The story
The Finch grew out of the Fleet 10, itself a descendant of Consolidated's 1928 trainer, after a 1938 RCAF evaluation recommended changes. It first flew on February 8, 1939, and Fleet Aircraft at Fort Erie, Ontario built 431 for the RCAF by 1941, plus 15 for the Portuguese Navy. Finches flew at 12 Elementary Flying Training Schools under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, alongside the Tiger Moth, until the Fairchild Cornell replaced them; the last left RCAF service in 1947. Many were sold to civilians after the war. This code also covers the Fleet 10 and 11 export trainers it grew from.
The Finch joined the RCAF with open cockpits. Canadian winters forced a sliding canopy over both seats early in its service life.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Finch?
A two-seat biplane with an exposed five-cylinder radial, often in RCAF training yellow with roundels. The tell is a long sliding canopy over both cockpits, though some restored Finches now fly without it. Look for doubled flying and landing wires between the wings, and main-gear radius rods hinged at the centre on a V-shaped strut rather than the looped rod of the Fleet 2 and 7.
What does a Finch sound like?
The slow, uneven pop-pop of a five-cylinder Kinner at idle, smoothing into a buzz overhead.
How fast is the Finch?
Top speed is 90 kts (104 mph, Finch II).
How many passengers does the Finch carry?
Up to 1. A typical layout is Instructor and student in tandem under a sliding canopy.
How far can the Finch fly?
Range is about 261 nmi (Finch II).
How big is the Finch?
It is 21 ft 8 in long and 28 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the Finch first fly?
Its first flight was in 1939.
How many Finchs have been built?
447 Model 16s (431 for the RCAF); some references give about 600 built.
How rare is a Finch in Bogey?
UNCOMMON. Not rare, but not every day either. Worth looking up for. Your first Finch catch is worth 50 points.
