Fun and games
Interesting comments about line between BFT and EFT. Does MFTS need both platforms?
Royal Thai Air Force used Alison 250 engined German RFB Fantrainer for over 20 years as initial platform all the way to F5E fighter. Both Luftwaffe and USAF pilots rated it above beech turbine Mentor and PC7.
RAF also had history of starting with more capable types such as the JP.
Agree the SF260 always looked right - no unnecessary aero mods.
Is side by side essential? Not for Tigermoth, Harvard, Spitfire generation.
Interestingly, civi street are looking at more exposure to tandem cockpits in gliders and for upset recovery training (re: flight crew training conference held by Royal Aero Soc.).