 The L-5 carried a pilot and observer in a tandem-seating configuration, which was preferred by the military for observation work.In March 1943, with the creation of the liaison category of light observation aircraft (previous examples came from Taylorcraft Aircraft as the L-2, and from Aeronca as their L-3, along with the numerous Piper L-4) the designation for Stinson's new purpose-built military design was changed to the L-5.The primary purpose as a liaison aircraft was courier and communication work, artillery spotting and casualty evacuation.