So, the Flair Patriot. Not quite what I was expecting when I bought it about 6 years ago. I was expecting it to be a faster, more aerobatic, and on the whole, different to the Harvard. Well, it is a litlle faster, and a little more manoueverable, but feels more or less identical. But what about the looks? Well, it is not much compared to some of the more modern looking models, but as a 1930's aerobat style, it looks wonderful.
This particular model has only ever had a handful of flights but recently got it back to flyable condition again as it was being wasted sat on the shelf in our shed.
Originally powered by a new (at the time) Super Custom 53 (Since seized turning a 10X6 at 18000+ rpm), it now makes do with the MDS 48 from my Morley Maverick (shaft run in the helicopter when the gear went along with all the load being put on the motor...must ahve been doint at least 35000 rpm!) which still turns an 11X6 at around 12000 rpm (guesswork!), and one of the bearings sounds shot to hell!. It will not win any prophanging competitions.
The paper dash actually looks quite convincing in the large expanse of canopy space, as do the the pilot's bright green headphones.
