Picture at right shows No. 159 in the midst of refinish prep!

Frank Erdman, a qualified fibreglass repairman, bought No. 159 as a wreck about 16 years ago, shortly after a stall/spin accident. Being a composites expert he set about repairing 159 along with some other improvements. He repaired the forward fuselage structure, using today's accepted techniques for improving pilot protection. This basically involved a kevlar skin with some foam/glass/kevlar stiffeners along the bottom canopy rails. He also removed the fixed seat-pan and replaced with something similar to a Jantar, where the seatpan can be removed for inspection of goodies under there.  The removable seat pan incorporates an adjustable seatback. As both canopies are to be replaced in the deal, Frank made the front one removable, for easy access to the  instrument panel. The long black 'roof' over the instrument panel will be part of the forward canopy so there is clear access to everything. The rear canopy will be rear hinged, using a DG100 canopy hinge. This aircraft had its 'chute removed, after a couple of incidents when it was a club aircraft. They don't think they'll worry about the chute at this stage, but will leave the release mechanism in place in-case they decide to add it later. Small wingtip wheels (roller-blade) will be incorporated as well.

The picture at right shows the TOP engine with the propeller folded.

However, for various reasons at this writing (November, 2001) the project has been returned to Mr. Erdmann and will not be completed to the best of our knowledge.