DARWIN  JONES'  PLANS-BUILT  DR-107 "ONE DESIGN"
"I started flying an Aeronca 7DC from a small West Virginia hilltop airport in 1963. As the Aeronca lifted off the runway during my first lesson I figured that was high enough. Then the instructor climbed above the tree top level, I thought, surely, that would be high enough! Eventually I learned to fly and, in 1983 I obtained my CFI and CFI Instrument ratings. I now have over 4,000 hours in small single engine aircraft; no exciting military flying, or heavy iron experience.

The areas of sport aviation has been my biggest interest, and I have always wanted to build my own airplane from scratch and fly aerobatics. Attending Oshkosh in the late 60's and early 70's really increased my desire for acro and a Pitts Special. But in the meantime, I started construction a VP-II for the experience. I then sold the VP-II project for a wrecked Smith Miniplane - then sold the Miniplane, without finishing it, to keep feeding the kids. Eventually in the 80's, I purchased an old Pitts Special and gained more building experience fixing and rebuilding it. Of course flying acro between fixing and building.

In 1999, after finally getting my Pitts to perform the way I really wanted, a friend called me and said "Let"s build a couple of One Designs, I think we can do it in two years". I figured, may as well. I enjoy building and now was the time to build a plane from scratch and get even more performance than my Pitts has. I did get my 1D done in two years, but my friend will be three years getting his done. The 1D was chosen for it's aerobatic performance per dollar cost. It's just that simple."
Darwin, a Certified Flight Instructor (Instrument), flies his airplane in numerous International Aerobatic Association competitions, often putting in two or more practice sessions weekly. The airplane is hangared at Hendersonville Airport. Top speed is 220 mph with stall at 65-70 mph. Roll rate is 360° per second.
 
100 Aspen Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28791
or (828) 696-3161 for more information.

The 200 h.p. Lycoming IO-360 installation was completed at the airport in August 1999. The propellor is 3-bladed, fixed-pitch, and made of wood. Vertical penetration from 180mph level flight is 1500ft.

Even while aligning the wings, Darwin chose an aerobatic attitude! The 18ft.  wing span's steep glide limits options for emergency landings!

"The fuselage is made of 3/4" x .030 wall tubing which I TIG welded myself."
Wing ribs are made of plywood with cap strips. Wing skins are 1/8" plywood while the spar is laminated Douglas fir 3.5" by 9.5" at the center section. The ultimate load factor is +/- 10g.

Wing skins are covered with 3/4 ounce fiberglass and West System Epoxy. "This was a feared process, but was relatively easy."