7 Aircraft In Stages Of Final Assembly In Canada
Viking Series 400 Twin Otter certification work has entered
the final phase, with Transport Canada and European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) certification, expected in the next 90 days.
Viking is focused on finishing the final checkout configurations
for this versatile aircraft, which includes the ability to be a
standard land plane, tundra tire, ski plane, float plane, and
amphibian. The Primus Apex's flexible architecture supports
the aircraft's capabilities with a comprehensive software
package. Each customer will have the ability to select the
configuration suited for their specialized operating environment,
further increasing the aircraft's versatility.
Noise testing to FAR 36 standards has been completed on standard
landing gear and amphibious floats. The aircraft is also undergoing
hot temperature testing to evaluate hardware performance in extreme
temperatures. Over the coming weeks, legacy Twin Otter pilots
will evaluate the new systems to validate Viking's training
programs prior to customer deliveries.
Twin Otter Final Assembly
While certification work continues, Viking has seven aircraft in
various stages of final assembly at its Calgary, Alberta
facility. In Victoria, major sub assembly components are in
work for the next set of six aircraft, in line with the projected
build rate of twelve aircraft scheduled for 2010.
As the aircraft start lining up in anticipation of delivery, the
order book continues to grow. Vityaz Avia Corporation of
Moscow is the newest Twin Otter Series 400 customer, purchasing two
of the commuter configured aircraft for use in Russia. Vityaz
will be the first Twin Otter operator in the country, and will also
act on behalf of Viking as the Series 400 Sales Representative
within the region.
Says Sergey Antsiferov, Vityaz Avia general manager, "we are
thrilled to be the first Twin Otter operator in Russia, and are
excited to work with Viking to tap into this huge market
opportunity."
Also adding to the growing Series 400 order book is Petro Air, a
commercial organization developed exclusively to handle aviation
requirements for the oil and gas industry in Libya. Petro
have signed up for a single commuter Series 400 aircraft to add to
their fleet of nine legacy Twin Otters, along with a full training
and support package.
Twin Otter Cockpit
"Aside from the minor changes in our certification schedule,"
noted Robert Mauracher, Viking vice president business development,
"we are confident with our product, and so too are our customers,
as reflected by an increasing order book in the face of the current
economic climate." He added, "The certification aircraft is
performing flawlessly and will be worked hard over the coming weeks
as we near our goals."
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