Now offered as a homebuilt, the Falco has been further refined. Improvements
and changes were engineered by David B. Thurston, a well-known and respected
aircraft designer and aeronautical engineer. Best known for his Lake, Teal
and Seafire amphibians, Dave Thurston also has nearly 50 years of design
experience.
Compare this lineage to that of other homebuilt airplanes-often designed
by amateurs with no formal training in aeronautical engineering, mechanical
design or practical experience. No wonder so many engineers choose the Falco.
Not only is the Falco well-engineered, it is also a superb piece of design.
Many regard it as the single best example of wood aircraft design ever.
It's elegantly simple and very strong. The landing gear is capable of absorbing
more than 5 g's on landing without damage to the aircraft. There is a 40g
seat belt system -- standard in military aircraft, but unheard of in light
aircraft.
And unlike most homebuilt aircraft, the systems of the plane have been
designed in minute detail. The engine control cables are supplied in the
precise length needed. The fuel lines, hoses, fittings are all worked out.
So is the engine baffling. The instrument panel is supplied with all of
the holes cut. Every wire in the electrical system is color-coded. And if
you don't know what coil suppression diodes are, don't worry. That's all
part of the design.
So the Falco is not just another airplane, but a timeless classic, designed
by one of the great aircraft designers of all time, refined by experienced
engineers, proven over 50 years and available in a well-thought-out kit.
In a sense, it's not even a homebuilt, but a production design that you
can build. |