AESL Airtourer

Light Utility Aircraft/Trainer

Airworthy - On Display

The Airtourer is a two seat, low wing, aerobatic monoplane designed for the abinitio, aeroclub and private owner market. It  was designed in the late 1950s by Henry Millicer in response to a competition run by the Royal Aero Club in the UK.

The aircraft on display was built by Aero Engine Services Ltd (AESL and predecessor of PAC) in 1970.  It was one of four constructed for the RNZAF who initially used them to train NZ Army helicopter pilots, but were then used for flight grading, flying scholarships and communication tasks, and in their latter years of service were used in a reconnaissance role to locate marijuana plantations for the NZ police.

Country of Origin: New Zealand
Engine: Lycoming O-320. 160 hp piston engine
Length: 6.7m (22ft 0in)
Height: 2.13m (7ft 0in)
Wing Span: 7.93m (26ft 0in)
Cruise Speed: 133mph (213kph or 115 knots)
Maximum Speed: 234mph (376kph or 203 knots) at 5000ft
Range: 3 hrs endurance
Service Ceiling: 10,000ft (3050m)
Armament: Nil