Fisher Flyer

Fisher Flyer
Role	Ultralight aircraft
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Lite Flite
Designer	Michael E. Fisher
First flight	July 1980
Introduction	1980
Number built	1
Developed from	UFM Easy Riser

Last updated November 28, 2024

The Fisher Flyer was a single seat tricycle landing gear biplane ultralight aircraft, which was first flown by Michael Fisher in July 1980. It was the first aircraft designed by Fisher and became the first of more than 3500 Fisher aircraft flying by 2007.^[1]^[2]

Development

The Flyer was specifically designed to meet the requirements of the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles category, which was under regulatory consideration at the time the aircraft was built. These requirements included a maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg).

The aircraft was a conventional single-seat ultralight, featuring wings sourced from the Easy Riser hang glider. However, the fuselage and tail were of original design. The airframe structure was of aluminum tube, covered with aircraft fabric. The landing gear was of a fixed tricycle configuration.^[1]

The Flyer was fitted with a 30 hp (22 kW) Zenoah engine. The aircraft had an empty weight of 240 lb (109 kg) and a gross weight of 420 lb (191 kg), giving a useful load of just 180 lb (82 kg)^[1]

Operational history

Only one Flyer was built and, because FAR Part 103 was not in effect yet, the aircraft was registered as an Experimental – Amateur-built. As of October 2009 the aircraft is no longer registered with the FAA.^[3]

Specifications (Flyer)

Data from Janes All the Worlds Aircraft 1982–83^[1]

General characteristics

Crew: one
Length: 14 ft 0 in (4.27 m)
Wingspan: 26 ft 0 in (7.92 m)
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Empty weight: 240 lb (109 kg)
Gross weight: 420 lb (191 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Zenoah two-stroke engine, 30 hp (22 kW)

Performance

Cruise speed: 45 mph (72 km/h, 39 kn)

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References

1 2 3 4 Taylor, John WR: Janes All the Worlds Aircraft 1982–83 page 642, Janes Publishing Company, 1982. ISBN 0-7106-0748-2
↑ Experimental Aircraft Association (May 2007). "End Of An Era For Fisher Flying Products". Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
↑ Federal Aviation Administration (October 2009). "FAA REGISTRY – Make / Model Inquiry Results" . Retrieved October 31, 2009.

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[Janes8283-1] 1 2 3 4 Taylor, John WR: Janes All the Worlds Aircraft 1982–83 page 642, Janes Publishing Company, 1982. ISBN 0-7106-0748-2

[EAA2007-2] Experimental Aircraft Association (May 2007). "End Of An Era For Fisher Flying Products". Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2009.

[FAAReg-3] Federal Aviation Administration (October 2009). "FAA REGISTRY – Make / Model Inquiry Results" . Retrieved October 31, 2009.

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