Fouga CM. 170 Magister

The Fouga CM.170 Magister is a French twin-engine, jet-powered primary and basic trainer aircraft designed and manufactured by Fouga (later merged with Potez and then Sud Aviation). Entering service in the mid-1950s, the Magister gained renown for its elegant design, particularly its distinct V-tail (butterfly tail), and its reliable performance. It was employed by numerous air forces around the world, training generations of military pilots in the art of jet aviation. Beyond its training role, the Magister also saw service as a light attack aircraft and was famously used by the French Patrouille de France aerobatic team, further cementing its iconic status. The Magister's simple yet robust engineering, along with its responsive flight characteristics, made it an ideal platform for transitioning pilots from propeller-driven aircraft to the more demanding world of jet flight. Its impact on military aviation training is undeniable, and it remains a beloved aircraft amongst aviation enthusiasts.

Possible Aircraft Nicknames:

• "Butterfly" or "Papillon": Due to the distinctive V-tail resembling butterfly wings. This is likely the most common and widespread affectionate nickname.

• "Maggy" or "Maggie": A shortened, friendly version of the aircraft's name.

• "Whistler": Some references indicate that the aircraft's turbines could produce a distinct whistling sound at certain engine speeds, leading to this nickname.

C O N T R O L S
Trim : Flaps, cruising 'rotate' adjuster
VTOL : Further flaps