Adam Is for Real

J. Mac McClellan

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

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The author expresses strong optimism for Adam Aircraft's CarbonAero, attributing its potential success to the company's realistic promises, apparent financial stability, and practical development approach that avoids reliance on unproven technologies.
The CarbonAero is highlighted as a unique and conservative design (carbon fiber, push-pull pressurized piston twin with centerline thrust) that offers significant advantages in market appeal (safer multiengine operation, insurance benefits) and simplified certification by avoiding common hurdles.
Adam Aircraft is praised for its grounded strategy, focusing on delivering a solid alternative at a competitive price rather than promising unrealistic performance or holding progress hostage to new, unproven technologies, filling a gap in the pressurized piston twin market.

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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.