Plain English Meaning

A small private plane from the late 1960s that was the first one made mostly out of fiberglass-type material — instead of metal — to be officially approved by the FAA.

Full Definition

The Windecker Eagle is a four-seat, single-engine general aviation airplane that was the first all-composite aircraft to receive FAA type certification, achieved in 1969. Designed by Dr. Leo Windecker, its airframe was built primarily from fiberglass-reinforced plastic rather than aluminum, making it a milestone in the use of composite materials in certified civil aircraft.

Context Anchor

Seen in discussions of the history of composite aircraft construction.