First Flight: Merlin LSA

Following detailed validation testing, including engine runup, highspeed taxi, and ground roll lift off, the team at Glasair stood back and watched as Merlin departed the surface of runway 34 with testpilot Grant Smith at the controls. The flight lasted 57 minutes, as Smith took the plane through a full test flight profile that included validating the engine’s reliability, exploring flight control characteristics in flight and conducting standard flight maneuvers.

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