Cessna T-37B Tweety Bird

The T-37 has served as the US Air Force’s basic initial training aircraft since the 1950’s and until recently most prospective USAF pilots took their first flight in a Tweet. After the introduction of the T-37B, one of the Tweet’s primary roles was to screen out pilot candidates that were not suitable, before passing students on to the T-38.

As a flying machine or teaching platform, the T-37 was very easy to understand and operate, and a quick engine change can be completed in 30 minutes. Popular for it’s vice free handling, it is used to teach the basics of aircraft handling, navigation, formation flying and instrument flying.

The T-37 fleet was updated beginning in 1989 to prolong the life and improve the capabilities of the Tweet. At this time, the Air Force adopted the navy blue and white scheme for formation training and ease of maintenance. This allowed the T-37 to stay in the primary jet trainer role until the introduction of the T-6A Texan II in the beginning of the year 2000.