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| Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo |
The Aero Experience coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016 experimental aircraft continues with variations on another theme - high-wing designs. The high-wing design adds stability and good slow-speed handling to many homebuilt aircraft types, from the vintage Pietenpol to the newest kits. Our brief alphabetical survey shows how high-wing designs can serve many missions.
Bearhawk Quick-Build LSA
The Bearhawk LSA kit provides an aircraft that weighs under 800lbs empty and provides significant lifting ability and fuel efficiency. A large cockpit and open windows provide a comfortable and scenic view of the landscape.
Magnaghi Aeronautica Sky Arrow 650T Kit
The kit version of the all-composite Sky Arrow is one of several main models of this multi-role LSA. The aircraft is adaptable to missions requiring good visibility and aerial sensor work. The aircraft has been configured by Able Flight for hand controlled flight for disabled pilots.
Montana Coyote STOL
The Montana Coyote STOL is 1990s-era design that is no longer in production.
Murphy Moose
The Murphy Aircraft Manufacturing Company Ltd. produces seven models, including the Moose. The Moose is a versatile bush plane that can adopt various engines and even floats. Various kits are available, including fast-build and sub-kit options.
Pietenpol Air Camper
The Air Camper is a late 1920s design from Bernard Pietenpol. The aircraft plans were made available in four issues of Modern Mechanics in 1931, and several engines of the time were adaptable to the final product (especially Ford Model T and Model A engines). The simple structure was meant for those with basic carpentry skills, though a steel tube fuselage construction model was offered.
Pipistrel Virus
Pipestrel USA markets the Yugoslavian design in quick built kit form as well as factory-built LSA models. The design demonstrates extreme efficiency and reflects the type's glider heritage.
Pober Pixie
The Pober Pixie was designed by Paul Poberezny and is a conventional steel tube and spruce aircraft covered in Poly-Fiber. It is meant for the beginning builder, and can use the VW or Continental A-65 engine. Plans are available from Acro Sport.
Rans S-7S
The Rans S-7S Courier comes in quick-build, no welding kits that are delivered in major aircraft section shipments. Multiple options are available with the Courier and the other Rans models, and customers can also choose from the Ready to Fly inventory.
Progressive Aerodyne Searey
The Searey amphibian comes in LSA and kit form. The cabin is designed for crew comfort and meaningful cargo capacity. The design has been in production since the early 1990s and current models are being marketed in Asia as well.
Joe Spencer's SS-1
The SS-1 is an original design by aircraft builder Joe Spencer which takes design ideas from several vintage and current aircraft types. The design is subject to change, and several engines and tail designs have been used. This one-of-a-kind aircraft was on display for several days.
