PALMYRA, WIS. – The traffic pattern was a constant buzz, and landings and takeoffs were successfully accomplished without the assistance of air traffic control, at the annual Father’s Day Fly-In Breakfast, June 16, 2013, in Palmyra, Wisconsin. It was anticipated that the fly-in would meet or exceed the 2400 breakfasts served in 2012, according to Rick Jelinek, president of Palmyra Flying Club, Inc., sponsors of the event.
Among the aircraft that flew in was a 1958 E.P. 9. The E.P.9 was a 1950s British light utility aircraft designed by Edgar Percival and initially built by his company, Edgar Percival Aircraft Limited, and later as the Lancashire Aircraft E.P.9 Prospector by the Lancashire Aircraft Company. Only 27 E.P.9s were built. The E.P.9 had a long and successful career as a private aircraft, utilized in multi-role STOL operations as an agricultural sprayer, and as a light cargo aircraft, jump plane, air ambulance and glider tug.
The aircraft is owned by Jan Christie of Woodruff, Wisconsin, and based at Palmyra, Wis. Christie bought the aircraft in Belgium in 1973 and flew it in Europe until he immigrated to the United States in 1976. Christie stored the aircraft for 24 years and then had the FAA license it in the Experimental/Exhibition Category in 2000. Of the 27 aircraft built, only two (2) are known to be flying today – Christie’s E.P.9 in the U.S. and one other in England. The aircraft is powered by a 270 hp Lycoming GO-480 engine and has a Hartzell Constant Speed Propeller.
