Plane and Pilot

MARCH 25, 2025

Although I havent spent much time around GB1s (except for drooling over them while they are on display and flying at airshows) I am always taken aback by how much larger the airplane appears to be in personparticularly, the tall, sweeping rudder that curves down to a sharp point with just enough ground clearance. Max Gross Weight: 2,200 lbs.

Knot 111

Knot Airplanes Runway Rudder 111

Air Facts

MAY 7, 2025

With 10 passengers and luggage on board the airplane, it was well under gross weight, but it soon became apparent we could not out climb the ice buildup. It was quite a load of extra weight, but as important was the disrupted airflow over the control surfaces and wings. There is no telling what that would do to the stall speed.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control VOR Runway Distance Measuring Equipment 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

True, a slightly higher aspect ratio wing was desired, which in turn required a larger vertical tail and thus a little extra mass, but the size, approximately 20% larger than a Widgeon, was set. The Mallard—it’s a trike—has a tail stinger because it otherwise falls on its tail when loading.” lb/sq ft Power loading 10.32

Airplanes 79

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 79

Plane and Pilot

DECEMBER 16, 2024

Planespotters note the F2’s separate ailerons and flaps, conventional tail. Out back, theres an entirely new tail. Theres an unusual duck tail between the two elevator halves that provides a measure of anti-stall behavior. Given the need to preserve noggin-to-wing-spar clearance, its a smart but necessary solution.

Rudder 98

Rudder Airplanes Aileron Crosswind 98