Advanced Aerodynamics & Structures' (AASI) Jetcruzer 500P business turboprop had its maiden fight on 22 August. The 500P, which is an upgraded, higher-speed version of the Jetcruzer 450, had a 45min flight from the US manufacturer's base at Long Beach, California.
AASI plans to synchronise amended US Federal Aviation Administration certification for the 500P, based on the original 450 approval, with the completion of the first production aircraft in the third quarter of 1998. Final certification of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66-powered single-engined aircraft is due at the end of the same year.
Source: Flight International
