Pacific Aerospace (PAC) has gained Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand certification for its PAC 750XL utility aircraft after a 300-flight test programme. PAC will hand over the first production aircraft to Taupo-based Great Lakes Skydive Centre.
The 750XL was developed to meet growing demand from the international sky-diving sector, and is capable of taking 17 fully kitted jumpers, or eight tandem pairs and a solo, to 14,000ft (4,300m) in 12min, and can be ready on the ground for another cycle 4min later. Floatplane, medevac and passenger and freight versions are planned. The aircraft can cruise at 150kt (278km/h) for up to 4.5h with nine passengers and is priced below NZ$1.7 million ($1 million). PAC says it holds eight firm orders, plus 160 options.
Source: Flight International
