Flight Testing of the Southern Cross Replica Aircraft
Abstract
Aircraft Research and Development Unit was tasked to carry out the test flying of a replica of the 1926 Fokker Tri-Motor as flown by Australian aviation pioneer, Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith. The purpose of the test programme was, firstly, to ensure safe operation of the aircraft throughout its proposed flight envelope and, secondly, to provide data to allow the issue of a Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly. The trial included a cockpit and systems assessment as well as an evaluation of the aircraft's flight and ground handling characteristics. Airborne assessments covered stability and control characteristics, stall characteristics, general aircraft performance, asymmetric power characteristics and an evaluation of the aircraft's take-off and landing performance and handling. The flight characteristics of the test aircraft were found to be similar to those expected from an original Fokker VIIb-3M. Consequently, the aircraft could not meet some modern certification requirements. Notwithstanding this the aircraft was found to be generally safe and airworthy provided it was operated by experienced pilots in daylight Visual Meteorological Conditions and that the main recommendations of this report are adopted. Australia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA205303
Entities
People
- N. G. Coulson