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Mermaid Amphibian

The design parameters were challenging: make a certifiable, roomy amphibian that will fit the LSA rules (2-place, S-LSA MTOM, low stall speed), and that will be affordable, reliable, and fun to fly; then give it the speed and range to be practical as a transportation device, and dual controls, for training and peace of mind. The Mermaid does it all, and more.

Of conventional all-metal design, the Mermaid is built by European craftsmen, with US-sourced materials. Its five watertight compartments are built with EDO-style pump-outs. The Jabiru 3300 (Rotax 912ULS or 914 also feasible) puts out 120 reliable horsepower while burning well under 6 gph. The useful load is over 500 pounds, and the large baggage area is located nearly on the CG, to make its capacity truly usable. The wide cockpit is comfortable; and it affords a large panel area.

Mermaid Status

Two of US experimental builders have completed and are flying their Mermaids. Both of these builders have put a lot of work into their projects along with a lot of patience dealing with the factory. The patience and hard work paid off – both airplanes look great and have successfully flown. I especially like the tail art on Dan's aircraft.

Before everyone asks, quick build kits are NOT available at this time. Additionally finished aircraft are not being produced by the factory until some further time in the future as I already informed you. I know this is disappointing to all of us, but we have no control over the management at the factory. At this point we're not even going to make an estimate of when Mermaids will be in full production and any estimates that we receive from the factory are unreliable. We will continue to pursue any and all avenues possible to get the Mermaid in production.

CZAW's American partner and co-developers continue to deliver a few Mermaids which we have in final stages of completion in Florida. Hopefully you'll see a few of these flying around in the US in the summer 2008.

Couple of photos included here are the finished customer built kits.

Mermaid Amphibian Facts

Versatility is the hallmark of true amphibians: even the energy-absorbing seats are quick-removable, so the Mermaid can double as a dockside bed, making those remote camping trips all the more enjoyable.

The hydraulic-damped tricycle gear retracts, and the pilot has visual confirmation of gear position, as well as the usual indicator lights; and the stable, quick-planing hull allows water takeoffs, at gross, in just 750 feet.

The fast (for a Sport Pilot-class aircraft) yet docile air manners are made possible by a streamlined fuselage and modern-design airfoil that provides very high lift and low drag, throughout the Mermaid’s speed range. This wing, coupled to fowler flaps, permits landings on land or water in just 500 feet.

CZAW president Chip Erwin noted, “The Mermaid makes it possible to cruise high above more than four hundred miles of land and water, at an easy 100 knots, in great comfort – and still carry the things you need for the trip. Until now, the only options were floatplanes, landplanes, or expensive, old-technology amphibians. Today, you can have a true amphibian, with its great comfort and capabilities – it’s fast enough, and has enough range, that it competes well with other LSA landplanes – and it simply leaves floatplanes in its wake.”

At roughly the price of a luxury sedan, the Mermaid offers what that car simply cannot: Point-to-point navigation, no-speeding-ticket cruising, with an incomparable view… and of course, the ability to float.

CZAW designed the Mermaid after its experience in building over 600 all-metal aircraft and hundreds of aluminum floats. In fact, the company’s airplanes and floats have taken home the Schneider Cup three times: CZAW is recognized throughout Europe as a premier design, engineering, and manufacturing center for seaplane technology.

Everything about the Mermaid indicates long and reliable service: full zinc chromate coating, AN and MS-series fasteners, US-sourced aircraft aluminum and tubing; and its solid, conventional design promises not only outstanding longevity – it is repairable anywhere, without relying on “special” production and inspection techniques.

Specification

Performance

Standard Instruments

Airspeed Indicator, Altimeter, Ball, Compass, Vertical Speed Indicator, Tachometer, Oil Pressure, Oil Temperature, Water Temperature, Volt Meter, Low Voltage Light, Hobbs, Electric Trim with Indicator, Gear Position Lights, Aux Power Supply.

Optional Instruments

Radio, Intercom, CD Player, Transponder, GPS, Artificial Horizon, Turn & Bank, Vertical Card Compass, ANR Headsets, PTT & Trim Control on the Stick, Fuel Flow Meter.

Standard Equipment

• Rotax 912ULS with HD Starter and Slipper Clutch
• 3-Blade, Ground-Adjustable, Carbon Propeller
• Retractable Gear with Hydraulic Pump
• Retractable water rudder.
• Hydraulic Toe Brakes
• Locking Canopy
• 4-Point Seatbelts
• HPRD (Human-Powered Repositioning Device)
• Wing Tanks, 13 Gallons (50 liter) each
• Andair Fuel Selector
• Back-Up Electric Fuel Pump
• Water Pump
• 2-Tone Paint
• Interior Corrosion Protection

Optional Equipment

• Aileron Trim
• Rotax 914
• Dual Brakes
• BRS parachute option.
• Tow Bar
• Strobe Lights
• Navigation Lights
• Landing Light
• Lighted Panel
• Locking Fuel Caps
• Leather Seats
• Electric-Hydraulic Wheel Retract System
• Folding Wings

The Mermaid Amphibian is currently available in Ready-to-Fly (RTF) configuration only.

Note: The Mermaid is under eight feet wide with wings removed or folded; it is designed to fit on a standard-width trailer, or in a standard container. The wings are easily removed for storage and shipment.

Propeller

Sport Aviation recommends a variable pitch Woodcomp propeller, the best piece for the nose of your aircraft!

Technical Layout

Czech Aircraft Works Aircraft Family