Aircraft overview

The Aviat Eagle II is a two-seat, aerobatic biplane originally developed as the Christen Eagle II by Frank Christensen. The design first flew in the late 1970s and was offered primarily as a high-quality kit aircraft, with later support associated with Aviat Aircraft after the Christen line became part of the Aviat family. It occupies the Experimental Amateur-Built category in most used examples, although its engineering, documentation and finish standards are more refined than many homebuilt contemporaries. For buyers, the Aviat Eagle II matters because it combines classic biplane handling, two-seat aerobatic capability and strong parts and community support in a recognizable, well-documented design.

Performance & specifications

Typical Aviat Eagle II aircraft are powered by a Lycoming AEIO-360 series engine rated at 200 hp, usually paired with a constant-speed propeller and equipped for inverted flight. Published cruise figures are commonly around 130 to 140 knots, depending on propeller, rigging, wheel fairings and engine setup. Range is generally in the low hundreds of nautical miles, with fuel capacity and aerobatic reserves making it better suited to local flying and short cross-country trips than long-range touring. Service ceiling is commonly listed around 17,000 feet. Useful load varies by individual build, equipment and empty weight, so the actual aircraft weight and balance data is essential.

Cabin & avionics

The Aviat Eagle II has tandem seating under a bubble canopy, with compact cockpit dimensions typical of aerobatic biplanes. Visibility is good in flight, while ground handling requires normal tailwheel awareness. Cabin comfort is basic, with limited baggage space and noise levels consistent with a lightweight aerobatic aircraft. Avionics are not standardized. Many examples have a simple VFR panel with airspeed, altimeter, attitude reference, engine instruments, comm radio and transponder. Updated aircraft may include a Garmin G5, modern engine monitor, ADS-B equipment or a panel-mounted GPS, but integrated suites such as Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective are not typical for this model.

Buying & value

Used-market evaluation should focus on build quality, builder records, logbook continuity, weight and balance, fabric condition, wing rigging, corrosion protection, tailwheel gear condition and evidence of hard aerobatic use. Engine history, propeller inspections, inverted oil system condition and smoke system installation quality are also important. Common upgrades include modern radios, ADS-B, electronic engine monitoring, refreshed fabric and paint, improved harnesses and cockpit refinements. The Aviat Eagle II typically sits as a premium, well-regarded kitbuilt aerobatic biplane, often cross-shopped with Pitts two-seaters and other sport aerobatic aircraft, but valued for its recognizable design, documentation and owner support network.