Aircraft [AESL Airtourer 115 "Miss Jacy" ZK-CXU]
Maker and role
Aero Engine Services Limited, Manufacturer
Production date
1969
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2005.74
Production period
Description
Small, single-engine, low wing monoplane constructed of aluminium skin (pop riveted) and fibreglass fairings. The total length is 21 feet with a wingspan of 26 feet.
Two seats, side by side.
The aeroplane is powered by a Lycoming, 4-cylinder engine which normally develops 115 HP at full throttle.
The aeroplane has a fixed tricycle undercarriage with 5" tubeless tyres, normally 26 psi, but kept inflated to 35 psi owing to heavy overloading. Fixed pitch propeller.
Normal maximum all-up weight: 1,650 lbs., but increased to 2,000 lbs. for extra fuel.
Fuel capacity: Normal 30 Imperial gallons (132 litres), increased to 77 gallons.
Maximum fuel quantity: 340 litres.
Fuel consumption at 2,400 rpm: 5 gallons per hour.
Fuel Grade: Normally 80/87, but up to 115/145 used on flight.
Maximum speed at sea level: 143 mph/124 knots/230 kph.
Maximum cruise speed at 4,000 feet: 131 mph/114 knots/211 kph.
Two seats, side by side.
The aeroplane is powered by a Lycoming, 4-cylinder engine which normally develops 115 HP at full throttle.
The aeroplane has a fixed tricycle undercarriage with 5" tubeless tyres, normally 26 psi, but kept inflated to 35 psi owing to heavy overloading. Fixed pitch propeller.
Normal maximum all-up weight: 1,650 lbs., but increased to 2,000 lbs. for extra fuel.
Fuel capacity: Normal 30 Imperial gallons (132 litres), increased to 77 gallons.
Maximum fuel quantity: 340 litres.
Fuel consumption at 2,400 rpm: 5 gallons per hour.
Fuel Grade: Normally 80/87, but up to 115/145 used on flight.
Maximum speed at sea level: 143 mph/124 knots/230 kph.
Maximum cruise speed at 4,000 feet: 131 mph/114 knots/211 kph.
Brief History
This aircraft is a small single-engined touring aircraft, flown around the world by New Zealander Cliff Tait in 1969.
Airtourers were designed in Australia and initially manufactured there, however between 1967 and 1973 Airtourers were built exclusively in Hamilton, New Zealand by Aero Engine Services Limited. At the time, New Zealanders were worried that Britain joining the European Common Market would have an effect on New Zealand businesses. So Cliff Tait decided to carry out the flight in order to promote New Zealand and the Airtourer to the world.
Cliff had learnt to fly in an Airtourer at the local aero club. He managed to purchase this aircraft himself by increasing his mortgage and using a loan from his employer. Fuel and living costs were paid for by a benefactor in London. Leaving Hamilton on 12 May 1969, he made the 30,500 mile (49,084 km) trip in 284 hours. Despite a range of challenges including mechanical problems, bureaucratic difficulties, and poor weather conditions, he returned safe and sound to Hamilton on 1 August 1969.
This aircraft broke several records while undertaking the flight. It was the smallest single-engined aircraft, the first New Zealand-built aircraft, and the first aircraft flown by an amateur pilot to fly around the world. All of these records have since been surpassed.
Date: 1969
Manufacturer: Aero Engine Service Ltd, Hamilton
Type: Light low wing monoplane touring aircraft
Wing span: 7.92 m
Length: 6.33 m
Engine: One Lycoming 115 HP 0-235 engine
Accommodation: Pilot and one passenger
Airtourers were designed in Australia and initially manufactured there, however between 1967 and 1973 Airtourers were built exclusively in Hamilton, New Zealand by Aero Engine Services Limited. At the time, New Zealanders were worried that Britain joining the European Common Market would have an effect on New Zealand businesses. So Cliff Tait decided to carry out the flight in order to promote New Zealand and the Airtourer to the world.
Cliff had learnt to fly in an Airtourer at the local aero club. He managed to purchase this aircraft himself by increasing his mortgage and using a loan from his employer. Fuel and living costs were paid for by a benefactor in London. Leaving Hamilton on 12 May 1969, he made the 30,500 mile (49,084 km) trip in 284 hours. Despite a range of challenges including mechanical problems, bureaucratic difficulties, and poor weather conditions, he returned safe and sound to Hamilton on 1 August 1969.
This aircraft broke several records while undertaking the flight. It was the smallest single-engined aircraft, the first New Zealand-built aircraft, and the first aircraft flown by an amateur pilot to fly around the world. All of these records have since been surpassed.
Date: 1969
Manufacturer: Aero Engine Service Ltd, Hamilton
Type: Light low wing monoplane touring aircraft
Wing span: 7.92 m
Length: 6.33 m
Engine: One Lycoming 115 HP 0-235 engine
Accommodation: Pilot and one passenger
Marks
ZK-CXU Sticker
AESL AIR TOURER 115 Sticker
The / world of / NOBLE LOWNDES Sticker
CHAMPION Sticker
"MISS JACY" / NEW ZEALAND Sticker
NZ / A R / T / ZL1AKI Sticker
HAMILTON / CITY / COUNCIL Logo
NEW / ZEALAND / MADE Logo
AESL AIR TOURER 115 Sticker
The / world of / NOBLE LOWNDES Sticker
CHAMPION Sticker
"MISS JACY" / NEW ZEALAND Sticker
NZ / A R / T / ZL1AKI Sticker
HAMILTON / CITY / COUNCIL Logo
NEW / ZEALAND / MADE Logo
Collection
Credit Line
Aero Engine Services Limited. 1969. Aircraft [AESL Airtourer 115 "Miss Jacy" ZK-CXU], 2005.74. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Public comments
Kia ora Markus, Thank you for your comment.
- MOTAT Curatorial Research posted 11 months ago.
I had a few hours training on this aircraft a long time ago
- Markus Stirnemann posted 11 months ago.