I started my FISHER R-80 Tiger Moth (s.n. TM 02) in December 1994. I
spent more than 4000 hours on it in my garage, building and solving any kind
of problems. Now, almost 8 years after, it finally flies.

  It is registered in the Italian ultralight category (MTOW 450 Kg , max
 stall speed 65 Km/h), with the number I-6855.

  The engine is a SAX 86, an Italian auto conversion from the FIAT Punto
1.3 liter (4 cyl. in line, 4 stroke, OHC, liquid cooled) with dual electronic
ignition and a 2.54 : 1 reduction drive (gears). It has a motorcycle
carburetor Dell'Orto PHF 32. It gives 92 HP at 6000 rpm max. continuous.
Fuel consumption is 12 liters (3 gals)per hour at 4800 rpm that correspond
to a cruise speed of 120 Km/h (75 MPH).

 The propeller is a TONINI GT 72"x 45" turning 5500 rpm at fixed point. I
think that a lower pitch would be more suitable, to reach the max rpm in
flight reducing also the take off run and increasing the climb performance.
I'll probably change it.

 Covering is the POLYFIBER system with rib lacing and Poly-Tone paint.
 That was for me the most pleasant part of the building process and the
easiest one also.

 The test pilot was Piero Sorč, a retired Alitalia captain and a former
Italian Air Force pilot. The first flight was very smooth with almost no
adjustments needed (only a couple of washers under the stabilizer
leading edge to correct the pitch trim lever position at cruise speed). I want
to thank Piero also for the precious dual instruction he gave me. After so
many years spent more in my garage than at the airfield I thought I was not
able to solo. Now I am. The plane is very stable and easy to control, but
anyway it is a taildragger and I was somewhat "rusty" with the pedals.

 I want to thank also everyone who helped: my friends Igor Cotti and
Gianni Dri; Luciano Rosso who is the certified A/P mechanic of our Aero Club at the
Gorizia airfield, and especially my wife Paola. She usually flies with
me. She also chose this biplane to be constructed 8 years ago and she
supported me for all that time.

OLIVIERO BRAINI
 EAA 0521452
 Localitą Fontanella 10/1
 34015 MUGGIA (Trieste)
 Italy
 E-mail olibraini@tin.it

P.S. I hope my English is understandable.