Luscombe or Fleet Canuck

[David MacRay]

I totally agree that it seems wrong to make it to Class 1 instructor and having never flown anything but one type.

[Chuck Ellsworth]

David I don't stress about it.


I hold the training industry in Canada in utter contempt.

[David MacRay]

I would be interested to know the percentage of licensed pilots world wide with zero conventional gear time. I would wager it is well over 50%.

[Colonel]

No one could give a shit, but I remember reading the
biography of a British test pilot during WWII at an
improbable place by the name of Castle Bromwich.

He did the impossible - he test flew both fighters
and bombers.  No one back then thought it could
be done.  He said it was no big deal - he just had
to poke the controls on takeoff, and off he went.

Much to learn, if one desires not to be ignorant.
Ever heard of open loop vs closed loop?  Of course
you haven't.

Not sure anyone cares, but England has dreadful
weather, and he flew in the worst weather you
can imagine.  Had to get the production airplanes
tested.

All the Inspectors and airline pilots would have a
shit if they read what he did, on a daily basis.

[Colonel]

Here's a tailwheel guy for everyone to hate:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Henshaw

It is estimated that Henshaw flew 10% of all Spitfires and Seafires, testing up to 20 aircraft a day in often foggy conditions. He would also demonstrate the Spitfire to visiting dignitaries, such as Winston Churchill, and once flying the length of Broad Street in Birmingham at low level. He is the only pilot known to have performed a barrel roll in a Lancaster bomber, a feat that was considered by some to be reckless or impossible due to the aircraft's size and relatively modest performance.

Henshaw was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his wartime service.

What a BAD PERSON!  What irresponsible scum!

flying is something more than wearing a costume

Really?  I heard that well-dressed heavy Boeing drivers
like Rocky don't leave home without their white shirt,
gold bars and Ray-Bans.

[Tons-o-fun]

Flew both. The Fleet was the first aircraft I ever flew. One of the most honest, nice flying aircraft.


I've owned a Luscombe as well. Great airplane with awesome performance that will beat the Fleet in every way.


If you have any questions,ask away. I personally would go Luscombe. You'll be hard pressed to find one that hasn't been on its back ( check for ripples behind and under cockpit door). Most fun I ever had with my clothes on.

[Chuck Ellsworth]

For sure the Luscombe is a nice flying machine.


When I was taking an Ag. flying course in Colorado in 1959 I got my first aerobatic lessons in one, including snap rolls on the top of a loop.


The thing is built like a tank and has real nice control harmony.

[Scudrunner]

Learned to fly on a Fleet Canuck, so im a little biased.
Sure was cheap fun.

I cursed learning on it at the time but every plane I have operated since then has been a piece of cake.