Adam Is for Real

J. Mac McClellan

Monday, July 01, 2002 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Adam Aircraft's CarbonAero is a promising new pressurized, centerline-thrust piston twin that the author believes has a good chance of success due to its realistic approach.
The company is praised for avoiding irrational promises, securing adequate funding, and setting achievable performance goals compared to existing aircraft.
Its design prioritizes practicality, simplifying initial concepts (e.g., incorporating an airstair door) and planning for conventional systems rather than relying on unproven advanced technology.
The CarbonAero's centerline thrust configuration offers significant advantages for pilots and insurers by eliminating asymmetric thrust issues, and it fills a unique market gap as there are no direct pressurized piston twin competitors.

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I have had the opportunity to watch many, many start-up companies try to build their first aircraft, and the record of success is dismal. But I was pleasantly surprised when I visited Adam Aircraft’s operation in Denver. I think this company has a good chance to make it.

The new airplane is named the CarbonAero because it is built from carbon fiber composite material. Adam Aircraft is named for founder Rick Adam, who made a fortune in the computer business. The CarbonAero is a push-pull pressurized piston twin powered by two Continental turbocharged 550s rated at 350 horsepower each and controlled by FADEC computers.