I have seen a video and some posts throughout the web stating that the Great Planes Christen Eagle is prone to having an upper wing failure due to the weak aluminum cabane struts; especially with a powerful 50cc like my da-50 that was just installed on this bird. Has anyone had the same problem? If so, were you able to fix or purchase aftermarket struts? I was thinking about purchasing the Sullivan flying wire kit to help support the wing considering the flying wire kit that was included is cheap and fairly brittle. Does anyone think the Sullivan kit could help reduce the load off of the struts? I am finishing up the engine break in and plan on having the maiden flight in the coming weeks and this information I have read makes me a little uneasy to say the least.

Another option is to just remove the premade aluminum cabanes and copy them to a sheet of T-6 and bend a set of replacement cabanes. Or you could do the old fashion way and build them out of 3/16" music wire with silver soldered lugs on the ends.

Hi Ryan........am sending this in hopes of it getting to you.........I have the retracts for sale, and will accept the $250 offer, but the new website is not allowing me to respond normally........so ring me if you can at 970-846-8800.......Paul Jarvis

I might add I thought the problem was the hard points for strut attachment were balsa.. or bad lite ply.. not good solid wood.

I had a friend that lost a GP Christian Eagle the first flight to this ! I might add I have two more friends that own this plane and theirs seem to be vibrating glue joints apart all the time.

Hi I'm not trying to retire away from issue but I've got Christian Eagle fullwood kit with fiberglass cowl for sale if you should know anybody that would be interested..Michaels...(734)895-1913