Bombardier has reported that development of the Continental is proceeding as planned and that first metal cutting has occurred ahead of schedule. The first metal cut, an uplock fitting for the nose landing gear, was fitted at Bombardier's Canadair facility in Montreal at the end of October. "All participants involved in this programme have integrated well as a team. This is the key reason why we are ahead of schedule in the programme," said John Holding, vp, engineering and product development, Bombardier. Three AlliedSignal AS907 powerplants have accumulated 300 hours between them in the engine testing programme, and Bombardier says initial discussions with the FAA and the JAA are under way.