G-ATIS
"
The Cheeky Cherokee"
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G-ATIS
"
The Cheeky Cherokee"
|
|
About G-ATIS G-ATIS is a PA28 Cherokee with a 160hp Lycoming engine. It was built in 1965 and hence its rare G-A registration. It is officially a PA28-160 serial number 28-2713 and was build at Vero Beach California.
Above: G-ATIS at Henstridge in 2006 G-ATIS was originally bought by Malcolm Barton in 2004, it had also just been re-upholstered in cream with green piping. Dave bought a half share in 2007 having fallen for the charms of this smart little Piper. Malcolm complains that Dave took the longest trial flight in history, 3 years, before buying his share! The Hershey Bar Cherokee G-ATIS has a rather square slab wing form compared to the tapered wing of the PA28 Warrior. Piper enthusiasts can come to blows over which is better. Dave and Malcolm find that the slab wing is very efficient but that it is possible to get behind the drag curve and develop a high rate of decent on finals unless careful. This ability to slow down and become draggy with full flap can be exploited to achieve short landings. The square slab wing has caused Americans to call the Cherokee "the Hershey Bar" after an American chocolate bar. The Hershey is not available in England, shame!
Malcolm on Flying G-ATIS In the last 11 years I have flown over 10 different types of aeroplane starting with gliders up to a PA 32 Piper Lance, in my opinion G-ATIS is not only the best aeroplane I have ever flown but the most universal. G-ATIS does absolutely everything your heart could desire, flying we regularly fly across to France, the Channel Islands with two people 180 L of fuel plus two folding bikes weighing 50 pounds, plus luggage. She has extended tanks taking 25 American gallons each side of her short wings! A large front nose wheel and main wheels making her relatively easy to push on grass, she takes up little room in the hanger but the best part is she has good short field characteristics.
G-ATIS new in 1965 G-ATIS was also operated by the prestigious Queens University Air Squadron.
Above G-ATIS at Oxford in 1965 |
