by : David P Forsyth

Looking for the ultimate flying machine? Consider the CM-170 Fouga Magister. This twin jet, tandem seat, high performance fighter/trainer is a proven aerobatics machine. It has been used by the national aerobatics display teams of France, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Finland, Ireland and Israel. Magisters have been thrilling crowds around the world for decades. These planes are now available for sale to civilian pilots for use in sport aviation and aerobatics exhibitions. The qualities which make these airplanes so attractive for sport aviation enthusiasts are their unique combination of performance, affordability, and styling. Just one look at these aircraft betrays their military heritage and functionality.

The Fouga Magister and the Super Fouga Magister (with more powerful engines) are fully aerobatic, being rated for 5.5 positive and 3 negative Gs. Its roll rate exceeds 200 degrees per second. A fuel boost system allows for more than 30 seconds of sustained inverted flight. The rate of climb in a Super Magister is close to 5,000 feet per minute. Service ceiling is over 40,000 feet. Maximum speed is 390 knots (Mach 0.82) and stall speed is only 78 knots. Speed brakes provide for rapid descents and easy go-arounds. Off-axis thrust allows for safe and efficient single engine operation. In short, the Fouga Magister is the realization of almost every pilot's dream of what recreational flying should be: fast, precise and exciting. The rear cockpit even lets you share the experience with special friends.

Affordability is always a major factor to consider for those seeking a recreational aircraft. There is a huge cost envelop in the market for sport aircraft. Purchase prices range from ten thousand dollar ultralights to multimillion dollar air racers and classics. Fouga Magisters can be purchased for under a hundred thousand USD. Super Fouga Magisters start at about $120,000. Another economic consideration for those seeking a high performance aircraft is operating cost. Even if you could afford (or were allowed) to buy an F-4 Phantom or F-14 Tomcat, the gas bill alone would probably put you in the poor house. But the fuel burn in a Magister can be as low as 110 gallons per hour. You also have many options for usable fuels in a Fouga. These first generation Marbore pure jets will run on almost anything, including Jet-A, JP-4, jet kerosene, normal Aviation Gasoline, and even heating oil in a pinch. Thus a Fouga can be operated at the reasonable cost of several hundred dollars per hour. This is well within the means of many sport aviation pilots.

The Fouga also offers unique styling with its distinctive "V" tail and tandem cockpit configuration. The sleek fuselage gives the impression of a true jet fighter plane and this feeling is reinforced when you climb into the cockpit. The forward cockpit offers excellent visibility through the pressurized canopy. The articulated stick allows unrestricted control movement even for pilots with long legs. The rear cockpit is not elevated, so an optical periscope is installed to provide the back seater with a good view forward during take-off and landing (or bombing/gunnery runs). Other unusual features include a small recessed tail wheel to prevent damage from over-rotation on take-off or landing.

There are also "hands on throttle and stick" (HOTAS) controls for speed bakes and trim tabs (gun, rocket and bomb triggers can even be rewired to control add-ons such as a stereo or GPS system). For a first generation jet fighter/trainer the Fouga Magister is extremely advanced and pioneered many of the improvements found on more complex combat aircraft. The fact that these airplanes can now be affordably owned and flown by private pilots is great news for sport aviation enthusiasts.

For additional information on the Fouga Magister, including full performance statistics, great photos, and detailed history of their service with over twenty air forces you can visit http://FougaJets.com. Keep your eyes open for these impressive jets at airshow performances worldwide. The high pitched scream of their turbojets will surely get your attention and their performance in the hands of a skilled pilot will convince you that this is one of the aircraft you want to fly for yourself. Qualified buyers can arrange demo flights in the USA through FougaJets.com too.