The Giles 202

The Giles 202 is a carbon fibre monoplane, capable of unlimited aerobatics. The aircraft is stressed to plus or minus 10 g. It is powered by a modified Lycoming Engine, producing 240 hp. Due to its construction of composite materials, the thrust to weight ratio of the aircraft gives it unlimited potential not seen before in Australia. The roll rate of the aircraft is the fastest in the world to date, at approximately 500 deg sec.

History
This aircraft, call sign YLF (yankee lima foxtrot) is a highly modified Giles 202 and was acquired in December 2003 whilst working in the US. It is the first of type in Australia.

The Giles series of aircraft are kit built, classed as experimental, or homebuilt aircraft, by CASA and the FAA. The Giles was originally designed by Richard Giles, of the now defunct Akrotech Aviation, with the kits produced by Composites Unlimited in Scappoose, Oregon, USA.  Three Giles aircraft were designed, the G-200, a 4 cylinder single seater, the G-202 and the G-300, a single seat aircraft with a 300 horsepower 6 cylinder Lycoming AEIO-540 engine.

With the original call sign N-202CU, this aircraft was built by it’s previous owner, Len Fox, who partnered Richard Giles in Akrotech Aviation. As Len’s personal aircraft, and the second of type, it soon became the Giles 202 demonstrator. Len Fox is a previous US Navy test pilot, and has developed a reputation as test pilot for various kit aircraft, including Lancair and Vans. With his keen interest in aerobatics and aerodynamics, he experimented with modifications to his aircraft, which later formed the basis for his completely new design, next generation, aerobatic aircraft, the Chanute.

Australian Ownership
Matt and Pedita took delivery of the aircraft in Dec 2003, whilst in the US on exchange. Over the next year, Matt based and flew the aircraft out of his local airfield, Mt Olive, NC (W40), working up to Intermediate level of competition.  He was mentored and coached by other Giles 202 competition and display pilots, including Len Fox, Bill Finegan and Gary Ward, and flew the aircraft to Sun and Fun and Osh Kosh, where it was displayed on the International Aerobatic Club showline.

The aircraft arrived in Australia in May 2005 as the first Giles in Australia. As the first of type, it underwent rigorous inspection and a standard flight test period.

Highlights
In Oct 05, Matt competed in the Giles in the NSW State Aerobatic Championships at the Intermediate level, leading in both rounds, with a convincing overall win. He was also awarded the trophy for the highest percentage score of the competition, 84%, in his free routine.

The Giles made it’s Australian airshow debut with a static display at the RAN Nowra Australia’s Museum of Flight’s airshow in Oct 05. It’s first aerial display was performed for the Nelson Bay Taste’s of the Bay food and wine festival, with a follow on display at RAAF Williamtown for the Starlight Foundation.

Matt recently won at the 2006 Australian Aerobatic Club National Championships, competing for the first time at the Advanced level. He came first in two of the three scored rounds of competition, for the free and first unknown routines, with a second in the second unknown routine.

For further details on these and other coming events, please see the News and Schedule pages!