I would like to say I was inspired and just wanted to share this story and updates with you ! … but the truth is it was Andy Johnson who will be the pilot that reminded me that it was part of the LMA ethos to share these sorts of projects and he is correct so better late than never.
About 8 years ago I was quite taken by some pictures I read in one of those monthly aircraft magazines which gave details and photographs of the Pucara and remembered the bad press it received during the Falklands war.
I since learned its poor record was based partly due to the sabotage and bombings on the ground of most of the fleet to ensure that air combat was avoided against our own forces. Having spoken to aircraft engineers who evaluated the captured stock it seems it was a pretty awesome threat and good flying machine but fortunately neutralised at the time.
So you either love it or hate it.
A tricky wee bit was the flap construction.
At some stage the whole structure starts to get a feeling of strength and after a patient number of hours the result starts to show.