This 1990 Embraer Tucano Is a Military-Spec ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Developed during the late 1970s for the Brazilian Air Force, the Tucano trainer grew popular around the world.

Embraer’s EMB-312 Tucano gives pilots a hint of military performance. [Courtesy: Kayla DiLullo

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Military training aircraft have been popular among aviation enthusiasts, with steady strong demand for types ranging from World War II Stearman PT-17s to North American AT-6s and T-28s. Much of the appeal has to do with power and handling. Because many of these airplanes were designed to train pilots for combat maneuvers, their performance tended to outstrip the typical civilian aircraft of the period.

Trainers have evolved considerably since the 1940s, though, and today’s models for beginners are high-powered turboprops designed to exhibit flight characteristics of jets. The Embraer Tucano for sale here arguably is the airplane that kicked off the modern era of military flight training. When it first flew in 1980 its looks were strikingly different from the trainers we were used to seeing. Today, many basic military trainers look a lot like the Tucano.

The attraction for private pilots is clear. With 1,100 hp the Tucano’s climb rate and cruise speed are well beyond most GA airplanes while its maneuverability can easily spark Top Gun dreams for everyday civilian aviators.    

This EMB-312 Tucano has 3,488 hours on the airframe, 2,360 hours on its Honeywell TR 331-12B engine since new, and 496 hours on its Hartzell propeller since overhaul.

The forward cockpit panel features a Garmin G500 avionics suite with GTN 750 GPS, Garmin SL 40 Nav/Com, L-3 Trilogy electronic standby instrument, TruTrak Sorcerer autopilot, GTX33ES transponder, GMA 35 audio panel, and  Electronics International MVP50 engine analyzer. The rear cockpit pane includes G500 avionics, GTN 750, GDL 69A, Sirius XM weather, L-3 Trilogy, and MVP50 engine analyzer.

Pilots interested in getting a taste of modern military flight training for future jet drivers should consider this 1990 Embraer EMB-312 Tucano, which is available for $1.35 million on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest FLYING stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox