EO-1

The EO‑1 was the pioneering light‑sport aircraft produced by the small American firm G Elias & Brother in the early 1930s. Founded by brothers George and Harold Elias in Dayton, Ohio, the company entered the market during a period of rapid growth in general aviation. The EO‑1 made its maiden flight on 12 March 1932 and quickly earned a reputation for its robust construction, simplicity, and economical operation. Its high‑wing monoplane layout featured an all‑wooden frame covered with fabric, a 65‑horsepower Continental A65 engine, and fixed tail‑wheel landing gear. The cockpit accommodated two side‑by‑side seats with clear glazing that provided excellent visibility for training and leisure flights. A notable innovation was the interchangeable wing panels, which allowed owners to switch between a standard 32‑foot span for stability and a shortened 27‑foot version for improved maneuverability. Over the decade, roughly 150 EO‑1s were built, serving flight schools, aero clubs, and private pilots across the United States. The aircraft’s affordability and reliable performance helped expand access to flying in the pre‑World War II era, cementing G Elias & Brother’s legacy as an influential contributor to early American general aviation.