[1] The Magister was developed during the 1930s to Specification T.40/36, itself based on the existing Miles Hawk Trainer which had been ordered in small numbers.

Entering service barely a year before the start of the Second World War, the Magister became a key training aircraft.

During the war it was purchased in large numbers for the RAF, the Fleet Air Arm and various overseas military operators.

[4] The new type was broadly similar to the Hawk Trainer: the majority of the differences between the two pertained to the cockpit, which was enlarged and had numerous new features to better meet military training requirements.

During early flights the aircraft exhibited a tendency to spin; this problem was solved by several modifications, including elevating the tailplane by 6 in (15 cm), the fitting of anti-spin strakes to the rear fuselage and the adoption of a taller rudder.

[7] The Magister is largely built of wood, the fuselage consisting of a spruce structure with a plywood covering; similar materials were used for the three-piece wing and the tail unit.

[8][7] Power is provided by a 130 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major engine and the fuel is contained in a pair of tanks in the centre section.

[11] It readily enabled trainee pilots to safely learn the handling techniques of modern frontline fighter aircraft.

Its ease of handling and safety were attributes that were vigorously demonstrated by Frederick Miles performing stunts such as hands-free landings and formation flying while inverted.

[citation needed] Initially, production Magisters were supplied to flying clubs operated by the Straight Corporation, as well as to several overseas government customers.

[19] During the postwar years, many Magisters were exported to overseas customers, including private pilot owners and flying clubs.

Countries that purchased the type included Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Thailand and Tunisia.