Photograph:
Fisher Classic 19-1097 (c/n DD1) at Cessnock, NSW in September 2018 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
Canada
Description:
Two-seat light sport biplane
Power Plant:
One 48 kw (64 hp) Rotax 582 two-cylinder, two-stroke, horizontally-opposed liquid-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 6.71 m (22 ft)
- Length: 5.11 m (16 ft 9 in)
- Height: 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Wing area: 14.32 m² (154 sq ft)
- Never exceed speed: 161 km/h (100 mph)
- Max speed: 146 km/h (90 mph)
- Cruising speed: 130 km/h (80 mph)
- Stalling speed: 63 km/h (39 mph)
- Rate of climb: 183 m/min (600 ft/min)
- Service ceiling: 3,048 m (10,000 ft)
- Range: 362 km (225 miles)
- Empty weight: 181 kg (400 lb)
- Useful load: 204 kg (450 lb)
- Loaded weight: 385 kg (850 lb)
History:
The Fisher Classic was one of a range of ultralight aircraft produced in Canada in kit form by Fisher Flying Products and has been marketed by the Company from Edgeley, North Dakota, USA the first example making its first flight in 1987.
The Fisher Classic, also known as the Fisher R-80 Golden Age Biplane, was designed to meet American Experimental – Amateur-built category regulations and also qualified to meet ultralight regulations in some countries.
Construction was of wood, the wings, tail and fuselage being covered with fabric. The aircraft had interplane struts, four ailerons and a semi-symmetrical aerofoil. It was developed from the Fisher FP-404 series but did not have flaps. It had a fixed tailwheel undercarriage which was bungee suspended. Specified engine was the 48 kw (65 hp) Rotax 582 but others in that power range could be installed, eg the Rotax 618.
A few examples have been completed in this region, including 19-3445 (c/n 132), 19-3412 (c/n 131) and 19-1097 (c/n DD1), registered with Recreational Aviation Australia (RAA).