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The all-new
Mermaid is the first amphibian
to be designed especially to
comply with the FAA’s new Light
Sport Aircraft rules. It is also
the first new certified
single-engine amphibian to reach
production in decades.
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 slipper-clutch Rotax
912ULS puts out 100 reliable
horsepower while burning well
under 5 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 affords a
large panel area.
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.
The stable, quick-planing
hull allows water takeoffs, at
gross, in just 750 feet.
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