Ernie Carlson was a close friend for many years. I was one of two test pilots. We built the Carlson Skycycle replica, NX47Y. It took about 8 years of spare time in the shop to get it airborne. I got nearly 20 hours in it and did the flying when the promotional filming was done. After some minor adjustments it flew nicely and I ferried it to Lock Haven for the Sentimental Journey gathering where the filming was done. It was not kitted because the center section was a very complicated structure - we ruined one and had to start over; the rolled aluminum tail cone was another do over job. With it's O-145 Lycoming it flew great. It was dumped over on its back an didn't get into the Piper Museum as planned. I built a model of it and it was placed in the museum showcase.

Some years ago I saw the pictures of this plane and I contacted Carlson aircraft corporation. They are selling this plane as ultralight. They sold me a copy of the drawing of a PA-8 model made in 1946 by Ed Lidgard Comet model Airplane&supply Co.,Inc.. This drawing was made for building a show model. I enlarged the drawings to about 6 foot wingspan. I choose the for the Wingprofile: center= naca2412 420 mm wingtip= naca4412 260 mm. It is an extremely good natured flying plane powered by an OS 4 stroke 91s II P.

tengo los planos para construirlo pero la version motor a gomas.si lo desean puedo enviarlo.dejen el mail
saludos

There were actually two prototypes built. (one crashed, one burned)The PA-8 has been recreated and flown by Carlson Aircraft in Ohio. For more information see their website.

I would like to try to build one. Is there any detailed information available?

The prototype fuselage was made from a dropable fuel tank made for a figher aircraft. The rear was an aluminum tube. As I recall, it had a nickname of Little ?????. I always remember it as being destroyed by Piper because of fear someone would get hurt with it.

The prototype fuselage was made from a dropable fuel tank made for a figher aircraft. The rear was an aluminum tube. As I recall, it had a nickname of Little ?????. I always remember it as being destroyed by Piper because of fear someone would get hurt with it.

I saw this plane in Macy's (New York, 34th Street) when I was a boy. Thought it was a great idea, and never forgot about it! (I think it was in the toy department, or close to it!!!!)

My father Worked on this plane when he was in reasearch with Piper he gave alot of info to Carlson. Nice to know people still think about this plane. My dad says it was a ball to fly he wishes he could try it one more time.

I have built two 1/4 scale models of this aircraft. The first one was all balsa and destroyed in a crash due to an inconsiderate modeler who turned on his radio which was also on my frequency. Then in 1991, I built another with a carbon fiber fuselage and wing leading edge, which I still have. The canopy is from Lexan plastic made in my home designed vacuum forming box. Engine is a Saito twin 90 4 cycle.

I am an RC aircraft enthusist, built a model of the PA-8 in 1948 is there a way to obtain plans of this aircraft now.