
The Interstate Cadet: A Humble Plane That Witnessed Pearl Harbor
This modest two-seat, high-wing trainer, built in 1940, became an unlikely witness to one of America’s darkest and most defining days. Joined by antique aircraft owner Kevin Brown, Trent uncovers the history of the Cadet and its connection to Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, flight instructor Cornelia Fort and her student were flying an Interstate Cadet over O‘ahu when they became some of the very first Americans to see Japanese planes as the attack began. Forced to land under fire, their civilian trainer instantly became a part of history—marking the moment America was thrust into World War II.






