The GP One looks nice in the sky On Sunday, Murray Hagen, the RAANZ test pilot, was keen to take advantage of the calmer weather. After taking off from his farm strip at Weir Road, he flew across to the Fiordland Aero Club at Manapouri Airport.
There he flew another four flights totalling 1.5 hours.
Many 'touch + go' landings and some low-speed flying.
I took lots of video footage, some of which is compiled into the YouTube clip below.
There he flew another four flights totalling 1.5 hours.
Many 'touch + go' landings and some low-speed flying.
I took lots of video footage, some of which is compiled into the YouTube clip below.
Quite a few local pilots took a look at the GP One. One guy arrived from an hour away. Everyone who has seen the GP One so far, including two RAANZ inspectors, the CAA inspector, an ex-RAF LAME and various microlight + LSA owners, has commented favourably on the aircraft. They are impressed by the standard of composite construction/finish/engine installation and the cockpit/instruments.
 GP One parked with a backdrop of Takitimu Mtns |  Murray Hagen doing his test flying work |  Murray Hagen (on right) after one of his test flights |  Bill Black, helicopter legend (30,000 hours logged), surveys the GP One |
Flying-wise, Murray likes the handling and performance of the GP One.
He found it has very light controls, good visibility, glides nicely and is very controllable at low approach speeds. Take-off distance at 75% power was quite short and it cruises around 102 knots.
He found it has very light controls, good visibility, glides nicely and is very controllable at low approach speeds. Take-off distance at 75% power was quite short and it cruises around 102 knots.
 Take-off from farm strip |  Good rate-of-climb at 75% power |  Landing at Te Anau Airport, near Lake Manapouri |  Taxiing back to Fiordland Aero Club |