Aviat Signs the Design Over To Long-Term Eagle Fanatic Chuck Therriault

Keeping on this summer’s trend of exciting light sport announcements, one of aviation’s most beloved aerobatic biplanes is now back in production under its original name: the Christen Industries Eagle. Rights to the Eagle were purchased out of the Aviat collection by long-term admirer Chuck Therriault.

Therriault’s passion for all-things-Eagle has been clear since he was eight years old, when he first saw the aircraft take the stage at EAA Oshkosh AirVenture. The Eagle became an act in the airshow under the Eagles Aerobatic Team, consisting of Charlie Hillard, Tom Poberezny, and Gene Soucy. They began using the single-seat Christen Eagle I in 1979 as a replacement for the Pitts Special. The team flew the Eagles for almost 20 years, including airshow performances at Oshkosh. All three of the show planes are now on display at the EAA Museum.

As soon as Therriault graduated from high school, he decided to pick up an Eagle of his own. He finished the build of N328CT in 2003.

During this time, the original designer, Frank Christensen, transitioned rights to the Eagle line from his own Christen Industries to Stuart Horn’s Aviat Aircraft. However, with Aviat also being the primary owner of the Husky and Pitts, the Eagle has found itself on the back burner for several years. This all changed with Therriault’s purchase of the Eagle line, made official just days before this year’s EAA Oshkosh AirVenture.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever be blessed to be the caretaker in charge of continuing the Eagle legacy and hopefully so many more kids dreams of one day flying and owning one,” Therriault wrote.

While the new owner wants to stay true to Frank Christensen’s work, he has some additional ambitions for the Eagle’s future.

“My vision for Christen Industries is to carry on our amazing Eagle II aircraft with building new kits and parts support, while adding many new mods like carbon, and other lightweight newly designed products to support and modify the Eagle II. Also offering quick built and factory assisted aircraft,” he noted. Therriault also hopes to offer MOSAIC factory-built aircraft and bring the single-place Eagle back into the unlimited category.

FMI: www.christenindustries.com