Rockwell Aero Lark

[aeronut]

Described as an ugly C-172 and an orphan does anyone have experience or an opinion about this aircraft or the slower Dart? The Lark seems to be a solidly built 4 place with a 180HP engine. Engine components won't be a problem but as an orphan will other parts be a problem? Any input as to performance, reliability flyability and comfort would be welcomed.

[TriPacerTX]

Have never flown one, but looked into purchasing one a couple of years ago. From all the research I did, it seemed like a real solid 4 place airplane. More capability than a 172 for less cost. Everyone I had spoken to who had flown them gave them a good review. Only reason I didn't purchase is the one I was looking at was bought out from under me. Never looked too hard at the Darter, so can't comment on it.

[jammin]

I have owned one for 9 years and used it for many different types of missions. A good solid airplane.

[cybertech]

I hope I am replying correctly....

I am in my third year of ownership of an AC Lark 100-180. J & C Aviation in Thomas, Oklahoma is a great source of parts for the airframe. They have some new and some used. Evidently when the inventory was sold out the last time, J & C bought it. Their # is 800-542-8565. Bought a wing from them 3 years ago to replace one I had with corrosion. In fact, we had both wings off the bird for repairs.

It's a solid airplane. I have run it without the wheel pants since I bought it because the previous owner said I wouldn't notice any speed increase with the pants on.

2 years ago this coming May we flew from Flushing, Michigan to Branson, MO. to Lakeland, Fl., to Key West, to Lakeland, and then back to Flushing, Mi. 30 hours- quite the trip - a certain body area hurt so much that I didn't get back in the plane for 3 weeks. I've got to work out comfortable seating _ Lark's aren't the only one's with comfort probelms.

I don't have much money in the airplane. My goal is to get some good radios so I can go back to flying some IFR.

Does anyone know if there's an "official" Lark website?? I need a project for DreamWeaver and I was thinking about doing a Lark site.

[jammin]

I have not found any official websites however would help to make one if I can. J & C is a good source for parts and are reasonably priced compared to Cessna etc. I replaced many control cables last year with old stock NEW parts for a total of $120.00. I have not had any corrosion issues yet. My A/C has spent most of it's life in Northern British Columbia and Northwest Territories in this cold and dry climate.

I have done a little research on Lark history and came up with a few stats.
From what I can tell, there were 213 total built from 1968 to 1971. About 140 still reside in the US while 13 are registered in Canada. Serial numbers start at 5001 and go to the 5213. They all were built with hard seats.

My biggest wish would be an STC to add a constant speed prop (they were designed for it) and a type of STOL kit. If anyone knows a way to go about this please let me know.

[Larkflyer]

Originally Posted by aeronut

Described as an ugly C-172 and an orphan does anyone have experience or an opinion about this aircraft or the slower Dart? The Lark seems to be a solidly built 4 place with a 180HP engine. Engine components won't be a problem but as an orphan will other parts be a problem? Any input as to performance, reliability flyability and comfort would be welcomed.

My wife has owned a Lark for two years and finds it very stable, easy to fly and economical. I like the steel tubing cage around the occupants, and the relatively slow touchdown speeds if needed. Have added shoulder harness and strobes to it and a traffic device. All in all, it has been reliable and simple. Not fast though.... plan on about 100 knots.
Nick

[Cebollas]

Both have very nice flying qualities, the Darter does about 100 knots and the Lark about 105 both can go 8 to 10 knots faster but then fuel consumptions increase unproportionally.

I fly in Texas and New Mexico and they have no problem climing out of any airfield, the big 180+ sq ft wing (more than a 182 or 206) makes the plane slow, but able to clim out at a very nice gradient.
Its not unusual for me to fly out with 4 persons on board plus a little luggage.

I will like to locate an exaust for the Darter if anybody is sending theirs for repair, let me know so that I can have the same shop rebuild one for me too.

On the Lark, the wheel fairings don't seem to make it go faster, but the glide ratio and looks improve a little.

Lets make a website for them.

[Sue]

Hi Lark pilots. I have serial number 5105 Lark 100-180. She has sat out in the Saskatoon weather more than is good for her complexion or her lovely white and brown velour upholstery. Doies anyone know whom I should contact for a kit to redo the interior, windows or fairings? Just put Clevelands on her and am dedicating my xmas vacation to restoring all three wheel pants. Ho Ho Ho.

[larkpilot180]

Got a couple of questions on the Commander

Should you lock the flaps down when tied down outside?

Should you start up take off and land like the poh suggests with the electric fuel pump? or are you guys useing the mechanical pump?


Doug

New Owner of a very well cared for Lark.

[jammin]

I believe the owners manual says to put the flaps to 30 deg (full) when parked. If you don't, wind gusts can move the flaps around wearing out the springs.
Cheers

[jammin]

Sorry, I missed the second question. You are required to have the electric fuel pump on during take off and landing manouvers. As this engine (0360 A-2-F) has a mechanical fuel pump, it requires a back-up system on during criticle phase of flight. If you or anyone else needs reference material let me know. I have the original parts and repair manuals, and owners manual.
I could scan it all.

Lark 5213

[larkpilot180]

Thanks for the info guys,much appreciated.

Doug

[larkpilot180]

Originally Posted by Larkflyer

My wife has owned a Lark for two years and finds it very stable, easy to fly and economical. I like the steel tubing cage around the occupants, and the relatively slow touchdown speeds if needed. Have added shoulder harness and strobes to it and a traffic device. All in all, it has been reliable and simple. Not fast though.... plan on about 100 knots.
Nick

Hi Nick,

Have a question on the strobes, what kind or type are they and is there an stc for them??

Doug

[jammin]

There is a strobe on the belly between the gear legs on mine. Not positive but I think it was factory installed. Switch is next to fuel pump. I will check the equipment list when I get it back from maintenence for type.

[jwillis]

Hi All, I converting a Lark into a taildragger and equipping it with a 230 hp engine, this aircraft will be going into the experimental category, in my opinion, this aircraft should have had this many horses in the first place.
I, bought my Lark with no engine, mount or font landing gear, just wondering if any of you might know how much this all weighed and how many inches it is from the center of the engine to the firewall.
Thanks
Fair tailwinds to all!

John Willis
Box 242
Thompson, Manitoba
Canada
R8N 1N1
204-778-5289