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Fleet 16B Finch II

Fleet trainers were made in Canada from 1930 to 1941 in models 2, 7, 10, and 16 for the RCAF and civil operators, and were exported to nine countries. The models differed in their engines and in the minor changes made to the undercarriage and control surfaces. The model 16 was designed especially for primary pilot training in the RCAF. From 1943 on, the Finch was gradually replaced by the Fairchild Cornell. After the war, many were sold as war surplus for civilian use and a few are still flying in the 1990s.

The Finch served in 12 elementary flying training schools in Canada. Like the Tiger Moth, the Finch was equipped for Canadian winter operations with a sliding canopy over the two cockpits.

Museum Example

Manufactured in 1939-40, the Museum’s specimen was taken on strength by the RCAF in July 1940. After serving at various elementary training schools, it was stored in 1943, passed to the War Assets Commission in 1945, and sold in 1947. Flown until 1964, this Finch was restored by the RCAF Auxiliary in 1964, donated to the RCAF, flown, then transferred to the Museum in September 1966.

Specifications

Wing Span:
8.5 m (28 ft)
Length:
6.6 m (21 ft 8 in)
Height:
2.4 m (7 ft 9 in)
Weight, Empty:
509 kg (1,122 lb)
Weight, Gross:
907 kg (2,000 lb)
Cruising Speed:
137 km/h (85 mph)
Max Speed:
167 km/h (104 mph)
Rate of Climb:
305 m (1,000 ft) / 2.3 min
Service Ceiling:
3,200 m (10,500 ft)
Range:
483 km (300 mi)
Power Plant:
one Kinner B-5, 125 hp, radial engine

Additional Photographs

The Canada Aviation Museum’s Image Bank contains additional photographs of this aircraft. Images are provided for non-commercial study or research purposes only and may not be reproduced or published without the prior consent of the Canada Aviation Museum.

Find out more about our Image bank here.