This aircraft appeals to pilots looking for slam-dunk power that drives them back into their seats on takeoff-power with climb attitudes that rival those of an F-16 and give them the feeling they have finally joined the jet age. But they also want affordable turbine power, and the Comp Air 7 Turbine certainly has that too!

The ultimate test is the reaction from pilots who've experienced a demonstration flight in Aerocomp's Comp Air 7 Turbine. Those who are financially capable are ready to buy when returning from the flight! If you've ever flown a Cessna 206 or a Centurion, which are great aircraft, you'll be amazed at the feel and outstanding performance of the Comp Air 7 Turbine.

And as soon as you learn of Aerocomp's excellent affiliated building programs, conducted under the auspices of Sky Build Inc., (Skybuild is an independently owned and operated facility with Steve Darrow as company president) you'll want to close the deal immediately. Sky Build is located at the Merritt Island Airport in a complex of several large industrial buildings. (The corporate offices of Aerocomp are also

Aerocomp has been in business since 1993, when the company purchased the rights to the Merlin, a two-place, tube-and-fabric aircraft. In the beginning, Aerocomp consisted of two employees: President Steve Young and Vice President Ron Lueck, an experienced kit builder. Due to expanded kit sales, the company now has more than 20 employees.

When you build a high-performance aircraft like the Comp Air 7 Turbine, it's a good idea to train new owner/pilots in all aspects of flying their new aircraft. Aerocomp organized ground and flight training for new owners of turbine-powered aircraft. Al Pike is in charge of the training program (for pilots without turbine experience), which provides at least seven hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of 11 hours of flight training. To qualify for this training, a pilot must have a current medical, a current flight review and at least 500 hours of total time, including at least 100 hours in complex, high-performance aircraft.

Aerocomp company pilots test-fly newly

I recently paid a second visit to Aerocomp after being promised a flight in the red Comp Air 7 Turbine with its overhauled, more powerful Walter 601D engine fitted with a five-blade prop. It was the very aircraft I'd seen at AirVenture. The folks at Aerocomp told me the plane was due back in Florida soon for additional radio installations. Finally, we received a call telling us that the plane, normally based in Modesto, California, was back in Merritt Island.

Be aware that when it comes to starting a turbine engine, there are some different rules that must be strictly followed. First, be sure to turn the plane into the wind (if there's any of a significant velocity) to prevent the wind from blowing up into the plane's huge exhaust stack. Next, to prevent any possible damage from the prop blast and turbine heat, make a careful visual check to be sure there's no structure or another aircraft behind you.