Cliff Tait’s AESL T2 Airtourer

ZKCXU ‘Miss Jacy’

This aircraft is a recent acquisition to MOTAT, and despite its size is one of the most outstanding in the collection. A small single-engined touring aircraft, the Airtourer was flown around the world by New Zealander Cliff Tait in 1969.

Airtourers were designed in Australia and initially manufactured there, however between 1967 and 1973 Airtourers were built exclusively in Hamilton, New Zealand by Aero Engine Services Limited. At the time, New Zealanders were worried that Britain joining the European Common Market would have an effect on New Zealand businesses. So Cliff Tait decided to carry out the flight in order to promote New Zealand and the Airtourer to the world.

Cliff Tait with his family and Miss Jacy, the day before leaving

on the round the world trip. Walsh Memorial Library collection, MOTAT.

Cliff had learnt to fly in an Airtourer at the local aero club. He managed to purchase this aircraft himself by increasing his mortgage and using a loan from his employer. Fuel and living costs were paid for by a benefactor in London. Leaving Hamilton on 12 May 1969, he made the 30,500 mile (49,084 km) trip in 284 hours. Despite a range of challenges including mechanical problems, bureaucratic difficulties, and poor weather conditions, he returned safe and sound to Hamilton on 1 August 1969.

This aircraft broke several records while undertaking the flight. It was the smallest single-engined aircraft, the first New Zealand-built aircraft, and the first aircraft flown by an amateur pilot to fly around the world. All of these records have since been surpassed.

Miss Jacy’s cockpit, showing the radio which was used to communicate with home. Walsh Memorial Library collection, MOTAT.

Date: 1969

Manufacturer: Aero Engine Service Ltd, Hamilton

Type: Light low wing monoplane touring aircraft

Wing span: 7.92 m

Length: 6.33 m

Engine: One Lycoming 115 HP 0-235 engine

Accommodation: Pilot and one passenger  

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