Ready For Flight Tests

Adam Aircraft says it's received a Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) from the FAA on its A500 Centerline Twin. As of September 30, 2004, Adam Aircraft says it has successfully demonstrated to the FAA that the A500 is conformed, has passed structural, system, and company flight testing for Type Inspection Authorization. FAA test pilots are now authorized to evaluate the aircraft for their flight test review for final Type Certification.

TIA is issued when the examination of technical data required for type certification is complete and demonstrates the aircraft has, or will, meet pertinent regulations for issuance of the Type Certificate. The FAA considers TIA as the most important milestone in the type certification process. With very few historical exceptions, aircraft that achieve the TIA milestone will progress to Type Certification.

"This is a major achievement in our Company's history," said Rick Adam, CEO of Adam Aircraft. "We expect Type Certification this Fall and will look forward to delivering aircraft to customers this year"

During the certification process Adam Aircraft has built and flown three A500 aircraft, with A500 s/n003 conforming to FAA requirements. In over 1,000 hours of flight test on the three aircraft fleet, the A500 has proven itself to be extremely capable. It is the fastest piston twin on the market, offering a turboprop size cabin, and a state-of-the-art Avidyne EFIS panel.

The A500 will be the first pressurized piston twin to achieve Type Certification in almost 30 years.

With a sales backlog of almost two years and 65 aircraft, Adam Aircraft says it's shifting its A500 focus to manufacturing and customer support. The company has approximately 300 employees working in more than 100,000 square feet of facilities in Colorado. Several A500 aircraft are currently being built for customer delivery this year.

FMI: www.adamaircraft.com