Rather than getting off-topic on other threads, I thought I’d start a specific thread around the White Lightning aircraft. It is then an easy and quick reference thread for those wishing to learn about the aircraft and chew the fat about it.
I shall start by giving some background to my interest in the aircraft.
I have been an admirer of the WL ever since it was first released. The performance offered when fitted with a 210hp engine was impressive. Not only impressive, but demonstrated impressive, not just on paper.
Over the years, I have built a small database about the aircraft. I have conversed with a number of builders/owners who have passed on their experiences to me.
I now have 3 of the original kits in various stages of construction, including one “new in box” kit (one kit mine, two for a friend). I also have Nick Jones collection of drawings from his original design of the aircraft. I also own the molds, tooling etc for the Lightning Bug which is the WLs smaller single seat brother but that’s another story.
In my full time job, my company is developing a low-cost, fuel-efficient 200hp turboprop engine which once in production, I intend to put into my personal WL. My intention, when time permits, is to resurrect the WL in modern form, incorporating improvements in the design and buildability to offer the performance of the original, but with more practical features, I.e. the ability for a tall pilot to fit in and a stall that doesn’t flick it on to its back!
Anyway, let’s open up the floor to discussion. If there is anyone out there with direct personal experience with the WL, please contribute your experiences. If you have photos, please post them. If you have one at your field, please get some photos. If you know an owner, please pick his brain about true performance. I for one would be interested to hear them.
For interest, a friend of mine now owns N25WL and he will be bringing it back to airworthy condition.
I also have been getting feedback from the owner of N805WL.
And here is a photo of one of my projects.
I shall start by giving some background to my interest in the aircraft.
I have been an admirer of the WL ever since it was first released. The performance offered when fitted with a 210hp engine was impressive. Not only impressive, but demonstrated impressive, not just on paper.
Over the years, I have built a small database about the aircraft. I have conversed with a number of builders/owners who have passed on their experiences to me.
I now have 3 of the original kits in various stages of construction, including one “new in box” kit (one kit mine, two for a friend). I also have Nick Jones collection of drawings from his original design of the aircraft. I also own the molds, tooling etc for the Lightning Bug which is the WLs smaller single seat brother but that’s another story.
In my full time job, my company is developing a low-cost, fuel-efficient 200hp turboprop engine which once in production, I intend to put into my personal WL. My intention, when time permits, is to resurrect the WL in modern form, incorporating improvements in the design and buildability to offer the performance of the original, but with more practical features, I.e. the ability for a tall pilot to fit in and a stall that doesn’t flick it on to its back!
Anyway, let’s open up the floor to discussion. If there is anyone out there with direct personal experience with the WL, please contribute your experiences. If you have photos, please post them. If you have one at your field, please get some photos. If you know an owner, please pick his brain about true performance. I for one would be interested to hear them.
For interest, a friend of mine now owns N25WL and he will be bringing it back to airworthy condition.
I also have been getting feedback from the owner of N805WL.
And here is a photo of one of my projects.
