|
Larry Mauro, one of the pioneers of ultralight aircraft and the
designer of the "Easy Riser" hang glider has teamed up with Bill Lishman
AKA "Fath er
Goose.” Lishman gained fame in the late 80's using an Easy Riser to lead
flocks of geese. His autobiography "Father Goose" was the inspiration
behind the Columbia Pictures film "Fly Away Home."
The two pioneer ultralight flyers will produce a limited edition of
replica Easy Risers of the exact same design originally used by Lishman in
his goose-flight experiments and as seen in Lishman’s award winning
documentary C'mon Geese and also in Columbia Pictures hit film Fly Away
Home. The original design by Mauro was modified by Lishman to greatly
strengthen the craft and make it a practical flyer.
Lishman and Mauro had spoken on the phone over the years but first met
in person at Airventure ‘99 in Oshkosh this past August. Mauro was quite
taken with Lishman’s modifications, which include a clear wing covering
and polished aluminum leading edge. The combination of polished metal
ribs and the clear polyester covering gives the craft a look that combines
modern technology with the bi-wing shape that is reminiscent of a Wright
flyer.
|
Empty Weight: |
80 lbs. |
| Gross Weight: |
280 lbs. |
| Wing Span: |
30 ft. |
| Wing Area: |
. |
| Engine: |
Mac 101 |
| Cruise Speed: |
25/30 mph. |
| Stall Speed: |
15 mph. |
| VNE: |
. |
| Construction: |
Alum tube/mylar |
| Building time: |
400 hrs. |
Unlike the early Easy Riser ultralights, these modifications include an
elevator, eliminating weight shift control. Lishman says the under
two-hundred pound craft is a great flyer that can be soared like a glider
and is so agile that only a quick goose can out- turn it. It meets all
the requirements of a true Far 103 Ultralight.
The plan is to only sell completed and test-flown aircraft with Mauro
and Lishman personally signing each unit. Each craft will come complete
with trailer, wing covers, and checkout instruction. Only twenty-five
craft will be produced and part of the income from the joint venture will
help support Operation Migration Inc.
Operation Migration is the non-profit organization co-founded by
Lishman which plans to lead a flock of Whooping cranes by ultralight
aircraft on a new migration route with the hopes of establishing a second
(insurance) flock of this highly endangered bird.
More information is available at
http://fathergoose.durham.net |
