Aircraft overview

The Slingsby T67 Firefly is a British two-seat aerobatic trainer built by Slingsby Aviation, developed from the Fournier RF-6B concept and adapted for civil and military training use. The T67 series first flew in the early 1980s, with production continuing through the 1990s in several piston-engine variants. It is a low-wing, side-by-side aircraft with a glass-reinforced plastic airframe, designed for basic training, spin training and aerobatic instruction. Its importance comes from its dual role: it served flying schools and air forces as a primary trainer, while also offering private owners an aerobatic-capable aircraft with conventional piston operating costs.

Performance & specifications

Performance varies by variant, especially between the 160 hp, 200 hp and 260 hp models. The commonly encountered T67M200 uses a 200 hp Lycoming AEIO-360 engine, while the T67M260 uses a 260 hp Lycoming AEIO-540. Typical cruise speeds are around 120 to 135 knots, depending on engine, propeller and loading. Published ranges for the family are generally in the region of 400 to 500 nautical miles. Service ceiling is commonly quoted at about 15,000 to 19,000 feet, variant dependent. Useful load should be checked against the individual aircraft’s weight and balance, as equipment fits, paint and life-cycle repairs can materially affect it.

Cabin & avionics

The T67 Firefly has two seats side by side under a large canopy, giving good visibility for instruction, formation work and aerobatics. The cockpit is compact rather than touring-oriented, with military-style practicality more than luxury. Most aircraft were delivered with conventional analogue flight instruments, basic navigation and communication radios, and transponders. Used examples may have Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, modern comm radios, ADS-B equipment, electronic engine monitors or replacement audio panels. Factory Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective installations are not typical for this model.

Buying & value

Buyers should identify the exact variant, engine, propeller and certification basis before comparing prices. The T67A, T67B, T67C, T67M200 and T67M260 differ meaningfully in performance, operating cost and training suitability. Important checks include aerobatic usage history, composite airframe condition, canopy condition, landing gear attachments, control system rigging, engine time and propeller history. Documentation matters, especially for aircraft previously used in military or academy training. In the used market, the Slingsby T67 Firefly sits between basic two-seat trainers and dedicated aerobatic aircraft: more specialized than a Cessna 152 or Piper Tomahawk, but generally less complex than higher-performance aerobatic types.