Designer, builder and test pilot Ron Lueck is normally a very talkative person. After his first flight in his latest design, however, he was at a loss for words. A BIG smile, and a generous "thumbs-up" hand signal were his first reactions to the flight. When asked how his new turbo-prop powered Comp Air 7 flew, he replied, "...what do you say when WOW!! doesn't express it?..." |
 Ron,
owner of Comp Air Inc,. is a self-proclaimed "power
junky" who has often expressed the opinion that "you can't have too much
power". This new airplane may have finally satiated his seemingly unquenchable
thirst for thrust. Packing a walloping 657 hp, the Walter M601D turbo-prop looms out in
front of the seven place Comp Air 7, intimidating any but the most power-hungry pilots. |
 "Performance" takes on a whole new
meaning with this airplane. After several hours of test-flying, Ron says he hasn't yet
"got the nerve" to explore the full capabilities of this powerhouse.
During yesterday's flight, he reported a 258 mph TAS cruise at 12,500 feet -- using only
80 lbs. of the available 127 lbs. torque! Climb rates produce such a steep
"deck angle" that he has not yet experimented with full power. However, he
reports no difficulty achieving a 4000 fpm climb @ 120 mph indicated, with plenty of
excess thrust still available. Ron says he prefers a "cruise climb" at 150 mph
indicated -- producing a climb of 2000 fpm -- the "deck angle" is more
comfortable in the gentler climb. |
January
14, 1999 
The Comp Air 7 is handling beautifully in
flight. Ron reports "hands-off" stability in all flight regimes that he has
explored during the flights this week. The range of speeds that the airplane can fly at is
also impressive. The airplane is not only able to easily achieve cruise speeds in excess
of 250 mph TAS, but can also be slowed easily for traffic pattern operations. Ron says
that it is easy to slow the airplane to as low as 80 mph when necessary, and he has flown
final approach as slow as 70 mph indicated. Touchdown is slow and easy.
