A Canadian light utility aircraft is back in production after 30 years, following Transport Canada certification of Found Aircraft's Bush Hawk, an updated version of its original FBA-2C.
Deliveries will begin in April, against initial orders for 11 aircraft. First deliveries of the all-metal five-seater will be to Reliance Airways of Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and Ontario-based Nakina Outpost Camps and Air Service. Production is to start at one a month, increasing to four a month, according to demand.
The first three aircraft are in production at Georgia Bay Airport in Ontario, but Found says it is not yet committed to establishing a production facility there. The company built 27 FBA-2s in the early 1960s and has restarted production at serial number 28 - the pre-production aircraft first flown last October.
Transport Canada has certificated improvements to the aircraft. The initial version is powered by a 195kW(260hp) Textron Lycoming piston engine, but a 225kW powerplant has been flown and will be offered later. Plans also call for the gross weight to be increased from its initial 1,450kg (3,200lb) to 1,590kg.
Found says the Bush Hawk has been flight tested on wheels and floats. Wheeled floats will be tested later this year.
Source: Flight International
