Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 29, 2006 12:29:27 GMT 12
I have just got hold of an April 1979 copy of NZ Wings magazine, and it details the first flight of the NZAI Cresco prototype ZK-LTP from Rukuhia (Hamilton Airport). I like it especially as it has local connections and my late friend Pat Monk involved.
"Cresco Exceeds Expectations
The last day of February was marked by the first flight of the NZ Aerospace Cresco, flown by company test pilot John Muir accompanied by Chief Designer Pat Monk.
The impressive short distance takeoff from Rukuhia was almost as newsworthy as the return to earth - through three farm fences at Whitehall, Cambridge.
Deteriorating weather plus power loss to the AVCO-Lycoming turbine due to a broken fuel line necesitated a precautionary landing.
No significant damage resulted and the Cresco was flown outthe following day. Further flight tests have followed with the aircraft surpassing John Muir's expectations as to manoeuvrability and responsiveness.
Development has cost the Hamilton based company around $250,000, and a further $100,000 is scheduled to be expended before the first production Cresco takes shape.
An initial batch of five are to be built, with the first one due to fly late this year. From that point the aim is to complete one Cresco every six weeks as well as increasing the production rate of the now standardised FU24-954 Fletcher. A number of NZ agricultural operators have been following the trial with interest and if the reaction of the American AVCO-Lycoming representative is anything to go by then NZ Aerospace have a winner."
"Cresco Exceeds Expectations
The last day of February was marked by the first flight of the NZ Aerospace Cresco, flown by company test pilot John Muir accompanied by Chief Designer Pat Monk.
The impressive short distance takeoff from Rukuhia was almost as newsworthy as the return to earth - through three farm fences at Whitehall, Cambridge.
Deteriorating weather plus power loss to the AVCO-Lycoming turbine due to a broken fuel line necesitated a precautionary landing.
No significant damage resulted and the Cresco was flown outthe following day. Further flight tests have followed with the aircraft surpassing John Muir's expectations as to manoeuvrability and responsiveness.
Development has cost the Hamilton based company around $250,000, and a further $100,000 is scheduled to be expended before the first production Cresco takes shape.
An initial batch of five are to be built, with the first one due to fly late this year. From that point the aim is to complete one Cresco every six weeks as well as increasing the production rate of the now standardised FU24-954 Fletcher. A number of NZ agricultural operators have been following the trial with interest and if the reaction of the American AVCO-Lycoming representative is anything to go by then NZ Aerospace have a winner."
