Fike Model D Explained

The Fike Model D was a light aircraft built in the United States in the early 1950s. Designed by airline pilot William Fike,^[1] it was a conventional high-wing strut-braced monoplane with tailskid undercarriage and seating for one or two people in an enclosed cabin. In appearance, the aircraft strongly resembled a Piper Cub, with only the tail surfaces sourced from one.^[2] An unusual feature was that the flight controls were mounted to the ceiling of the cabin, rather than the floor.^[3] This facilitated the folding or removal of the seat or seats to enable the aircraft's use as a sleeping space when camping with it. Plans were marketed for homebuilding.

References

• Book: Taylor, John W. R.. John W. R. Taylor

. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1961–62. 1961. Sampson Low, Marston & Company. London. John W. R. Taylor.

• Book: Taylor, Michael J. H. . Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation . 1989 . Studio Editions . London . 392 .
• aerofiles.com

Notes and References

1. Air Trails. Winter 1971. 76.
2. Sport Aviation. June 1967. 36. Homebuilding in Alaska.
3. Book: PRACTICAL LIGHTPLANE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FOR THE AMATEUR (3rd edition, 1978).