Falconar Teal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Teal | |
|---|---|
| Type | Utility amphibian |
| Manufacturer | Homebuilt |
| Designed by | Chris Falconar |
The Falconar Teal was a two-seat homebuilt, amphibious airplane designed by Chris Falconar of Edmonton, Canada. Based on the two- or three-seat AMF Maranda, the Teal was built mostly of wood. It featured strut-braced high wing, with "W" configuration struts running from the wing roots, down to stabilizing floats (which also contained the main wheels), then back up the wings near 70% span; cruciform tail; two pilots seated side-by-side under the wing; access to the cockpit by side doors; tricycle undercarriage with the main wheels retracting into stabilizing floats only about 25% of the wing span. The nosewheel retracted into the bow and was covered by two conventional (side-hinged) doors. A rarity among flying boats was its engine location in a nacelle, above the wing, with the propeller rotating immediately in front of the windscreen. For many years (1970s to 1990s) plans were sold by Falconar Aviation of Edmonton (downtown municipal airport. A handful were built by amateur aircraft constructors (aka homebuilders) in Canada and the United States. Most were powered by certified Lycoming or Continental engines.
Like many small flying boats, it suffered from a heavy empty weight and had difficulty competing with float planes.
The Falconar Teal has been replaced by lighter, composite construction amphibians like the Quikkit Glass Goose Goose and Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey.
[edit] References
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 376.
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