Fike Model E N1408Z

[Graham Banham]

Hi,

I'm new here, so apologies if i've kicked this thread off in the wrong place. I'm wondering if anyone could help out with photos of the original Fike E N1408Z, preferably in it's 1971 cowled form?

I have the '71 Sport Aviation containing an article on the aircraft, but good photos seem scarce.

Many thanks

Graham
EAA Member #1077183

[Floatsflyer]

Graham,

Obscure but challenging. If you go to google and click on images, and type in "fike aircraft" you'll find some pictures although I have no idea if they are the model you're looking for. William J. Fike was the designer/builder. In the 70's he wrote a book,"Practical Lightplane Design & Construction", perhaps pictures are in it. The book may still be available through EAA merchandise or Amazon. Mr. Fike, if still with us, lives in either Anchorage or Salt Lake City according to some research. Try 411.com to contact. Good Luck!

[Garth Elliot]

I know that at least one was built. Short wings as I recall.

Another design, the Fike "D" model was built in Ontario and I have Fike's book.

I seem to recall something about an E model being built in Europe. Long time ago!!!

[Graham Banham]

Thanks Guys,

I think the Fike book is still available through the EAA, but i'm not sure that it has any photos?

The Fike E was built primarily as an exercise in very low A/R; in this case 3.

I'm aware of a second much modified model E being built by Rudi Marczi in Canada in the mid-70's (C-GRSM)

It is a relatively obscure aircraft; i guess i'm looking at it from my background as a flying scale modeller where it's widely known as a 'safe' subject due having a large wing area in a compact airframe, and for being one of those rare designs that are stable as a free-flight model without dihedral.

However, despite it's popularity, photos of the original seem difficult to find.

Graham

[MADean]

Found a photo at Plane&Pilot's web site. Check this link: http://www.planeandpilotmag.com/aircraft/international-aircraft-directory/homebuiltkitbuilt-aircraft/fike-model-e.html

[M.Silvius]

Cowled FIKE photo

[M.Silvius]

not sure if this is a variant but I found this in my FIKE folder...looks like a European registration.

[Garth Elliot]

The last photo is interesting. The "E" did not -there are always exceptions with homebuilts - have wing struts and this one does. It might be a "D" rather than an "E".
The "D" model built in Ontario by a friend of mine (George Burgess) looked much like a J-3 or PA-11 Cub and climbed extremely well.

As far as I can tell the sole Canadian "E" which was built by one of two brothers (Rudy and Joe) with whom I returned from Rockford one year, is apparently still extant and in license.

[VictorG]

Graham,

Never did I think I would ever hear or read anyone asking questions about the Fike Model E. I corresponded with Bill Fike in 1976. I bought his Practical Lightplane Design and Construction. He also wrote about his new design, the "E." What is it you want to know?

Victor

[Graham Banham]

Thanks everyone for your help.


Victor, what i'm looking for is photos of N1408Z specifically.

I have those originally published in March '71 Sport Aviation, which contained Bill Fike's article on the aircraft's first flights in March 1970.

However, i wonder if there are any more out there, ideally of the modified aircraft in 1971 which added a PA-18 cowl front and custom cheeks over the C-85 cylinders.

Regards

Graham

[VictorG]

Graham,

I have a lot of information, and some photographs. Are you wanting to build a full-size model, an R/C, or?

Victor

[Graham Banham]

Victor,

At this stage i'm thinking of a scale model, so photographs for documentation are really what i'm looking for.

Many thanks

Graham

[MADean]

If it's a flying model you want, check this link: http://www.modelflying.co.uk/news/article.asp?a=6210

[VictorG]

Graham,

I have some time today to look for the photographs I have. I also have a high quality scanner. May also have a three-view with specifications. Do you want me to email them direct?

Victor

[Graham Banham]

Victor,

I'd be grateful if you could email to me direct: i've PM'd you my email address.


Many thanks


Graham

[VictorG]

Graham

Four emails sent containing photos, documents, etc.

Victor

[Graham Banham]

Victor,

Got them! Fantastic stuff: i've never seen these excellent photos before: many thanks


Graham

[SpainCub]

Graham

Four emails sent containing photos, documents, etc.

Victor

Hello Victor, do you still have those photos available? I'd like to have a look. I own the book "Practical Lightplane Design & Construction" so any material to reinforce what's on that book would be of great value.

Thanks,

[Schmidtg]

And time goes by. . . . Does anyone have plans for a Fike Model E?