Percy Fisher Monoplane Replica Project

The Fisher Monoplane, designed and built by Wellington engineer, Percy Fisher, holds an important place in New Zealand's aviation history as the first plane built in New Zealand to achieve controlled sustained flight.

Fisher completed his aircraft in November of 1912 and made several test flights at Pigeon Bush Station, near Featherston in the Wairarapa. The windy conditions proved a challenge and after moderate success and a few rough landings he handed pilot duties over to Wellingtonian Reginald (Reggie) White who was keen to try his skill in the cockpit. They shifted the trial site to the more sheltered location of Hurunui-o-rangi, near Carterton and between 21-23 June 1913 White achieved several successful flights, travelling about 800 meters. The plane was reported to have a take-off distance of around 27 meters and travelled at over 60 kilometres per hour when airborne.

Dr John G Hill, a retired engineer, has spent the past two years recreating Percy Fisher’s monoplane. John, who has Parkinsons Disease, has designed and built many aircraft over his lifetime and now wants to finish his latest project as soon as funds allow.

He intends to donate the finished project to the proposed Hood Aerodrome Museum.