TYPE: Tandem-seat kitbuilt.
PROGRAMME: Design work started August 1992 and construction of proof-of-concept aircraft (with Continental A-80-8 engine) began 1993, latter first flown (N10CY) May 1994; prototype (N20CY; designated John Doe Spirit and with Continental IO-240B engine) first flown April 1997 and later fitted with LOM M132A, with which first flown May 1998 as part of two-year test programme. First production aircraft (N30CY) first flown March 2002; kit deliveries began immediately.
CUSTOMERS: Two flying by mid-2003.
COSTS: Kit US$19,500 without coverings, instruments of power plant (2003); estimated cost to first flight US$35,000.
DESIGN FEATURES: Designed for operation from 'bush' airstrips; many repairs can be carried out 'off base'. Ribs replaceable without removing wing. Quoted build time 450 hours.
FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Ailerons and flaps are interchangeable, as are elevators and rudders. Patented flap/aileron machanism allows ailerons to droop progressively (8, 15 and 22°) as three-position flaps (15, 25 and 40°) are lowered. Slats and stall fences also fitted to reduce stall speeds further. Stabiliser incidence variable.
STRUCTURE: Fabric-covered welded 4130 steel tube fuselage and two-spar 6061-T6 aluminium I-beam wing; nose area metal panelled. High wing, with Horton tips, supported by two streamline 6061-T6 V-struts.
LANDING GEAR: Tailwheel type; fixed. Sprungsteel suspension. Cleveland wheels and disc brakes. Mainwheel tyre size 8.50-6. Maule tailwheel. Welded attachment points for floats are standard.
POWER PLANT: One 89.5 kW (120 hp) LOM 132A driving a fixed-pitch IVO V-231 three-blade propeller; alternatively a 93 kW (125 hp) Teledyne Continental IO-240B flat-four or 74.6 kW (100 hp) Teledyne Continental O-200 can be fitted; design will accept other engines in the 48.5 to 119 kW (65 to 160 hp) range. Fuel capacity 98 litres (26.0 US gallons; 21.7 Imp gallons) in two wing tanks.
ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and passenger in tandem; can be flown solo from rear seat. Upward-hinged Lexan doors fitted on both sides of fuselage.