Tutor airborne from RAF Wyton
A Tutor takes off from RAF Wyton
Photo courtesy of Officer Cadet Sam Churchill

OUR AIRCRAFT
About 7 years ago the Grob Tutor T1 replaced the Bulldog as the Royal Air Force's elementary training aircraft. Ninety of the new aircraft were supplied for use by University Air Squadrons, Elementary Flying Training Squadrons and Air Experience Flights at 12 locations around the country. Unusually, the aircraft are not owned or maintained by the RAF, but carry civilian registrations and are serviced under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI). VT Aerospace, the contractor, owns and maintains the Tutors, and at some sites also provides such essential flying support services as air traffic control and fire cover. This arrangement will have saved the MoD an estimated £30 Million by the end of the 10 year contract.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Powerplant: One Lycoming 360-A1B6 of 180hp.
Span: 32ft 8in (10.00m)
Length: 24ft 9in (7.59m)
Max Speed: 120kts (240km/h) at sea level
Seating: Two, side by side.
Recognition: Single-engined low-wing monoplane; fixed tricycle undercarriage with small fairings ("spats") covering all 3 wheels; short nose; large glazed area cabin with excellent visibility; tapered wings with square tips; large fin and rudder with oblong tailplane with square tips set at base of fin.