Merlin LSA Makes Maiden Flight

April 9, 2015 - Glasair Aviation’s new special light-sport aircraft, Merlin, made a successful maiden flight at Arlington Municipal Airport, Washington, on Tuesday, April 7. The airplane rotated off Runway 34 piloted by Grant Smith and flew for close to an hour as Smith took the plane through a full test flight profile.

Merlin is a composite high-wing, tricycle gear aircraft built to LSA certification requirements based on ASTM consensus standards. Powered by a Rotax 912iS engine, the airplane is equipped with Dynon’s Skyview glass-pane and has an optional BRS parachute system available.

Flight testing will continue throughout the coming weeks as Glasair celebrates this milestone in the company’s history; Merlin will be the first certificated aircraft by the traditional kit maker.

“Our goal was to design an LSA with exceptional flying characteristics, performance, great visibility, aesthetically pleasing lines with easy access,” said Chief Engineer Chuck Hautamaki.

According to the company, Merlin’s 45-inch wide cockpit offers ample side-by-side seating, outstanding forward and side visibility, and one of the largest windshields in the category.

Glasair Aviation was founded in 1979 (as Stoddard-Hamilton Aircraft) and has been manufacturing aircraft kits for 35 years. For more information, visit GlasairAviation.com