trainers, so in 1950 the two XNQ prototypes were delivered to Randolph Air Force Base in Texas where an inter-military feud began. The Navy wanted conventional landing gear for carrier operations; the Air Force favored tricycle landing gear. One side wanted a transition from a light trainer to heavier equipment for new pilots, the other side thought heavier aircraft were fine for training. Eventually a lack of funding put an end to the XNQ/T-31. Texas pilots Don and Ann Pellegreno spent 10 years restoring the second prototype (75726). The first was destroyed in a crash. The Pellegrenos flew the XNQ to airshows such as EAA AirVenture to share this one-of-a-kind aircraft with other aviation enthusiasts. Ann famously retraced Amelia Earhart's round the world flight in a similar Electra-she made it! And dropped a wreath on Howland Island during her flight. After Don's death and Ann hung up her wings, she wanted the XNQ to go home. She contacted Hagerstown Museum Executive Director and President John Seburn. " Don and Ann always said they wanted to have it come home to Hagerstown, " Seburn said. " She called us and said it was time for it to come home. " AOPA PILOT / September 2024 29 The cockpit Of note in the cockpit layout of the XNQ was an attempt to standardize the instrumentation. Designers attempted to ensure each control looks and feels like the part it operates; be in a position corresponding as near as possible to the part it controls; move in the same direction as the part being operated; and allow the pilot to actuate the controls only once. TOP: HAGERSTOWN AVIATION MUSEUM ; BOTTOM: DAVID TULIS