Photograph:
Fly Synthesis Storch 450 24-4988 (c/n 361A-417) at Temora, NSW in 2012 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
Italy
Description:
Two-seat light touring aircraft
Power Plant:
One 60 kw (80 hp) Jabiru 2200 four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 8.71 m (28 ft 6½ in)
- Length: 5.75 m (18 ft 9 in)
- Height: 2.4 m (7 ft 9 in )
- Wing area: 11.5 m² (123.78 sq ft)
- Max speed: 215 km/h (134 mph)
- Cruising speed at 75% power: 159 km/h (99 mph)
- Stalling speed: 65 km/h (40 mph)
- Take-off run: 90 m(295 ft)
- Landing run: 130 m (427 ft)
- Max rate of climb: 240 m/min (787 ft/min)
- Fuel capacity: 60 litres (13.2 Imp gals)
- Empty weight: 248 kg (547 lb)
- Useful load: 197 kg (434 lb)
- Loaded weight: 450 kg (992 lb)
History:
The Fly Synthesis Storch was one of a new breed of ultralight aircraft produced in Italy for the recreational aircraft market. It was a cantilever high-wing aircraft that could be built from a kit or supplied in completed form. More than 400 examples have been sold around the world, many for operation in the training role. The manufacturer stated “its cantilever wing design allows helicopter views and is very forgiving in unstable air”. It had STOL characteristics and seated two side-by-side in adjustable seats.
The Storch was fitted with dual flight controls and standard features included a four-point harness, two 30 litre (6.6 Imp gals) fuel tanks in the wings, flaperons, and mass weight balanced controls. It could be fitted with amphibious floats, being able to take off on water in 65 m (213 ft) and land in 145 m (476 ft). For durability all external metallic parts were either made from marine grade alloys, or stainless steel. The Storch also had folding wings for storage and transport.
First example of the Storch HSJ arrived in Australia in mid 2005, first being registered under Recreational Aviation Australia (RAA) Regulations as 24-4258 but later being registered VH-VFL (c/n 297A-353) to Fly Synthesis Australia of Donnybrook, VIC in August 2005.
First of the series in New Zealand was ZK-FOS (c/n 322A-378) which registered to the Northern Wairoa Aero Club of Dargaville in February 2006.