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Not often you see one of these for sale. I don't know anything about the airplane just thought it was interesting.
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Scott
CF-CLR Blog: http://c-fclr.blogspot.ca/ -
There is an International Auster Club.
A well-respected former member of this tribe (Bill) used to own an Auster in the US (he used to write about it).
The history of the Auster is of course inextricably linked to the Taylorcraft Model A, as anyone with Chet Peek's book will attest.
I've flown a few Austers (mostly under duress)...they are a typical example of the Brits over-engineering what was a good design in the first place. I wouldn't own an Auster, particularly because a "Blackburn Cirrus" or "Gipsy Major" engine overhaul (a proper overhaul) will cost over £50K here in the UK; anything less than that and you are not getting a proper overhaul. Perhaps some Canadian companies can, because of the Canadian-designed Chipmunk which uses the same engine.
Austers are heavy; over-engineered and they fly like lead balloons. (They were intended for WWII military AOP use [give me an L2 or L4 or any other Liaison model in preference]).
I'd recommend a flight in one, just to reassure you that C G Taylor got the design right in the first place without the meddling Brits!
(All UK Taylorcraft (few) and Austers (many) were built within 10 miles of where I live). During WWII, the factory did sterling work repairing battle-damaged Hurricanes for the War effort.
I'm not embarrased that the Brits produced a crap aircraft; we're renowned for it!
Rob -
The Brits aren't alone. EVRY country has produced a dog once in a while. The good industries learn from the mistake and improve, often far beyond what would have evolved without the "embarrassment". I will take a Spitfire from after the Auster in a HEARTBEAT over an F-18 Whore-Naught following an F-4 Phantom. And McDonald D. didn't even design the original version of the F-18! It started out as the YF-17 from Northrop!
You might guess I have some history with the F-18. It is an aircraft that proves ANYTHING can look good with press who will cover up it's weaknesses and brag on it's good points. At least teh F-18 doesn't take up much room and is fun to fly.....except maybe if someone is trying to kill you.
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Ive always wanted to get my hands on one.Comment
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