Comp Air of Merritt Island, Fla., last month unveiled plans to certify its 10-seat, all-composite Comp Air 12 turboprop single. The Honeywell TPE331-14GR-powered airplane is expected to enter flight testing in the fourth quarter, with certification slated for 2009.

Since this is composite kitplane manufacturer Comp Air’s first foray into aircraft certification, the company has enlisted Marsh Aviation of Mesa, Ariz., to help with certification of the engine and airframe. Likewise, it has tapped Executive Aircraft Maintenance of Scottsdale, Ariz., to provide maintenance support for the type’s engine during and after certification.

Comp Air 12 specifications include a 10,500-pound mtow, 4,700-pound useful load, 300-knot high-speed cruise, 900-foot takeoff roll (mtow, SL) and 1,458- nm max range. No price has been announced yet for the airplane.