Project First Flight Makes Flying Dreams Come True

BY ROBBIE CULVER AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

PROJECT FIRST FLIGHT is intended to fulfill the dream of flying for those who may not achieve it otherwise. By providing a towed flight under very controlled conditions, those who may not be able to fly using more traditional methods are able to experience true flight — low and slow — safely and legally.

Designer Lee Fisher clearly did not like focusing on his own work — instead he wanted to talk about the mission and the team.

The mission of Skonkwerks is to inspire, educate, mentor, and enable youths, special needs, and adults to achieve the dream of flight in a solo towed glider flight. To achieve these ends through the development of a legal, safe, slow, tow-only aerial vehicle system.

Fisher says he was inspired by low and slow fly ing because it is “so beautiful.” He added, “I did it because of the challenge to build.” The towed air craft is a SnapDragon 1.0. Fisher said, “It’s not an airplane; it’s not a glider; it’s not a trainer.” It weighs 139 pounds, has a differential tail, and is a very sim ple yet elegant design.

As with all projects, Fisher said this takes a team to achieve the goal. “To do this, you need a really dedicated crew that’s well-educated on how the thing works and how it flies.”