Altitude, Icing Restrictions Remain... But Maybe Not For Long?

Adam Aircraft told Aero-News Friday the company has achieved a major milestone in receiving an amended FAR Part 23 Type Certificate from the FAA for its all-composite A500 pressurized centerline twin-engine aircraft. The amended TC allows pressurized flight, single-pilot operation, and Day/Night VFR/IFR flight.

The company states the A500 is the first-ever Day/Night VFR/IFR certification for a new-technology, all-composite, pressurized, twin-engine aircraft. The last new pressurized twin-engine airplane was manufactured in 1986.

"The A500 is the only pressurized twin-engine piston aircraft in production today," said Rick Adam, founder and CEO of Adam Aircraft. "Our customers benefit from our elegant carbon-fiber construction and the safety of our twin in-line thrust engines. The A500 is an excellent step-up airplane for the thousands of owners of new-generation single-engine aircraft."

The A500 is now certified to its full 5.5 psi pressurization, which provides a sea-level cabin to 12,500 ft. Additional certified upgrades include a fully coupled IFR autopilot, Day/Night VFR/IFR, single-pilot flight operation, leading-edge cuffs to improve low-speed handling characteristics, and an expanded CG range.

There still remains one caveat for A500 owners... for the moment, they're still limited to flying at or below 12,500 feet. However, Adam expects maximum operating altitude will be expanded to 25,000 ft. this winter, when the aircraft is also  expected to receive its de-icing certification. Final performance numbers at those altitudes will include a 230-knot cruise speed and a more-than 1,100 nm NBAA IFR range at 75% power.

"This is the most capable twin-engine piston aircraft available in the marketplace today" said Joe Walker, President of Adam Aircraft. "No other aircraft in this segment comes close to the performance, the comfort of the largest pressurized cabin in its class, and the amenities that the A500 provides. Our customers have recognized this outstanding value, and as a result we have a-two-year backlog of orders to fill."

With its recently awarded FAA Production Certificate in hand, Adam says the A500 production line will continue to accelerate to meet this pent-up demand for a safe and reliable pressurized piston twin. A500 Serial Number 008 is currently undergoing its final flight checks for an October delivery, and Serial Numbers 009 through 024 are on the production line.

With today's news, it appears Adam has a fighting chance (and maybe better) of achieving its goal, announced this April at Lakeland 2006, of achieving full certification on the A500 before the end of the year. Stay tuned... this is where it gets exciting!

FMI: www.adamaircraft.com