The Fairchild 22 became somewhat of a hit and led directly to the new and much improved Model 24 which gained rapid popularity in the early 1930s, noted for its pleasant handling characteristics and roomy interior.

Having adapted many components from the automotive industry (namely expansion-shoe brakes and roll-down cabin windows), the aircraft was also affordable and easy to maintain.

In production continuously from 1932 to 1948, the aircraft remained essentially unchanged aerodynamically and internally, with the addition of extra passenger seating and optional equipment.

The Civil Air Patrol operated many Fairchild UC-61/24s, and some aircraft were fitted with two 100-pound bombs for what became successful missions against German U-boats off the east coast of the United States in the early stages of the Second World War.

In 1941, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) placed an initial order for 163 Fairchild C-61s; however, via Lend-Lease, 161 of these were shipped abroad.

The Argus I was a Warner Scarab-equipped aircraft identified by its wind-driven generator located on the starboard struts, and was equipped with a black-painted propeller.

The aircraft was used by small air charter operators for short-distance taxi work and many were acquired by private pilot owners.

On June 6, 1962, helicopter pilot Ron Boyd discovered the wreckage about 100 kilometres (62 mi) north of Cochrane, Ontario, about 35 miles off course.

[6] Alaskan missionary Harold L. Wood (1890–1944) died in his Fairchild 24 floatplane while landing near a logging camp at Kasaan Bay (30 miles northwest of Ketchikan, Alaska) on 24 February 1944.

[7] Data from [citation needed]General characteristics Performance In literature Fairchild 24 was mentioned by Richard Bach in his memoirs «Biplane» written in 1966.