First flight of aircraft No 3 set for spring 2007

Grob Aerospace confirmed today that the spn , test aircraft No 3 remains on schedule for first flight during the second quarter of 2007. Furthermore, test aircraft No 4 will be added to the flight test program and will be fitted with a full interior by September 2007. Additionally the first serial production aircraft will be built at Grob’s manufacturing facilities in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, to join the flight test program.

Niall Olver, Grob Aerospace CEO confirmed that a team of engineers is continuing to work very closely with the German Federal Bureau of Accident Investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident during a demonstration flight on November 29th, 2006 involving test aircraft No 2 (D-CGSP) which tragically claimed the life of test pilot Gérard Guillaumaud. Grob Aerospace is waiting for the outcome of the investigation in order to identify the exact cause of the accident. Stressing that Grob Aerospace remains 100% committed to the spn , program, Olver said that support from customers has been superb.

We hope to be able to continue with flight test shortly." says Olver. "We are now working toward European EASA certification towards the end of first quarter of 2008, as opposed to the third quarter of 2007, with US FAA certification following in the second quarter of that year. Ramp up on subsequent production will now be faster in order to compensate for this delay", he said, highlighting that Grob Aerospace should be able to deliver at a production output rate of 40 aircraft per annum by year three. "We are in regular dialogue with our suppliers and customers in respect of this and are extremely encouraged by their support to date," he added.

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