Designer Of The Airplane Reports No Issues With Controls, Performance, Or Handling

The Panther Sport Aircraft developed by Sport Performance Aviation of Green Cove Springs, FL, conducted a successful first flight Sunday.

On the Panther Sport Aircraft blog, Rachel Weseman writes that they could not have asked for better weather for the test flight. The airplane was transported to Kay Larkin airport (28J) in Palatka, FL, in a trailer dubbed "The Panther Cave." After rolling the airplane out of the trailer, the wings were folded out and slid into place, fuel lines were connected, and the Panther prototype was ready to fly.

Dan Weseman conducted the flight, which lasted about 20 minutes. Rachel Weseman writes that "things went very well. No issues with controls, performance, or handling."

The team had attempted a first flight a few day prior, but the weather was uncooperative. The team did manage to perform high-speed taxi tests, getting some lift under the wings on the runway at Kay Larkin airport.

The Wesemans plan to have the Panther at the air show at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport this week.

(Image provided by Sport Performance Aviation)

FMI: http://flypanther.net/