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.

FMI: www.adamaircraft.com, www.faa.gov