A500 Claims City Pair Records

Marking the first anniversary of the A700's debut at Oshkosh in July 2003 and the third showing of the A500 centerline twin, Adam Aircraft reports that they took nine orders for its two aircraft models during EAA AirVenture 2004.

Having surprised spectators last year with the arrival of the A700, Adam Aircraft provided yet another new experience for show-goers this year. The A700 that arrived at Oshkosh claims to be the first flying aircraft in the closely followed personal jet segment to have an installed interior featuring seven seats and an aft lavatory. Hundreds of visitors sat in the A700 and experienced the new class of aircraft.

The A500 made its third showing at Oshkosh this year and continues to make slow, much-delayed progress toward FAA Type Certification. Since this summer, the A500 has claimed three national and two world records for speed over a recognized course. On one flight from Los Angeles to Denver, the A500 averaged 279 MPH and completed the trip in 2 hours 59 minutes. Other record flights are planned around Adam Aircraft's participation in the NBAA and AOPA trade shows later this fall.

With more than 60 orders reported for the A500, Adam Aircraft reports that it has accumulated a strong customer base. Certification of the A500 is nearing the final stages, after several years of delays. With 98% FAA conformity on the aircraft, 94% completion of structural testing, and 66% completion of system testing, Adam Aircraft is forecasting Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) by month-end. Once TIA is achieved, they hope for 12 additional weeks of flight and systems tests before Initial Type Certification and an additional four weeks before full certification -- which assumes that there are no delays in the above-mentioned timeline (and noting that their previous prognostications have been WAY off the mark). Company officials expect that the A500 will be fully certified by year-end 2004.

FMI: www.adamaircraft.com