There's an unkind saying that the Prentice doesn't so much climb as trundle along the runway until the curvature of the Earth makes the ground fall away. There's no denying that she's a leisurely old bird with a distinct disapproval of rush, but she's immensely strong, reliable and the cockpit is bigger than a London taxi.  All of which makes her a perfect pleasure flying vehicle and hundreds of passengers have experienced her gentle manners.  She might not get there fast, but she'll never let you down.

Designed to meet Air Ministry Specification T.23/43 the Prentice was unusual in having the capacity for a second student sitting in the rear of the aircraft and looking over the shoulder of the instructor and student who were side-by-side in the front seats. Simulated night flying could also be conducted by wearing special tinted goggles. These combined with the orange tinted Plexiglass cockpit to simulate night conditions!

The aircraft first flew on March 31, 1946 but was found to have inadequate yaw control, so later aircraft had a large rudder and cut-outs in the elevators to allow it to move further. In service it was also rare to have a crew of three due to performance limitations related to the 251hp Gipsy Queen engine.

The aircraft went on to serve the RAF as a basic trainer until 1953 when it was replaced by the Percival Provost. It also, however, find a niche as radio and navigation trainer and the last examples were retired in 1957.

In 1956 some 252 Prentices were acquired by Freddie Laker’s Aviation Traders for conversion as civilian aircraft. Most were eventually scrapped but 28 were converted into four seat aircraft. Performance with four people aboard was ‘dubious’, especially in high temperatures.

Today our Prentice is one of just a handful still flying and the only one in the world certified for passenger flying. Some people question why we've saved an aeroplane such as the Prentice, which has limited capabilities and a far from exciting career. The answer...? Because nobody else is saving one!