Polish manufacturer PZL-Mielec is hoping to achieve US Federal Aviation Administration certification of its M-28 Skytruck utility aircraft by the first quarter of next year, allowing first FAA-certificated deliveries before the end of 2004.
Lockheed Martin is involved as part of its offset agreements from the sale of 48 F-16 fighters to Poland in May. The US company will also help Skytruck of Naples, Florida, the major North American distributor, with M-28 marketing.
The bilateral airworthiness agreement between Poland and the USA is being amended to include commuter category aircraft, which paves the way for FAA certification of the M-28. The FAA and the Polish civil aviation authority are due to conclude the remaining required noise tests and familiarisation flight tests this year.
The company plans to produce 10 aircraft next year. The M-28 is already in service with the forces of Nepal, Poland and Venezuela.
Source: Flight International
