On March 29, 2016 Glasair Aviation of Arlington, Washington, received FAA certification of its much-anticipated Merlin Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).
For nearly 40 years Glasair Aviation has been a world leader in the manufacture of high-end, composite kitplanes, first with its Glasair-series of high-performance low-wing aircraft in the 1980s and later with its high-utility, high-wing GlaStar and Sportsman models.
Merlin LSA certification marks Glasair Aviation’s first entry into turnkey airplane production. (The Merlin LSA will not be sold as a kit.) The company will target pilots whose desire is to buy-and-fly an affordable, comfortable, all-composite aircraft perfect for recreational flying.
Glasair Aviation also anticipates sales to training centers intent on upgrading to aircraft with excellent handling characteristics and the latest instrumentation. Sales will be through regional aircraft dealerships. (Operators interested in establishing dealerships should contact Glasair Aviation directly.)
The Merlin LSA will be an entirely U.S.-made aircraft.
Further Merlin LSA production is underway with the first customer deliveries expected in third quarter this year.
