Slingsby Aviation T67 Firefly

Single Piston

The Slingsby T67 Firefly is a British two-seat aerobatic trainer that emerged in the 1980s as a military and civilian ab-initio training aircraft. Built by Slingsby Aviation in Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire, the Firefly evolved from the earlier T67M Firefly and gained prominence when selected by the UK Ministry of Defence for elementary flying training. The type features a low-wing configuration with side-by-side seating, fully aerobatic capability to +6/-3G, and a distinctive bubble canopy offering excellent visibility for student pilots. Powered by variants of the Lycoming flat-six engine ranging from 160 to 260 horsepower, the Firefly became popular with flying schools and private owners seeking a robust, forgiving trainer with genuine aerobatic credentials. The T67M-260 variant, equipped with the fuel-injected AEIO-540 engine, became the most common civil version and can sustain inverted flight for extended periods. While never produced in large numbers compared to American trainers like the Cessna 152, the Firefly carved out a niche in Commonwealth countries and remains active in the hands of enthusiasts who value its British engineering and spirited handling. The type's relatively high operating costs and specialized maintenance requirements have kept the fleet small but dedicated. SkyMeter has tracked 25 flights across 5 airframes and 2 operators, with SALVAGER PTY LTD the most frequently observed.