Aero-8
The Aero-8 Flying Club
Contents
History
The Aero-8 Flying Club, of Canute Air Park, Ashingdon, Essex, was formed in October 1935 by Mervyn G. Chadwick and Raymond Gordon as both a flying club and an organisation to construct the Mignet Pou-du-Ciel (Flying Flea). They produced a heavily modified version of the Flying Flea, featuring a streamlined fuselage designed by Sydney Charles George Buszard (b. 24 May 1912, Hampstead, London - d. May 1998, Hillingdon, Middlesex). It was first flown by Claude Ashcroft and received its Authorisation on 16 May 36. The following day, the aircraft set off on a cross-Channel attempt. This was to end somewhat prematurely in a forced-landing near Lympne in Kent. It is thought that the damage incurred put the aircraft into store.
Lacking success with the Flea, Chadwick and Gordon formed a new company, Premier Aircraft Constructions Ltd to develop the Gordon Dove, also designed by Buszard. The club ceased operation in late 1936.
Company References
- The Aeroplane 8 Jan 1936
- British Light Aeroplanes 1920-1940, Arthur W.J.G. Ord-Hume (GMS Enterprises, 2000)
Project Data
| Project No | Type No | Name | Alternative Name(s) | Year | Spec (Requirement) | Status | Qty | Description | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Flea | 1936 | Proto | 1 | 1S, 1E microlight | 1 |
Project References
- Air Britain Archive 1998/3 (Air-Britain Publications)
- Flight 16 Apr 1936
- Aeroplane Monthly Mar 1988
Production Details and Type Description
Heavily modified Mignet Pou-du-Ciel
One aircraft only : G-AEFW, c/n A8 CB.1
Total Aero-8 Production1
Production References
- Air Britain Archive 1998/3 (Air-Britain Publications)