John P
Member
I have been contemplating this project for some time, and have really appreciated the many detailed photos and descriptions by "Danielle" (Dakota Hawk , Belfast Maine) with her Dakota Hawk in this forum. That project doesn't show that it is completed on this Forum, but I have heard, if true, from Fisher Aircraft (the maker of the kits and plans) that her Dakota Hawk has been completed. I hope I am accurate in reporting that. At any rate, the workmanship in that project is very good.
I just received my plans from Fisher the other day, and have been reviewing them, and working on my construction table in our two-car garage, which I have now renamed "The Hangar." I should be able to park the plane in there in the winter months with the wings folded. But let's not get too far ahead yet.
This is a "plans only" project, with all parts but the specialty items to be scratch built. I build harps as a profession, we we have the woodworking equipment. We also have a small machine shop, which should be sufficient for the non-specialty Dakota Hawk metal parts.
I hope to be posting periodic progress reports and photos here. Feel free to message me with comments, corrections, etc.
Following is one of the more attractive, completed Dakota Hawk's I've seen. I don't recall where on the web I found it, but my compliments to the builder Sergey Riabsev.
Likewise I don't intend on installing wheel pants, as I may end up landing this thing in some desolate (but not too rough) places. Paul at Fisher Aircraft said larger tires up to about 24" diameter shouldn't affect the flying characteristics. I think I'll be putting on 21 in diameter tires--stock ones are 18" diameter.
Feb 3, 2014
John P
I just received my plans from Fisher the other day, and have been reviewing them, and working on my construction table in our two-car garage, which I have now renamed "The Hangar." I should be able to park the plane in there in the winter months with the wings folded. But let's not get too far ahead yet.
This is a "plans only" project, with all parts but the specialty items to be scratch built. I build harps as a profession, we we have the woodworking equipment. We also have a small machine shop, which should be sufficient for the non-specialty Dakota Hawk metal parts.
I hope to be posting periodic progress reports and photos here. Feel free to message me with comments, corrections, etc.
Following is one of the more attractive, completed Dakota Hawk's I've seen. I don't recall where on the web I found it, but my compliments to the builder Sergey Riabsev.
Likewise I don't intend on installing wheel pants, as I may end up landing this thing in some desolate (but not too rough) places. Paul at Fisher Aircraft said larger tires up to about 24" diameter shouldn't affect the flying characteristics. I think I'll be putting on 21 in diameter tires--stock ones are 18" diameter.
Feb 3, 2014
John P
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