Second-generation trainer expected to receive supplemental type certification from Iranian authority next year
Iranian light aircraft manufacturer HF Dorna has launched a new version of its Blue Bird piston single and seeks to open a flight training school within the next few weeks.
The second-generation Blue Bird trainer is set to receive supplemental type certification from the Iranian civil aviation authority by early 2005. The upgraded aircraft boasts moveable and adjustable seats, adjustable rudder, large forward opening doors and a 115hp (85kW) Bombardier Rotax 914F3 turbocharged engine driving an MT three-blade constant-speed propeller, says HF Dorna managing director Yaghoub Antesary.
He says the company is keen to widen the market appeal of the Blue Bird, and is seeking to negotiate with an international manufacturer joint or licence production and technology transfer for the all-composite two-seat trainer. "This includes all technical, organisational and executive documents, such as design reports, drawings, manufacturing and quality control documents, as well as other necessary documents," he says.
HF Dorna has received 10 orders for the Blue Bird to date and hopes to clinch another 10 sales by year end, says Antesary. "We plan to launch the training school with two Blue Birds," he adds. The school will be based in Aseman Rey Flight Complex near Tehran, with courses being targeted at private individuals and airline recruits. Antesary suggests launching Iran's first civil training school will be "hard work" initially, but as acceptance of flying training grows in Iran, demand for the conventional low-wing Blue Bird, as both a personal and training aircraft, is likely to increase.
KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON
Source: Flight International
