The first flight of an all-new design is a thing of beauty, especially when all goes well; and that's exactly what happened on February 26, 2013, at snow-covered Lachute Airport near Montréal, Quebec, Canada.

"Liftoff was perfect, in about 300 feet," said Thierry Zibi, President of SAM Aircraft. "We were not at gross weight, so our climb of nearly 1300fpm felt like a rocket." The test pilot, Raphaël Langumier reported that the initial handling was exactly as expected. "With the prop set at a climb setting, we saw a maximum level speed of 127mph."

The 21 minute flight covered the basics – 30-degree banks, straight flight, and gentle control. "There is a lot more to test," said Thierry, "but all indications are that the aerodynamics are exactly what we have expected all along."

The SAM LS is a roomy tandem, retro-look, metal aircraft, powered by the 100hp Rotax 912S, and sporting the Sensenich ground-adjustable composite propeller, among other high-quality components. Available ready-to-fly or as a kit in three configurations (short, long, and standard wing) as an (available) 250-hour fast build kit, the SAM LS was designed to be comfortable, rugged, easy to repair, economical, fun… and to have the distinctive classic look of a warbird trainer.

With a 10" Dynon SkyView panel (and an available 7" Dynon system for the rear seat), +/-5.2g limit load factor, and modern design in the classic style, the SAM LS in all its configurations will be a pleasure to fly and a distinctive sight on the ramp.

Deliveries of the first kits are scheduled for late summer, 2013. Deposits for delivery position are open; the introductory ready-to-fly price (FOB Canada) is $135,000, and includes some attractive upgrades at no charge. The Standard Kit is priced at $39,000.

Escrowed customer deposits are being accepted; qualified investment partners are invited