SPN TO SPAIN
Grob Aerospace has flown its third SPn light jet prototype (D-CSPJ) to Granada, Spain, where it will undergo several weeks of extensive flight testing. Grob says the location was selected because of a combination of good flying weather, the convenience of remaining within the European Union and Grob's cordial relationship with the Spanish Ministry of Defence, which manages the facility.
"Initial testing will focus on flight characteristics and performance, and subsequent flights will cover avionics and subsystems, including hydraulics, environmental control and the landing gear. The high-speed envelope will also be fully opened," says Grob Aerospace chief test pilot Peter Weger, who is leading the programme in Spain. The eight-seat SPn will return to its base in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, in March, when it will begin icing trials.
MIDCOAST CONTRACT
Midcoast Aviation has selected Stork Fokker as an exclusive repair centre for the Dassault Falcon 7X ultra-long-range business jet in North and South America. Under the terms of the agreement, the Jet Aviation affiliate will perform warranty and non-warranty repairs for Stork Fokker-manufactured structures, including flight-control surfaces, the aileron, flap, spoiler and related fairings.
SABENA ECLIPSED
Sabena Airline Training Center (SATC) has become the first third-part training facility to offer type-rating courses for very light jets following approval from the FAA for its Eclipse 500 type-rating courses. The Mesa, Arizona-based company acquired its first Eclipse 500s last year and will add more aircraft as demand dictates. The first customer training course is scheduled to start in February and will take up to 15 days to complete. SATC also plans to introduce the Eclipse 500 as part of an ab-initio training programme.
Source: Flight International
