From: 102251.1436@compuserve.com
>Date: Sun, 22 Oct 1995 12:21:37 -0400
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>Aircraft Survives Landing on One Main Gear at West Texas Airport.
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>In the late afternoon sun of October 9, a hushed group gathered on the ramp
at West Texas Airport as the small aircraft overhead reduced power in an
attempt to make a landing on one main landing gear. Members of EAA Chapter
125 watched as the small aircraft turned final, reduced power, and glided to
a feather light landing on the one main gear that was extended. The
aircraft's speed bled off as it came to a stop in front of the parking area
and stayed upright. Of course, this aircraft, called an Europa, has only one
main gear.
>The Europa, a kit plane constructed and designed in England, was piloted by
the marketing team of Roger Sheridan, from the U.K., and his "chum" Bob, a
Floridian. Europa G-ELSA, the only flying example in the United States, was
on it's way to Copperstate and made a stop in El Paso to allow EAA chapter
members a first hand look at this unique aircraft. While answering a myriad
of questions posed by EAA members, Bob and Roger demonstrated the less than
5-minute procedure for removing the wings and horizontal stabilizers, making
the aircraft ready for trailering or a limited storage area.
>The sleek example that flew into West Texas was powered by a turbocharged
914 Rotax which gulps down 4 GPH while delivering around 150 MPH at cruise.
Roger explained that this comfortable and roomy, aerobatic 2-place
speedster, is stressed for 6.8 Gs positive. Roger and Bob, hosted by
chapter 125, spent the evening in El Paso and tasted some of the areas fine
Mexican cuisine. The next morning, the Europa crew was again answering
questions concerning their unusual aircraft. By noon, after a few minor
adjustments to the ground adjustable carbon fiber propeller, Roger and Bob
fired up the Rotax and following a short takeoff run, were on their way to
the Copperstate Fly-In.
>More information and pictures of this remarkable aircraft are available in
the August issue of Sport Aviation or by contacting Europa Aviation, 3400
Airfield Drive West, Lakeland, FL 33811, 914/647-5355.
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