Production of the FLS Sprint aerobatic trainer could be resumed if new investors are found to acquire the aircraft programme, valued at $2.75 million.
The all metal, two-seat side-by-side light aircraft was sold by Swedish overhaul and maintenance company FLS Aerospace in 1997 after a chequered history. The owner, an unnamed private investor with no aviation links, is selling the project through aviation consultancy Aces High, of North Weald, UK.
"The aircraft has full UK Civil Aviation Authority public transport certification, which the CAA is holding in trust for FLS. Two demonstrators are up and running at North Weald," says Aces High managing director Michael Woodley.
The Sprint was designed by Sydney Holloway as the Trago Mills SAH-1 in 1977, and was certificated seven years later. Orca Aircraft acquired the project in 1988, but that company was placed in administration the following year. Design and manufacturing rights were sold to FLS in 1991 and production resumed with a batch of five aircraft, including the first pre-production Sprint 160 and Club Sprint. Following certification of both aircraft in 1994, FLS suspended production to concentrate on its core maintenance and engineering business.
Polish aircraft manufacturer PZL wants to build the Sprint parts under contract at it Okecie light aircraft base in Warsaw, and ship them to the UK for final assembly, but it does not have funds to invest in the programme.
Source: Flight International
