Prentice

[Pjmac35]

Ex-RAF Advanced Trainer

[J.F.]

This was a great airplane. The Percival Prentice was designed as a basic
trainer and served as the RAF's main basic trainer between 1948 and 1953. It
was an all-metal, low-wing monoplane with fixed landing gear. The enclosed
cockpit was a marked departure from typical RAF predecessors such as the
Tiger Moth. It incorporated many new features based upon the experiences of
training wartime pilots. Up-turned wing tips were an identifying feature.

The RCAF acquired one example in 1948 possibly for evaluation purposes. Few
details of the type in RCAF service are available and it lasted only one
year. The deHavilland Chipmunk eventually became the RCAF's standard
elementary trainer.

Manufacturer: Percival Aircraft Ltd
Crew/Passengers: one pilot and one student pilot side by side and
provisions for a 2nd student
Power Plant: one 251 hp De Havilland Gipsy Queen 32 piston engine
Performance: Max Speed: 143 mph ( 230 km/h) Cruising Speed: 136 mph
( 219 km/h) Service Ceiling: 18,000 ft ( 5,486 m) Range: 396 mi ( 637 km)
Weights: Empty: 3,232 lbs ( 1,466 kg) Gross: 4,200 lb ( 1,905 kg)
Dimensions: Span: 46 ft 0 in ( 14.02 m) Length: 31 ft 3 in ( 9.53 m)
Height: 12 ft 10 ½ in ( 3.92 m) Wing Area: 305 sq ft ( 28.33 sq m)
Armament: None
Cost: Unknown