Planemaker Says VLJ Program Remains On Track
Adam Aircraft's quest to certify its latest aircraft received a
shot in the arm this week. The planemaker received Type Inspection
Authorization for the A700 program from the FAA... authorizing
agency representatives to begin flight tests on the A700 for
certification credit.
"This event confirms we are on target for achieving FAA
certification of the A700 in 2008," said Adam Aircraft President
Duncan Koerbel. "We have steadily moved from our first flight of
the fully conforming A700 this spring into FAA testing by taking
advantage of the commonality with the already certified A500 twin
piston as well as over 900 hours of development flying with the
first two A700 prototypes."
In order to secure Type Certification of the A700, Adam Aircraft
will have four flight test aircraft dedicated to TIA tasks. The FAA
TIA validates that Adam Aircraft has submitted all necessary
information -- including technical data, required to begin type
certification and concurred that the system under test reached a
point where it will meet all applicable FAA regulations.
"We are meeting and exceeding our performance goals and will
deliver what we believe to be the best value for price, performance
and cabin size in the VLJ class," Koerbel said.
"Our first A700 TIA from the FAA is the formal starting point
for FAA compliance certification flight testing of the aircraft.
This event is a culmination of the efforts of the entire company
and is a testament to the work accomplished to date," said John
Wolf, Adam Aircraft Chairman and CEO. "We are grateful to the FAA
team for their support throughout this process."
"Historically, new aircraft programs that have gone through the
rigorous testing to receive a TIA have also successfully obtained a
Type Certificate. TIA for the Adam Aircraft Flight Test Program
will be the first of many that the company will receive for the
A700 which will lead to the final goal of full Type Certification,"
said Wolf.
Adam Aircraft is currently testing A700 Engine Handling
Characteristics. Environmental testing is slated to begin next week
at the McKinley Climatic Chamber, located at Florida's Eglin Air
Force Base. Aircraft tests are conducted at extreme temperatures
and in severe weather conditions including hot weather, cold
weather, freezing rain and blowing snow.
Testing will involve Adam Aircraft personnel, Williams
International and the FAA.