F80 Canuck
The Fleet 80 Canuck was flown extensively at flying clubs and civilian training organizations across Canada in the postwar era, where it provided a modern alternative to earlier trainers such as the Fleet Finch and Tiger Moth.
A distinctly Canadian design, the Canuck was developed and built by Fleet Aircraft in Fort Erie, Ontario, and tailored to the needs of Canadian flying clubs emerging from the war. First flown in 1944, it was engineered as a simple, rugged, and economical two-seat trainer with all-metal wings, reliable Continental power, and exceptionally forgiving handling. With limited sales outside the country, the Fleet 80 found its greatest success at home, becoming a familiar and trusted fixture of Canadian general aviation and ab-initio instruction through the 1950s and beyond.
Specifications
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Number Built: 225
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Year Produced: 1966
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Manufacturer: Fleet Aircraft Ltd
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Engine: Continental C85, 85 hp
Performance
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Maximum Speed: 160 mph
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Cruising Speed: 80 mph
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Service Ceiling: 14,000 ft
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Fuel Capacity: 21 Imp Gal
History of C-FUXN
In the years following Fleet’s original production of the Model 80 Canuck, the remains of the company’s inventory were passed on to Leavens Brothers in Toronto, who assembled 25 more aircraft using those parts. Early Leavens-built examples made heavy use of Fleet’s leftover components, but as that stock diminished, Leavens increasingly turned to fabricating new parts themselves to keep production going.
C-FUXN was built in 1966 and holds the highest serial number on the Canadian Aircraft Registry, indicating that it is likely the newest Canuck that is still airworthy today.
The Canuck was used extensively as a primary trainer across Canada, and still fulfils this purpose with ECAF, allowing us to convert pilots to tailwheel flying.
Learning tailwheel can be a real challenger, but one that is extremely rewarding, and can open the door to flying all sorts of interesting and classic aircraft.
The Canuck stands out in its class with a massive baggage compartment that is perfect for camping, hunting, or in our case bringing supplies to fly-ins to support Cornell and Tiger Moth operations.
