The A700 AdamJet, serial number 002, made its first flight on Feb. 6. The aircraft is the first of three A700s slated for conforming FAA flight-testing.
Adam Aircraft celebrated the first flight of the A700 AdamJet, serial number 002, which is the first of three aircraft slated for conforming FAA flight-testing, on Feb. 6, 2006. The airplane, piloted by Bill Watters, vice president of flight operations, and Ken Sasine, senior turbine test pilot, achieved a smooth takeoff as it flew the pattern for its intended 34-minute maiden flight at Centennial Airport (APA).
“The aircraft handled very well, stability was excellent, and the flight controls were very responsive and predictable,” commented Sasine. “The throttle response was smooth and strong, and the climb performance was strong and steady. The airplane handled just as we expected.”
CEO Rick Adam said the flight accelerates the company’s A700 certification effort.
“We’re exceptionally pleased with the progress of the A700 jet program,” he said. “The A700 Williams FJ-33 engines are already FAA-certified, and the 65 percent commonality from our FAA-certified twin-engine piston will significantly reduce the A700 time-to-certification.”
A700 serial number 002 is painted and striped in its full air taxi livery, and features a production instrument panel with three-tube Avidyne Entegra avionics. The aircraft is constructed from production tooling. It features a production fuselage with improved cabin window and emergency exit placement, with the balance of the aircraft manufactured from A500 production parts common to the A700.
Since its first flight on July 27, 2003, A700 serial number one has flown more than 400 hours, providing important aerodynamic, systems test data and interior development that creates a baseline for the upcoming FAA flight-test program during type certification. Serial number 001 will now be used as a marketing and flight test aircraft, visiting cities, airports and aviation events across the United States. Serial number 002 will serve as the production and flight test aircraft for FAA type certification, which is targeted for later this year.
More than 250 A700 very light jets have been sold to owners/operators, fleet operators and air taxi companies.
For more information, visit [http://www.adamaircraft.com].