Two-seater LSA Merlin

single-enginepiston engine

Much has happened since we announced the first flight of Glasair Aviation’s Merlin light sport aircraft (LSA), which took place back on April 7, 2015. For nearly a year afterward, refinements and testing, testing, testing were the name of our game as we prepared our newest model plane – named for the smallest raptor, not the wizard – for ASTM certification and the OK for production sales. Almost a year later to the day, Glasair received the certification it sought on its prototype model, allowing it to reclassify the Merlin as an SLSA (that first S stands for Special). This upshot is a big deal for this pioneering kitplane manufacturer: Unlike all the Glasair Aviation models before it, the Merlin will sell as fully factory-built, ready-to-buy-and-fly aircraft, one of the very few models of LSAs that can. Production of beta-series Merlins continues apace as we continue our hard work to make the Merlin as strong, safe, light and enjoyable as can be. In our minds, it is the perfect light sport aircraft for rusty pilots rediscovering the joy of easy weekend hops across the state. New pilots will enjoy its stable, easy handling and forgiving landing gear. Pilot and passenger alike will appreciate its roomy 47 inch wide cockpit and sweeping views outside. Skylights make it that much easier to track traffic around busy destinations. All in all, a great plane for sport pilots and flight schools alike. But don’t just take our word for how nice this airplanes flies. See what the good folk at AOPA Pilot had to say. And check out Dan Johnson’s (bydanjohnson.com) recent and comprehensive video flight review!