John McCullagh's Celebrity

Attached is a recent photograph of my Fisher Celebrity, N97BT, powered by a 115 HP
Lycoming O-235.

I did not build the aircraft myself, but since purchasing it in April 2000, I have done
approximately 80 hours of very enjoyable flying in it, mainly around the Houston area.

It fly's well, is predictable and is much more docile that the Pitts S-2B in which I first
became acquainted with small tail dragging Biplanes.  Anyone who can capably handle
a Decathalon or Citabria should have no problem with this aircraft, though the rear seating
arrangement for the pilot has to be gotten used to.

Power off sink rate is around 900 fpm making regular practise of engine out emergencies
very important.  Visibility out front is restricted, especially if carrying a passenger and
the outer extremities of the lower wings are quite close to the ground, requiring care when
taxying over uneven surfaces.

Cross wind landing performance is very good, with the technique I favour being to crab
into wind on the approach, keeping the ball centered and only straightening out at the last
moment of the flare, crossing the controls to keep the into wing down (but not too
much, as it is only 18" or so off the ground).  Virtually all landings I do are three pointers,
though I have tried a few wheels landings, keeping a trickle of power into the flare.   With
power off and an approach speed of 65 mph, there is not much flare.  This, along with
the short grass strips which I favour, makes three pointers a better bet.  There is adequate
rudder authority even in stiff cross winds. 

Cockpit space for someone my size (5'-10", 175lbs) is adequate.  Larger people might
find it a bit tight.

In summary, a very nice design for flying when the weather is good and visiting the many
small strips dotted over the Texas countryside.

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John A. McCullagh,
E-mail:  mccullagh@sugar-land.oilfield.slb.com