Will Fly New Turboprop Single To Lakeland

There's another turboprop single to reckoned with... as Saturday evening, Comp Air Aviation owner Ron Lueck took flight successfully in his company's Comp Air 12. With wheels off at 1810 EDT, from Florida's Merritt Island Airport, it was the maiden voyage of Comp Air's all new, carbon-composite turbine.

The company tells ANN it has "written a new chapter of owner/flown aircraft" with the Comp Air 12. "With this first flight having no difficulties other than minor adjustments, it was a complete success."

The Comp Air 12 won't rest on its gear for long... as the company plans to fly the new turboprop to this week's Lakeland Fly-In, which kicks off Tuesday, April 17. Lueck notes the company will honor its promise to display the turboprop at Lakeland... a promise made last year, when the company expected the aircraft's first flight to occur before the end of 2006.

The first aircraft sports a Honeywell TPE331-14GR turbine engine, swinging a Hartzell 5-blade propeller. 

Lueck states the company plans to pursue FAA certification for the Comp Air 12, taking the aircraft kit manfacturer into the rarified air of production-builder status.

FMI: www.compairinc.com