Adam Aircraft is advancing towards the final stages of production of the first A500 aircraft. As EBAN goes to press, the Denver-based aircraft manufacturer is within weeks of finishing the first of four test aircraft built to their centreline thrust, twin-engine design. The aircraft has six seats, a maximum certified operating altitude of 25,000 feet and a range of approximately 1,100nm. Adam Aircraft is offering the A500 at a base price of $795,000. Deposits for delivery positions are now being accepted. The company is planning to deliver 24 aircraft during the first year of production and says that current and planned production facilities are such that production rates of 100 or more aircraft per year would be feasible within two to three years. With deposits already secured for over 40 deliveries, co-founder John Knudsen says he expects a substantial boost in sales as a result of a successful first flight.