The all-metal Parrot is the first LSA to offer a full-cantilever metal wing, a "glass" shape in real metal, a forward-hinged canopy, and plenty of payload. Flight tests on the new machine have exceeded expectations. Test pilot and CZAW President Chip Erwin said,
"I have never felt so comfortable so quickly flying any aircraft, especially a new design on its first flight. The handling and control balance are great. The visibility is fantastic. The Parrot is smooth, quiet, and extremely comfortable."
OK,it helps he's the company president, but others are lining up around the block to see for themselves. The entire design effort was built around the Sport Pilot (LSA) rules. "We are not adapting some 450kg European ultralight," Erwin, born and raised in Wisconsin, explained. "We designed from the ground up for the American rules and the American market; and we use American-sourced materials. We have a new and modern look, fantastic handing characteristics on the ground and in the air, and optimized performance to the LSA rules."
With exceptionally nimble, yet steady air manners and fabulous visibility enhanced by the cantilevered wing and convenient forward-hinged canopy, the Parrot makes the most of aerodynamics. (Its efficient airfoil, developed on high-performance sailplanes, is a key feature unmatched in the industry.) The smooth shape, made possible by the Parrot?s proprietary construction fixtures, also contributes to the quiet ride. Plus, it's beautiful. With a shape usually considered achievable only on composite aircraft, the Parrot's stretch formed and hydroformed panels blend together with flush rivets to give the appearance of composite, without the headaches. Future headaches are also reduced by standard full-interior zinc chromate protection on the ready-to-fly machine.
Text and photo from www.sportaircraftworks.com
