TTF NEWS:

LONE ROCK, Wis. and MILAN, Italy — Francesco Rizzi, founder of Aerolab Manufacturing, and designer of the Sport Camp series of Experimental/Amateur-built kit aircraft, and Ed Leineweber, managing member of Golden Age Aeroworks, distributor of Aerolab products in the United States, recently conducted the first flights of the first Aerolab aircraft built from a production kit.

LoCamp N527CL, flown by Leineweber, lifted off the runway at Tri-County Regional Airport (KLNR) in Lone Rock in early December after an extensive period of taxi-testing and minor adjustments to the aircraft.

“When the moment finally arrived,” said Leineweber, “everything fell perfectly into place. The airplane flew beautifully, without a single squawk. The controls were light and harmonious, and the 110-hp Rotec R2800 radial engine enthusiastically responded to throttle input. If I was drawing an analogy to a living creature, it would be to a fine, well-mannered but spirited horse.”

While appealing to nostalgic impulses, the Aerolab LoCamp is a state- of-the-art aircraft under its 1930s-looking skin, according to company officials.

Comprised of a CNC laser-cut and TIG welded steel fuselage and tail section, aluminum spars and ribs, push-rod controls and electric flaps and trim, the kit comes nearly complete except for paint, chemicals and glue, instruments and an electrical system. The covering package includes fabric, finishing tapes, inspection rings and fabric rivets.

Designed to be powered by the Rotec R2800 110-hp radial engine, the LoCamp is expected to cruise at 106 mph, stall clean at 45 mph and flaps down at 41 mph. Empty weight is 928 pounds.

Sea level rate of climb is expected to be about 800 fpm. Range with full fuel at 1,320 pounds gross weight calculates out to 523 statute miles, with a 30-minute reserve. (Additional specs and dimensions are posted on the company’s website, including a link to the Rotec Aerosport site.)

The company plans to exhibit in the Rotec Aerosport booth at SUN ‘n FUN in Florida in April. Meanwhile, Phase 1 test flights will continue, company officials said.