Developed from a glider, the Fouga Magister with its curious butterfly tail has proven itself as a formidable and safe training aircraft. Some air forces keep the aircraft in their inventory, even after more than 40 years of faithful service. Others end their days in the hands of enthusiasts.

This picture shows the Fouga in standard Belgian Air Force markings : all-silver with dayglo nose, fuselage band and tip tanks.

(picture supplied by Francis Trappeniers)

Although not the best of Fouga Magister pics around, this view gives a good idea of its very low stance.

MT35 was chosen as the Fouga Magister's Belgian Air Force 35th anniversary aircraft, with a large '35' adorning the tail surfaces. The paint scheme has since been adapted, showing (in 2000) the '40 years' logo. The fuselage sports the badges of all Belgian units having flown the Tin Whistle.

(pictures supplied by Stef De Wit)

Although the team ceased to exist about 20 years ago, the aircraft retained their bright red color scheme.

(picture supplied by Stef De Wit)

(picture supplied by Stef De Wit)

In this view the instructor's periscope can be seen. With absolutely no forward vision from the back seat, it was thought necessary to provide some means of seeing ahead of the aircraft.