The CGS Hawk, unlike most early designs, was not a converted glider. It was designed from the wheels up to be a proper little airplane. The engineering phase of this design took over a year before any metal was cut. The engineering criteria used was that for conventional airplanes.

CGS Aviation performed load tests of the control system and various control system methods. Landing gear drop tests were performed as well. Load testing of the wings in both positive and negative conditions, load testing of the horizontal and vertical tail assemblies for gust and positive and negative loadings verified the engineering data as to the strength of the airframe.

The construction of the Hawk, utilizing aluminum anodized tubing and gussets held together with pop rivets, allows for easy repair, even in the field if necessary. For example, a bent tube can be removed by drilling out the rivets with a battery powered drill and installing the new tube using rivets and a hand operated pop riveting tool. The Hawk features completely anodized tubing which stops corrosion and allows for long life airframes. Many Hawks built in 1983 are still flying today.

The first concern during the Hawk’s design was how to best protect the pilot during forced landings in trees, rough fields, barbed wire fences, buildings, or other unforeseen obstacles. The sturdy bridge-like structure of one inch diameter tubing, forms a roll-cage which surrounds the pilot completely.