Robert Clabaugh's Dakota Hawk

Big Hawk –Little Hawk

  Before getting into how great the Dakota Hawk is, let me say a few words about the attached picture and the model I am holding.

   My two close model building buddies who are partners in this project and I received the Hawk kit the first of April of last year. After just getting stared on assembly, I made a trip to the Fisher facility in Edgley, ND. During the tour of the facility, I was able to acquire a model airplane called the Dakota Hawk that Erv Jackson designed and kitted for sale in the early 80’s. To those who do not know of Erv, he was the late husband of Darlene, who died at an early age of 43 due to cancer. Darlene of course is now married to Gene and an intricate part of the Fisher team. 

    Being an avid model builder, I was interested to know that at the time of his death, Erv was also designing a full scale plane to be kitted, but did not live long enough to finish it. Thankfully Darlene commissioned Steve Lambert to finish the project in Erv’s memory, which for Erv had been a long tine dream. That Dream is also called the Dakota Hawk.

   So having completed and flown both Hawks, I appreciate all the effort  that made this happen for me, including Erv, Steve ,Darlene, Gene and the supportive Fisher crew, and my two model building buddies, Bill Godfrey and John Adams.

   Now regarding the Big Hawk, one of the best days of my life came on August the 10^th of this year, when using a often used phrase, we broke the surly bonds of earth for the first time. The Hawk was easier to fly than expected. Other than ending that great flight early due to an oil temperature problem, I was very pleased with the handling and performance of the Hawk. I am currently at 13 hours of the 25 needed before I can fly out of the 25-mile cage and show off our new project at EAA flyins.

   This Hawk is powered by a 90 Continental, which served me well in a Fly Baby. When transferring the engine we added a B&C starter and alternator, which I now appreciate. After completing the frame work, we used the Stits poly fiber process up to the finish, and then used urethane paint. We also did the rib stitching for additional security. The final weight came in higher than I hoped for at 755 pounds.

   I took a lot of digital photos of the project while under construction and would be glad to help any one that is building or considering the Hawk.

   I would also like to thank those responsible for and those who contribute to the Fish Net as I gained a lot of insight into potential problems while building the Hawk. In particular, Tom Marson was a great help. Robert can be reached at rcflyerbob@msn.com.

Updated 3/13/03 Photo in flight over Arizona