![]() Their raw power, aggressive handling, ability to execute high-G maneuvers, and relatively affordable prices have made them sought-after toys for warbird aficionados wishing to scratch their Walter Mitty-esque itches. Once retired from military service, some older Tucanos have begun to find their way into the hands of well-heeled civilians. My pilot for this fall 2019 flight, Jeff Frank, co-founder of Flying Legend USA, helped me secure the four-point military style safety harness around my waist and shoulders before sliding down into the front seat and preparing to show me what this Flying Legend Tucano-a kit-built ¾-scale replica of an Embraer Tucano military trainer-could do.įor the uninitiated, the Tucano 312 and 314 are Brazilian-built, turboprop-powered, two-place military trainer aircraft used by many of the world’s air forces to teach basic air combat skills to their aspiring fighter pilots. After swinging one leg at a time into the narrow cockpit, I eased myself down into the co-pilot’s seat of this compact but menacing looking aircraft. I edged up the wing to the cockpits and carefully grabbed the roll bar that sat above the aft instrument panel. ![]() ![]() I wasn’t about to ignore the pilot’s instructions. “OK, just walk along the wing root until you get to the back seat.” ![]()
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