Photograph:
Canadian registered Fisher FP-303 Coupe (Author’s collection)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Single-seat light sport monoplane
Power Plant:
One 21 kw (28 hp) Rotax 277 single-cylinder, two-cycle, air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 8.47 m (27 ft 8 in)
- Length: 5.02 m (16 ft 6 in)
- Height: 1.58 m (5 ft 2 in)
- Wing area: 10.31 m² (111 sq ft)
- Never exceed speed: 113 km/h (70 mph)
- Max speed: 97 km/h (60 mph)
- Max cruising speed at 65% power: 80 km/h (50 mph)
- Stalling speed: 40 km/h (25 mph)
- Rate of climb at sea level: 229 m/min (750 ft/min)
- Take-off run: 38 m (125 ft)
- Landing run: 38 m (125 ft)
- Empty weight: 107 kg (235 lb)
- Useful load: 98 kg (215 lb)
- Loaded weight: 204 kg (450 lb)
History:
The Fisher FP-303 Coupe was designed by Fisher Flying Products of Edgeley, North Dakota, as a low-cost ultralight, being designed by Fisher’s chief engineer as an ‘inexpensive, yet a joy to fly, aircraft’. With a low-wing and an open cockpit it was of geodetic wood construction. The engineers created a computer program to assist in designing and analysing the geodetic structure so that the FP-303 would meet utility category load standards for certified light aircraft. The airframe was simplified and the designers replaced many parts with structurally sound but less costly materials.
Engine usually installed was the 21 kw (28 hp) Rotax 277 with a geared reduction drive, tuned exhaust and propeller (1.52 m – 60 in diameter) dampener to produce smooth operation. It has been described as easy for the first time builder to assemble. Virtually all material necessary to build the aircraft was supplied with the kit.
A few examples have been completed in this region, including 10-0250 (c/n 3058) registered on 17 June 1988; 10-0133 (c/n 3098) registered 19 May 1993; 10-4529 (c/n BS01) registered on 10 January 2006 with a KFM-107 engine; and 10-0259 with a Rotax 277 engine.