Fly aerobatics for less?

[NigelOnDraft]

No mention of a two seater yet. But it should be possible to modify the design. Perhaps if the single seater is succesfull in the market.

I would doubt it would be a "modification" At 275KGs Empty Wt / 385Kgs MTOW a further 90Kgs (for a second kitted person) is 25% extra weight. Now beef the whole structure up to carry that 90Kgs, and add a bigger engine (& prop?) and it would effectively be a new design.

NB the One Design, already a bigger / heavier proposition than the FR-01, took a ~1150lb / 160-180HP single seat aircraft, to a ~2250lb 260HP aircraft (DR-109).

If it can lower the cost of aerobatic instruction then it would be a real step forward.
That is exactly what I was thinking.

I'm not too sure how a single seater can affect the cost of aerobatic instruction at all?

Types such as the T-67 need not cost a lot more than other SEP types, it is just tracking them down / availability in your area?

The FR-01, provided it meets the spec, looks a good machine for the lighter end of the competition market. But single seat aeroplanes always have limited market appeal... and we have to see at what capital cost. I suspect it would have to be as a (part) purchase, since again, what club/school tends to rent out single seaters?

NoD

[It flies]

I've found a price of $149.500 for the first five aircraft and $182.000 for subsequent deliveries in an online EAA magazine.

EAA AirVenture Today, Thursday, July 28, 2011 (go to page 18).

I struggle to see affordable aerobatics materialize at this price. The price difference between the FR-01 and a decent used Pitts or One Design pays for a lot of fuel and maintenance. Although one has to bear in mind with the Dallair one gets a brand new aeroplane.