tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6172387939495342053.post47687264649816338..comments2024-03-29T00:19:45.034+13:00Comments on NZ Civil Aircraft: American Eaglets of New ZealandUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6172387939495342053.post-50868978945151649712015-11-22T11:19:58.599+13:002015-11-22T11:19:58.599+13:00These were interesting gliders. I test flew GOK a...These were interesting gliders. I test flew GOK at Hobsonville and also GOJ, although sadly during early test flying OJ went into a yaw-lock situation due to the slightly higher canopy profile changing the yaw stability of the glider. It was landed successfully but due to the extreme yaw angle on touchdown extensive damage was done to the undercarriage, canopy and wingtips and the owner lost confidence in the design, which probably rubbed off on OH's builder as well.<br />Both of these gliders were fitted with McCullough 101 engines but these were never tested in flight and would not have had the power to launch off the grass airfield.<br />The American Eaglet was a radical attempt to bring an affordable, microlight self-launching glider to the marketplace, and although it was beset with quirks and problems, I am sure these could have been solved, especially with the technology we have today.dbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379667751713511786noreply@blogger.com