AASI Aircraft has announced that with its new engine cooling system, the Jetcruzer 500 has passed company testing for 120 degree Fahrenheit hot field, starts and takeoffs.

The tests were conducted under severe conditions at Thermal Airport in California.

Dr. Carl L. Chen, chairman and chief executive officer of AASI Aircraft, said: "The flight test data concluded that the Jetcruzer, with its oil cooling system, could be operated in the desert and other extremely hot areas."

Chief test pilot Mark Elwess and pilot and flight test engineer Christopher Kelly performed the tests at the hottest recorded area in the United States, where temperatures at Thermal Airport reached 114 degrees Fahrenheit on the ramp.

Elwess explained: "The rigorous testing consisted of reducing the lowest level practically possible, heat soaking the Jetcruzer for 20 minutes on the ramp, starting the aircraft, and running it for almost 20 more minutes on the ground, followed by a taxi into position and takeoff with a maximum performance climb to 24,000 feet.

"We continued the test with a level off at 24,000 feet and power settings at maximum cruise speed, followed by a high cruise power on decent. On final approach, we then executed a typical missed approach/go-around with a climb to 1,000 feet, followed a normal pattern landing and five additional minutes of engine running as we taxied back and shut down."

The design and test team also consisted of James Chase, Aerodynamic and system expert; and David Price, power plant expert.

Christopher Kelly, who sat right seat throughout the test, said: "At all times the Jetcruzer maintained temperatures well below operating limits, with additional margins.

"During this test, oil temperature and engine bay temperatures were continuously monitored by electronic data recorders that included numerous additional parameters, such as altitude, airspeed, outside air temperature and other readings required to do the correction to a 120 degree Fahrenheit day."

Elwess also stated: "The oil cooler installation was the work of the AASI flight test team, which spent several months fine tuning the oil cooler inlet ducts and exit plane. It was exiting to see all the design efforts pay off. We are striving to give our customers the highest latitude performance available in severe climate conditions. Being a pusher aircraft, the enhanced cooling system is a critical feature which will certainly please our customers."