Jim mentioned the Cermark Pitts. Thats the biplane that I fell in love with. Its a Dave Patrick design, which I am sure you know. After I flew this biplane I picked up the Carl Goldberg Ulltimante and scaled it up to 62 inches. The Ultimate came in at 15 lbs or 30 oz wing loading. Its a very good flying biplane, a Dave Patrick design. But it needs to be a little lighter. If I were to build it over again I know I could save 2 lbs.

I have been following the reports on the GP Christen Eagle. Including watching the video on the GP web page. My first impression is, well not much. Watching the video and reading some of the builders comments tells me that the GP Eagle may be a little heavy. I have read 18 to 20 lbs using a gas engine. This comes out to 29-32 oz wing loading.

My target weight for this Eagle is under 14 lbs with a Moki 210. This will be the same size CE as the GPCE, only the wing loading will be in the low 20's, 22-23 oz wing loading.

Dick is right, make it light and all else falls into place. I had one of his pattern planes years ago, it was light and flew great. Remember the Tipo Surpass?

tonyc