[2] It was a single-engined, conventional low-wing cabin monoplane, built of spruce with a plywood covering, initially a two-seater in tandem layout.

It had a manually operated retractable tailwheel undercarriage, leading edge slats and slotted flaps, giving it good short-field performance in spite of its high wing loading compared to contemporary aircraft in this class.

When the Second World War started, the aircraft were repainted from dark grey to a brown and green camouflage scheme but retained civilian registration markings.

[6] The Parnall 382 was a newly designed two-seat open cockpit trainer, with some Heck components to meet Air Ministry Specification T.1/37.

The aircraft had just come seventh in the King's Cup Race at Wolverhampton's Pendeford airfield with a speed of 159 mph (256 km/h) when a landing civil Supermarine Spitfire hit the rear of the Heck.