Carlo Ferrarin - Minijets

Ferrarin: A Family of Italian Aviation Pioneers

Carlo Ferrarin is a notable figure in Italian aviation. Born into a family with deep roots in aviation, he is the son of Arturo Ferrarin, a respected pioneer renowned for his daring achievements, including his celebrated Rome–Tokyo flight in 1920 and a transatlantic flight from Rome to São Paulo in 1928 with Carlo Del Prete aboard a Savoia-Marchetti S.64. The flight covered 7,188 km, setting a world non-stop distance record. Inspired by his father’s legacy and passion, Carlo devoted his career to designing aircraft and sailplanes. His designs, particularly the high-performance Calif series of sailplanes, stand out for their elegance, innovation and outstanding performance.

Early Years at the Politecnico di Milano and Aviamilano

In the 1960s, Carlo Ferrarin studied at the Politecnico di Milano, specialising in aeronautical engineering. During this period, he worked closely with his cousin Francis Ferrarin and engineer Livio Sonzio to design competition sailplanes. Together, at Aviamilano, they developed the Aviamilano A-2 (1964) and A-3 (1967, with Amleto Zanetti as test pilot), Standard Class sailplanes renowned for their exceptional performance.

The death of engineer Vietri in a car accident on 13 September 1968 led to the sale of AviaMilano to Caproni Vizzola Costruzioni Aeronautiche S.p.A., based in Vizzola Ticino. Once the outstanding orders had been fulfilled, manufacturing operations ceased. However, following the transfer of staff and equipment, production resumed at Caproni’s facilities in Vizzola Ticino, under Carlo Ferrarin’s direction.

The A21 Calif: An Innovation for Gliding Schools

One of Carlo Ferrarin’s best-known designs is the Caproni-Vizzola A-21 Calif, a high-performance sailplane developed for competition and advanced pilot training. With its high-aspect-ratio wing and T-tail, the A-21 Calif was adopted by numerous civilian and military gliding schools. Its handling characteristics and safety made it well suited to training, allowing students to develop their skills alongside their instructors. Certified by the RAI, FAA, LBA and DGAC, it also proved successful in competition, setting several national and international records and further enhancing Ferrarin’s reputation.

The A-21SJ Motor Glider: The Freedom to Fly

In 1976, Ferrarin developed a powered version of the Calif, the A-21SJ, regarded as one of the earliest and purest examples of a “jet glider”. Unlike other motor gliders, the A-21SJ incorporates its engine so seamlessly into the airframe that it does not compromise aerodynamic performance during unpowered flight. Designed for self-launching and versatile operation, this pioneering motor glider offers outstanding characteristics, including low fuel consumption, endurance, comfort and an operating ceiling above 33,000 feet.

The C-22J: From Motor Glider to Trainer Aircraft

Following the success of the A-21SJ, Carlo Ferrarin continued to explore the possibilities of jet propulsion. In 1975, he began developing the C-22J, a two-seat, twin-engine jet designed for pilot training. This aircraft marked a new stage in his career, moving from self-launching sailplanes to a fully fledged, versatile jet trainer.

A Lasting Aviation Legacy

In 1989, Ferrarin took on a new challenge set by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI): designing a sailplane for the “World Class”, a category intended to make gliding more accessible. With support from the Aero Club d’Italia, he helped design the Velino, his final sailplane. Built by Glasfaser Italiana in Valbrembo, the aircraft met demanding requirements for low cost, quick disassembly by two people, robustness and a long service life.

A Life Dedicated to Aviation

Carlo Ferrarin embodies his family’s legacy and passion for aviation. His contributions have left a lasting mark on the history of gliding and Italian light aviation. Today, he honours the memory of his father, Arturo Ferrarin, and continues to inspire future generations. His work, driven by a constant pursuit of excellence and elegance in aircraft design, remains an example to aircraft designers everywhere.