|
Heard too many dreadful stories about the dangers of
tailwheel-induced ground loops? Well then, the Fisher flock
has something good for you. The FP-606 is their only model
available in the tricycle-gear configuration (in addition to
the tailwheel configuration).
Modeled after the Cessna 150/152
family of training aircraft, the 606 won the EAA's Best New
Design Award for lightplanes in 1988. The craft, touted as a
"pilot's plane," needs only 150' for takeoff (and
landing). The Rotax 277 propels it along at 60 mph in cruise
with a top level speed of 65 mph.
| Wing Span
28.83 ft. |
Range
130 sm |
|
Wing Area
116.0 sq. ft. |
Takeoff Dist .
125 ft. |
|
Length
17.33 ft. |
Landing Dist .
175 ft. |
|
Max Gross Wt . 500 lbs. |
VNE
65 mph |
|
Empty Wt .
250 lbs. |
Cruise
55 mph |
|
Fuel Capacity
5 gal. |
Stall
26 mph |
|
Seats 1 |
Climb Rate 800 fpm |
|
Cabin Width
22 in. |
|
Engine
28-50 hp |
Construction Wood, Fabric |
|
Plans Available |
Est. Bldg. Time
250 hrs. |
The FP-606 is a cute little rascal that offers easy
entry/exit access as well as very "airplane like"
surroundings... like a 150 that has been shrunk at the Disney
Studios or something. The bird offers near-idiot-proof ground
handling with fairly adaptive shock absorption properties.
Overall control response is respectable for its mild manners
and decent authority, without any hair-raising surprises.
Stability profiles are fairly positive in pitch and somewhat
positive in roll... with a wing that offers a fair amount of
adverse yaw easily countered by a powerful rudder that really
dominates the airplane's control arrangement.
The beast is
easy to land, needing only a very pitch-positive flare to
produce a pretty touchdown... even if done just a mite too
high. Yup, it's that forgiving. And yes, this critter has a
very docile stall regime that defies bad manners or undue
autorotation and will handle a surprising amount of crosswind
(I tried it with 12 knots and had control to spare)...
particularly suitable for new and/or under confident pilots.
The cabin dimensions are reasonable at 22" wide, with
36" of headroom and 40" of legroom. The wing is 116
square feet and 28'10" long. Another neat feature of this
design is its steerable nosewheel. Build time is estimated at
300 to 500 hours of wood-and-fabric work.
Fisher Flying Products FP-606 Sky Baby
 ZOOM REPORT: A wooden Cessna 150? Sure looks that
way! I was pleased with how well this aircraft flew on a
gusty, rowdy day. The cabin is reasonably roomy for a
single-place and the bird is too cute to ignore. The FP-606
boasts exceptional ground handling manners... one of the best
of the lot.
USA Aircraft Ratings: Fisher Flying Products FP-606
- Design/Engineering: B-. Tried-and-true wood building
holds up well!
- Ground Handling: B+.
- Flight Characteristics: B.
- Company Profile: B+. Fisher is progressing in an
impressive manner.
- Kit/Plans: B-.
- Bang for the Buck: B+. Well suited to first-time
builders.
- Risk Factor: 3.
- Final Grade: B+. Fun flyer! Recommended.
The above courtesy of: http://www.av8r.net/issues/march96/top12.htm |
