There seem to an almost endless supply of downsized, nowadays lightened planes modeled on Cessna’s layout, stretching back to Partenavia, Beagle and Rockwell of the 60s It says a lot about the validity of the concept but I’d guess Tecnam will be one of few survivors, other than Cessna. Cessna itself copied their design from Luscombe and there wasn’t room for both in the giant market of that time.
This one seems to be generally like the Glastar/Symphony in its materials and construction.
What Rockwell design followed Cessna’s layout?
Oh, the Volair… probably the last aircraft I would’ve thought of in conjunction with “endless supply”.
Obviously I was pointing out that many Cessna-derived designs have been certified over many decades up to the present, but most of them have not succeeded in the market. I think Tecnam is an exception. About 700 Rockwell Commander high wing aircraft were made, not terribly successful, so a good example of my point.
I think most people people would judge this ‘Colt’ design to be another example in the making. The good thing about it is that as with many previous aircraft, it may well be a good aircraft but it will in case of low sales depreciate like a rock and you’ll be able to buy one in 5-10 years for lets say $35K. Then in the US you put in FAA Experimental LSA category and maintain it like a home built. The market can be your friend, sometimes more so if you zig when others have zagged.
A useful load of 213 kg in the brochure probably means less than 200 kg in real life. That is not enough for flight training in an aero club…
