Pacific Aerospace Corporation Ct-4 Airtrainer

Single Piston

The Pacific Aerospace CT-4 Airtrainer is a tandem-seat military primary trainer developed in New Zealand during the 1970s as a successor to the Victa Airtourer. Originally designed by Henry Millicer and built by Aero Engine Services Ltd (later New Zealand Aerospace Industries, now Pacific Aerospace), the CT-4 became the standard ab-initio trainer for the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force, with the RNZAF operating the type from 1977 through 2015. The aircraft's robust all-metal construction, excellent visibility from both cockpits, and benign handling characteristics made it ideal for screening student pilots, while its 210-horsepower Continental IO-360 engine provided enough performance for basic aerobatics and instrument training. The CT-4 family includes several variants: the original CT-4A, the improved CT-4B with a constant-speed propeller, and the CT-4E with enhanced avionics and structural upgrades. Maximum speed approaches 175 knots, with a service ceiling around 18,000 feet and endurance exceeding four hours—impressive for a primary trainer. The type earned a reputation for reliability in military service, with RAAF examples accumulating tens of thousands of flight hours in the demanding Australian outback training environment. Thailand's Royal Thai Air Force also operated the CT-4, and several examples have found their way onto civilian registers following military retirement. Today the CT-4 serves primarily in private hands and with flight training organizations, particularly in Australia and New Zealand where parts support remains available. The aircraft's military pedigree, aerobatic capability, and relatively economical operating costs have made it popular with warbird enthusiasts and advanced training schools. SkyMeter has tracked 65 flights across 18 airframes and 9 operators, with PACIFIC FLIGHT SERVICES PTY LTD the largest observed operator.