New Zealand's Pacific Aerospace (PAC) is aiming to have its 750XL aircraft certificated by the end of this month. The 750XL is a single-engined Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-powered utility/passenger variant of PAC's piston-powered Fletcher series. By late May, the prototype had completed 16 flights since first flight in September, with up to 100 flights to be performed as part of certification. The company has made modifications in areas such as elevator authority, stall speed stability, and aileron and rudder operation. "It is performing well, and the modifications have worked," says John McWilliam, general manager. Fabrication has begun on the first two production aircraft, for a US customer.
Source: Flight International
