The Open Cirrus Association Newsletter
http://classicsailplane.org/Cirrus/
Volume VII, Issue 1
April 2002  

  More News on the Cirrus "Phoenix" (No. 64) 

More from Dean Aldinger: <yo-dean@home.com> on his phenomenal restoration project on No. 64 (see Last September's Newsletter).  We now have several VERY nice pictures on the website (q.v.), showing the several improvements he made such as the removable inspection plate under the seat pan, and the one-piece side-hinged canopy.  Finish is stunning!

(Click on the picture for a larger image . . )

 

Protoype News from the "Horse's Mouth!"

We are delighted to report that Tilo Holighaus has reported the confirmation of the discovery of Cirrus prototype No. 1 in South Africa and, even more exciting, that the ship has been returned to Kircheim for restoration!  This from Tilo himself:

    "I just read a little in the Cirrus homepage, which by the way is very nicely made! 
    Maybe I can correct a little the history, adding some interesting facts. It's true that the first ever Cirrus had a V-tail. After a longer research I was able to find this glider in a more or less airworthy condition in South Africa. Because the owner loved the idea of bringing it back to its origin, he agreed to sell it to us.
    In the meantime the glider has arrived here in Kirchheim. The overall condition doesn't look bad and we are quite confident that we can bring it in the air in a short time. It hasn't flown for about 2 years.
    This glider still has it's original V-tail. As far as I know it was sold directly to South Africa still in 1967. The second prototype then had the conventional tail. It was registered with the same registration no (D-9604) which was possible because with the Africa export of the V1 this reg.no was available again. I'm not sure but I think this Cirrus which had now serial# 1 (the first one had V1) was really sold to Italy, either to Mr.Walter Vergani or to Giorgio and Adele Orsi. I don't know if it is still flying. However some years ago I saw in Rieti/Italy probably #2. Cirrus serial#2 was sold to Giorgio and Adele Orsi with the registration number I-CYAO. The one I saw in Rieti had the same reg.no... . .At the moment at the start of the season it is more or less crazy and we are extremely busy (therefore it will probably take a while until the V1 is in the air again...). . .     
    We want to base it here at our airfield "Hahnweide" (where it was based 35 years ago, too) and we want to fly it as often as possible.
 
Best regards
Tilo Holighaus"

Fly with Cirrus History

From Burt Compton (Open Cirrus # 33 N4173C): Come fly your Cirrus where "The Sun Ship Game" was filmed! George Moffatt won the 1969 US National Contest at Marfa in a Cirrus. Join us as we return to this legendary site near the Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park. Wonderful scenery - fantastic thermal soaring. Bring your Cirrus and "Team Fly" practice tasks with US Standard Class Champion John Byrd. Burt Compton will have a two seat sailplane for local dual flights. For info see our website at  www.FLYGLIDERS.com click on "Marfa Soaring".  E-mail: FBCompton@aol.com (I send a detailed reply on accomodations, etc.) Toll free: 1-800-667-WING (9464).