Bulldog and Firefly

Ever since the days of the venerable Tiger Moth, The Royal Air Force has demanded the very best aircraft for primary pilot training. Two of the most recent types were the Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1 and the Slingsby T67 Firefly.

The Bulldog entered service in 1972. It was used extensively as a basic trainer, in particular as the standard aircraft of the University Air Squadrons and the RAF's Air Experience Flights, which introduce new generations of air cadets to the excitement of aviation. Now retired from military service, the Bulldog is remembered with much affection by all military pilots who flew it.

The Bulldog's mantle was taken on by the Slingsby Firefly, built in North Yorkshire. Also a side-by-side two-seat aerobatic training aircraft, it is still operated by military training schools around the world. It was used by the UK's Defence Elementary Flying Training School for primary flying training and pilot grading - particulary for the Royal Navy and Army Air Corps. Even some members of the Royal Family learnt to fly on the Firefly. Who? Well, we couldn't possibly comment!

DTFT are proud to offer both of these superb ex-military aircraft for that ultimate aviation high and biggest buzz - the aerobatic experience flight! There's our bright yellow T67M Mk II Firefly with its bubble canopy and fully-inverted fuel and oil systems or, for a nostalgic flight to remember, the Bulldog T1 in its sparkling vintage RAF paint scheme. Whichever you choose, you will not be disappointed - both are a delight to fly and are, without doubt, classic 'pilot's aeroplanes'!

Cessna 152

It's a fact that, worldwide, more private pilots have gained their licence in Cessnas than in any other type. Our Chief Flying Instructor likens learning to fly to horse riding - the very last thing a fledgling pilot needs is an aeroplane with a mind of its own! The Cessna 152 has no vices; it is robust, simple to operate and easy to fly, allowing the student to gain experience and confidence steadily during those critical early hours of training. The Cessna 152 has done much to dispel the mystique associated with controlling an aircraft in flight and is, quite simply, the right aeroplane for the job.