Project News

This month, the New Projects list at the end of this column is looking much healthier than it did last month, with 11 varied types being registered. This is worthy of note because last month there were none, a situation I’ve never known before, but it looks as if order has now been fully restored.

It has been a long road to the goal of flight from the waters of Lake Windermere, but finally in early June the team behind the replica Avro-Curtiss Waterbird achieved their dream. Francis Donaldson was there in person to witness this great achievement, and has a report that follows the trials and tribulations in dealing with the finer points of hydrodynamics, when it comes to being able to break free from the surface of the water.

A project is a project, it doesn’t have to be the latest whiz bang kit or a part of one. Restoring a vintage aircraft is possibly a bigger task than many modern kits, especially if period fit and authenticity is to be achieved. Steve Barratt tells the tale of what he describes as a most remarkable example of Tiger Moth, Dorothy, whose colours and identity was recreated following the lengthy restoration of his group's own Tiger Moth.

Finally, a glimpse at some future tech, as the LAA announces it is to collaborate with UK company Skyfly for its Axe personal eVTOL aircraft. An exciting project, with some clever design, it gives a glimpse into the future for some LAA projects, as designers consider different ways to fly along with battery and hybrid technology.

To get in touch with Project News, and tell your story, report a milestone or just to send a picture, email: projectnews@laa.uk.com Please share your story!