Adam Aircraft has completed the maiden flight of its A500 aircraft, production-002. The flight took off from Centennial airport in Englewood, Colorado and lasted around 35 minutes, reaching an altitude of 13,000 feet. A spokesperson said: “The test pilot reported delight with the performance and handling of the aircraft.”

To date, flight-testing has confirmed that the company meets FAA requirements for stall characteristics and single-engine handling and climb. A500-001 made its first flight on July 11, 2002 and has flown 122 hours over 62 flights. Adam expects that all of its published performance numbers, such as the 250 kt top speed, will be met.

A500-002 will continue the flight–testing programme, with environmental control system and pressurisation tests. The company expects to conclude all flight-testing by the middle of 2003. There are approximately 100 direct orders, options and dealer commitments for the aircraft.