Fisher FP 202 Koala ultralight - experimental lightsport aircraft

Piper Aircraft made an indelible mark on aviation the day that they rolled the first Cub off the line.
As that craft becomes increasingly expensive to obtain, "Cub-alikes" are making their own mark in
the ultralight/homebuilt arena.

Fisher Flying Products tells us that their line of aircraft, in which the FP-202 Koala is one, was
indeed designed with nostalgia in mind, but also practicality. The classically-styled aircraft has
proven aerodynamic stability and flight characteristics, not to mention better operating economy.
The FP-202 was introduced in 1983 and there are hundreds flying worldwide.

The most obvious difference between the design of the Koala and that of the Cub is that the fabric
covering the Koala has is on top of wood, not tubing. With its 28-hp Rotax 277 out front, a takeoff
distance of 125' is needed, which will be followed by a rate of climb of 900 fpm. Landing requires
125' as well. Top speed is 63 mph; cruise is 55 mph; stall speed is listed as 26 mph. They tell us that
the Koala now sports new landing gear.

Engine options include the Rotax 447 and 503, which will take the aircraft out of the UL category in
the U.S. but not in Canada.

The Koala stands 5.4', high and is 17.8' long. The wingspan is 29.1 with an area of 120 sq ft. Wing
chord is 48". Structural limits provided by the manufacturer are +4.6 and -2.3 G and wing loading is
4.2 lbs/sq ft. Empty weight is 250 lbs and she has a gross weight of 500 lbs.

The handling is very sweet, docile, and the aircraft is well-suited to novice flyers. The slow-flight
performance is particularly gratifying. Options available include brakes and wheel pants. Plan on
spending 300 to 500 hours building the FP-202.

ZOOM REPORT: Uncomplicated, light, strong, and easy to build (though not too fast a process...
lots of gluing), the FP-202 is one of the mildest and most sturdy of the older generation of ultralight
designs. Especially recommended for first-time builders and novice pilots, the FP-202 is a no-
brainer for newbies to the sport. It also bears a pleasing resemblance to the legendary J-3... and does
its look-a-like justice in the process.

Design/Engineering: B-. Tried-and-true wood building holds up well!

Ground Handling: C.
Flight Characteristics: B-. Very undemanding low-speed properties.
Company Profile: B+. Fisher is progressing in an impressive manner.
Kit/Plans: B-.
Bang for the Buck: B+. A good value.
Risk Factor: 3.
Final Grade: B. Recommended

Fisher FP 202 Koala ultralight aircraft pictures, Fisher FP 202 Koala experimental aircraft images,
Fisher FP 202 Koala lightsport aircraft photographs, Lightsport Aircraft Pilot newsmagazine aircraft
directory.
Fisher FP 202 Koala ultralight, experimental lightsport, amateur built aircraft.
Manufacturer
Fisher Flying Products
www.fisherflying.com

A steerable tail wheel and optional electric start are your first indications that flying the Koala is as
easy as owning it. Optional brakes assist in shorter take off and landing rolls.

Even at the slowest speeds, the Koala maintains the stable flight characteristics that make for safe,
enjoyable flights. Large 8-foot ailerons provide confident roll control at high speeds, and stall speed
is an enviable 26 mph.

Flying the FP-202 Koala

While your engine takes you up at a 900 to 1400 feet per minute climb, it also emits a relatively low
noise level, effectively reduced by Lord mounts, tuned exhaust and geared reduction drive.

FP-202 redefines the standard

With the Fisher FP-202 Koala, the standard for personal aircraft has been redefined, but not
redesigned.

A strikingly faithful reproduction of one of the most popular aircraft ever built, the Koala can make
the dream of owning a classic flying machine a reality.

Proven geodetic wood construction gives the 202 its strength; proven Fisher ingenuity gives the
plane its appeal. A totally enclosed cockpit provides plenty of room for the pilot, while economy of
instrumentation and controls allow plenty of room for fun flying.

More classic-style aircraft hardware abounds: An aluminum strut braced main spar carrythrough, a
ground adjustable horizontal stabilizer, 14-inch pneumatic tires with rubber shock cord, and
removable cockpit panels for summer flight.

Empty Weight: 250 lbs.

Gross Weight: 500 lbs.
Wing Span: 29.10 ft.
Wing Area: 120 sq. ft.
Engine: 277 Rotax
Cruise Speed: 55 m.p.h.
Stall Speed: 25 m.p.h.
VNE: 75 m.p.h.
Construction: Wood/fabric
Building time: 400 Hrs.