Every airplane has a beginning. Some start as drawings on a designer’s desk, others as crates of parts delivered to a garage. Cruzer One began as something a little different—a community project waiting for the right moment, the right resources, and the right person to help bring it to life.
Cruzer One was born at Flabob Airport. The aircraft began life as a project of EAA Chapter 1, which is why I decided to christen her Cruzer One.
I first heard about the project in 2022. At that time it needed several key things to move forward: funding, an engine, and avionics. After some tough negotiations, a deal was struck that allowed the chapter to retain the project while also gaining a new member.
Our agreement was signed in December 2022, and the aircraft was moved to its new home in the chapter’s Hangar 17. Weekly build sessions continued with the dedicated group that had started the project, but during weekdays and many evenings I often found myself working alone, steadily pushing the project forward.
In July 2024 the aircraft successfully passed inspection by the DAR, and task-based flight testing was completed by the end of August.
Cruzer One was born.