business updates

Have you paid your 2025 Dues yet?  If not we have a spot on the webpage where members can pay your dues online and if you are interested in becoming a lifetime member you can do that as well. you’ll need to email Robert Wade or Glenn Whitcomb to send you the appropriate link.  Additionally, we are currently looking for someone to take over from Mark as Finance Officer and are on the hunt again for a Secretary Officer.  These are both very important officer roles, if you have a desire to lend a hand these positions are a great way to do it!