The sole CH.3 Series 1 Ace, G-AHLG, in its original configuration with a single fin and rudder. The large cabin, around which the aircraft had largely been designed, created turbulent airflow which tended to blanket the tail surfaces at low speeds. Test pilot Rex Stedman had considerable difficulty making turns during early flights.

Chrislea C.H.3A.

Quick off the mark in the UK's post-war light aircraft market was the Chrislea Ace. The prototype, G-AHLG, first flew in September 1946 with a Lycoming O-290. Despite considerable development, production amounted to just over 30 units.

The Chrislea C.H.3 Ace Two-seat Light Monoplane (125 h.p. Lycoming engine).

The prototype Chrislea Ace was originally flown with a single fin. The company later moved from Heston to Exeter and a production line was laid down for developed versions known as the Chrislea Super Ace and Skyjeep. G-AHLG was scrapped at Exeter in April 1952.

Within three weeks of its first flight the Ace had been fitted with twin fins and rudders and the dihedral of the wings had been reduced. The aircraft was ultimately withdrawn from use in January 1949 and scrapped at Exeter in the spring of 1952.

A series of publicity photographs of the Ace, showing its novel features, including (left) the simple cabin, unusual “steering-wheel” flying controls and door designed for easy access, and (right) the car-type upper cowl­ing, hinged around a line on the starboard side. The lower cowling could be quickly detached as a complete unit.

The prototype CH.3 Series 2 Super Ace, G-AKFD, initially retained the Chrislea control system but was ultimately fitted with a standard rudder bar, as were the majority of production Super Aces. The prototype was crated for Australia in March 1949 as VH-BRP, but was destroyed in a ship fire at Port Said a few weeks later.

Chrislea C.H.3 Series 3 Super Ace.

Paul Longthorp's beautifully restored Chrislea Super Ace G-AKVF made its first post-restoration flight on November 4, 1981.

Donald Lowry, who took over from Rex Stedman as Chrislea's test pilot in 1949, also assumed the role of sales and publicity manager for the company.

The first batch of nine Super Aces lined up at Exeter in the summer of 1948. Chrislea announced that ‘‘as soon as the material supply position improves, it is hoped to put the next batch in hand” and that “over­seas interest in the machine has been encouraging”.

The Skyjeep was fitted with standard flight controls, but the rubber-covered footprint rudder pedals were still unusual, being placed at a slight angle to the floor and operated harmonium-style. Flight Editor Maurice Smith described using the pedals as “taking a little getting used to, unless one frequently dances on one’s points...”

The prototype CH.3 Series 4 Skyjeep G-AKVS with its original smaller fins in 1949. The hinged rear decking opened up to reveal a compartment fitted with special rails and support-carrying rollers, into which a stretcher could be fitted. A medical attendant would have sat with the pilot in the front cabin.

Chrislea C.H.3 Series 4 Skyjeep.

CHRISLEA SKYJEEP four-seater, also at Bankstown, has strengthened airframe and 200-h.p. D.H. Gipsy Six in place of 155-h.p. Cirrus Major III. In background is a Wackett trainer . The C.H.3 Srs. 4 (VH-RCD) is cream and red.

SEEING IS BELIEVING. Australia provide unusual conversion. The tail wheel undercarriage Chrislea C.H.3 Srs. 4 Skyjeep (VH-RCD) four-seater now has a deepened rear fuselage.

Skyjeep VH-RCD/G-AKVR, which is to fly again in Australia. Drawings are sought to enable an authentic CH.4 restoration to be made.

The Series 2 Super Ace production line at Exeter in April 1948. By the summer of that year, all was not well at Chrislea and the factory was closed for two months owing to ‘‘material shortages”, a result of financial difficulties with the company’s suppliers.

In the flight control system devised by Chrislea, all control was effected by a single wheel mounted on a column protruding from the dashboard on a universal joint. Unfortunately the system was not self-centring, meaning that it was extremely difficult to find a level/straight control position to work from.

Chrislea CH3 Super Ace