" Maltese Falcon " is the name that we have given to our Air Plains modified Cessna 172M with a 180 h.p. engine, Horton STOL kit and a gross weight increase to 2,550 lbs.

G-BZBF, the Maltese Falcon, started off as a standard Cessna 172M, 9H-ACV, which suffered damage to the noseleg and firewall as a result of a loss of power on take off.

It was purchased from insurers and collected from Malta in a 40' container which was delivered it to Fordaire Aviation Ltd. at Sywell airport, Northampton.  There the accident damage was repaired and three test flights were carried out before the decision was made to upgrade the aircraft for improved performance.

The basic zero fuel weight of a Cessna 172M is about 1,550 lbs. which gives a disposable load of 750 lbs.  Allowing for 25 Imperial gallons of fuel this allows about 40 stones for occupants and baggage.  It is fairly easy to exceed that with two adults and the paraphernalia that they take with them for a long week end away.

The Maltese Falcon has a CAA approved gross weight increase to 2,550 lbs. in the Public Transport category.  This means, in the case of G-BZBF which now has the optional long range tanks fitted, that we can carry 40 Imperial gallons of fuel, 4 occupants with a total weight of 50 stones and 10 lbs. of baggage.  If the aircraft were to be used for joy riding, with reduced fuel, it would mean that every seat was a revenue earning seat, giving a 50% increase in income over the standard aeroplane.

To improve the aircraft further G-BZBF also has a Horton STOL kit fitted and although the Flight Manual says that the CAA allow no performance credit to be taken we believe that the take-off and landing performance has been improved.

The cost of embodying these modifications varies according to the model of 172 being converted and the source of the engine.  Call Bill Fisher on 01778 342826 or email us at  billfisher@enterprise.net for further details.