[5][6] The design was intended to compete with the type certified Cirrus SR22 and the now out-of-production Cessna TTx, with higher performance for half the price.

[5][7][2] The aircraft features a cantilever low-wing, a four-seat enclosed cabin accessed by doors, tricycle landing gear with an optional automatic retractable fully castering nose wheel, main landing gear with wheel pants and a single engine in tractor configuration.

[1][5][3][6] The optional retractable nose gear automatically retracts when the onboard sensors measure the airspeed over 100 knots, 1,000 feet above the ground, throttle position above 30% power, weight off the wheels and flap position up.

Retracting the nosewheel increases cruise speed by up to 12 knots, due to its location in the disturbed air of the propeller slipstream.

The Mako is sleek and appealing on the outside—and it’s comfortable, roomy, with good visibility and terrific avionics on the inside."

While the control feel could be a bit lighter (something Conrad is working on), it is a solid platform that will help the pilot stay out of trouble.