Cirrus Design has nearly completed construction of its C-1, the test aircraft which will be used to win US Federal Aviation Administration certification of the new SR20 four-seat piston single.
The C-1's first flight is expected in mid-year, says the company, reflecting a six-month delay from earlier plans to win certification and start production by mid-1997.
Sales, however, continue to grow, with more than 80 confirmed orders on the books for the $144,500 four-seater. The changed schedule, developed several months ago, is not believed to be a sign of problems with the programme, but an indication of the influence in the certification process of Jim Griswold, the engineer who designed and oversaw certification of the Piper Malibu, the Questair Venture kitplane and the original Cessna Citation. He took over the Cirrus certification programme in 1996 as vice-president of engineering. His top-to-bottom review of the certification plan has resulted in the new timetable.
A similar review process is now under way in the production department by Cecil Miller, Cirrus' new vice-president of manufacturing. Miller, who retired four years ago from the top production post at Beech Aircraft, began the job in late February and will be revising the company's production plans and plant layout.
Source: Flight International
