Microlight Aircraft of New Zealand - Pterodactyls (4) - Ascenders of 1983

The 1983 registered Pterodactyl Ascenders were mainly the original single seat models but there was one Ascender II and one interesting Ascender II+2.  The Ascender II+ was an improved single seater for larger pilots with larger tube spars for the wing that was introduced in the US in1982.  The Ascender II+2 was a two seat version with an off centre side seat and frame for the second crew member that was removable, and there was a counter weight on the opposite wingtip to the second seat, to balance the aircraft..

There were 13 Pterodactyl Ascenders registered here in 1983 as follows:

This aircraft was the prototype Pterodactyl Ascender II+2 that was built in the US by Jack McCornack and imported into New Zealand for a film called "Flying Light" that was filmed around Sweetwaters in 1983 and for which Jack McCornack came here to take part in.  The film was completed and distributed.

This is a photo of Jack McCornack flying in New Zealand (it must be in ZK-FFH) and the photo shows how the second seat was slung alongside the pilot in the Ascender II+2 and the control stick was in the centre.

This is another interesting Ascender as Bruce Reay flew it extensively around South Westland and Fiordland, mostly on floats.  I will cover some of his adventures in a later post.

In the meantime, if any readers have photos of any of the above aircraft that we do not have photos of, please send them in and I will add them to the post.