LOOP News

Feb: First flight of Adam Aircraft's A700

21 FEB 06: Things to look forward to in 2006

WHAT can we expect in 2006? We know that at the upper end of General Aviation, there's a raft of Very Light Jets about to come onto the market.

Not only will they be highly desirable aircraft but they’ll also open up the air charter side, offering jobs and opportunities for airfields.

Will businesses flock to the VLJs rather than have top execs losing time at big airports? It's also a crunch year for the CAA. Under scrutiny by Parliament, two major reviews of GA due to report mid-year, and with the European Aviation Safety Agency breathing down its neck, how will the Gatwick Mafia shape up by year end?

At LOOP, we're all looking forward to this year's Red Bull Air Race World Series. This year it’ll be faster, more competitive and have more rounds... it's the F1 of flying!

	EARLY 06 Certification of Kodiak single-engine turboprop expected, followed by first customer aircraft.
	MARCH Aviation’s F1 – the Red Bull World Series – kicks off in Abu Dhabi on the 17th, then moves to Miami, USA (1 April), Spain and Germany (May), Turkey (July), Budapest (20 August), the UK and USA (September) and Perth, Australia (October or November).
	APRIL Arrival in UK of Alpha two-seat aerobatic aircraft. Based on Robin 2160, the aircraft is now being made in New Zealand with customer-led improvements.
	MID-YEAR The world’s first diesel powered helicopter, the German MK3, is expected to start flight tests. The all-new threeseater is powered by a 250hp SMA turbodiesel. The Battle of the Very Light Jets (VLJs) starts in earnest when the Eclipse 500 receives FAA certification. It was expected for March but the company admits it may slip to June. EASA certification due end of 2006. Grob’s four-seat turboprop G140TP, a high-performance trainer and small-size business aircraft, due to be certified followed by the six-seat G160TP Ranger. First flight of the Diamond D-Jet expected. Another VLJ, it’s powered by two Williams FJ-33 engines and claimed to cost under $1m retail.
	JUNE Report due from the CAA on its Strategic Review of UK GA... just as it’s about to hand over the reins to Europe. Italian manufacturer Oma Sud hopes to fly its Skycar piston twin. Interior based on the design of a car for ‘easy layout and operations’.
	JULY First flight of the Epic Jet – another VLJ – just before Oshkosh? Epic proved it can move quickly, bringing its Epic LT turboprop (in photo) from drawing board to reality in months.
	AUGUST PFA Rally moves to new dates, 18-20 August. Here comes the sun (we hope).
	SEPTEMBER First flight planned for Tecnam’s piston twin, the P2006T. Powered by two Rotax 912 engines mounted on a high wing, it will carry four, cruise at 147kt and cost around £160,000.
	LATE 06 FAA certification expected for Cessna Mustang, another VLJ, followed by first deliveries. Europe will have to wait until late 2007 for the light bizjet. EASA certification expected for Evektor Cobra, the all-new 4/5-seater tourer with retractable gear from the Czech Republic.

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LOOP News

21 FEB 06: Things to look forward to in 2006