September 5, 2001
PAC 750XL Update
Pacific Aerospace Corporation’s new PT6 powered utility aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight today.
This first flight test was delayed for a week due to a weather system that soaked the area around Hamilton, New Zealand. Finally, a break came
in the winter weather, and the first flight got under way.
The PAC 750XL was airborne at 10.00am and the flight lasted approximately one hour. The profile was very regimented. PAC Factory Test
Pilot, John McWilliam, explored some of the basic flying characteristics and reported that the aircraft has no apparent vices. The maximum
height attained was 5,000 feet and early indications suggest a cruise airspeed of 160 Knots true. The flight was accompanied by the Pacific
Aerospace Corporation CT4E, 300 HP military trainer. PAC photographer Dave Roberts took the photos, which appear on the web sites.
Additionally, PAC General Manager, Graeme Polley, reported that the noise signature was very low during the groundwork and subsequent
take-off.
The post flight inspection revealed no anomalies, which means the test flight program will shift into high gear, under the watchful eyes of both the
New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
After the basic issues of the PAC 750XL flight test program have been addressed, the gross weight, time to climb performance will be
evaluated. As this is the one of the key performance criteria for this heavy lift utility aircraft, all concerned are looking forward to this data.
First flight photos are posted on our web site (www.utilityaircraft.com/photos.html) and Pacific Aircraft Corporation’s web site (www.aerospace.co.nz).
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions.
Regards
Philip Esdaile
Utility Aircraft Corporation
www.utilityaircraft.com
(530) 750-3226
(530) 754-7371 fax
e-mail info@utilityaircraft.com