Larkin Skylark

The Skylark is a two-seater. Its configuration includes an enclosed cabin with a pusher engine and prop mounted overhead and centered between twin booms. The booms are attached to the wings and connected at the rear, between twin vertical stabilizers, by one single-elevator surface. One unique feature of the airplane’s structure is the use of a square tubular aluminum keel which is responsible for the loads from the landing gear and the main fuselage. For amphibious operations, there is an optional V-shaped lower hull of fiberglass which can be added.

My father, Tony Austin, worked for Larkin Aircraft in the late 1960s-early '70s. He collaborated on the engineering and fabrication of the fuselage and other structural components of the one prototype. I had opportunity as a boy to witness the Skylark's construction and first flight, and have sat in the actual aircraft. I never flew in it as it was only ever piloted by the designer, Keith Larkin himself, to my knowledge.

Thad Austin

Engine 100-hp Volkswagen.
Gross Wt. 1246 lb
Empty Wt. 790 lb
Fuel capacity 17 USG
Wingspan 26’6”
Length 19’6”
Top speed 115 mph
Cruise 105 mph.
Stall 42 mph
Climb rate 550 fpm
Ceiling 12,000 ft
Takeoff run 600 ft
Landing roll 400 ft
Range 525 miles