Adam Update: Second A500 Delivered, Improvements Continue

Adam Aircraft continued its efforts to fully certify and bring to market its push-pull piston twin, the A500, even as it continues developing its A700 twinjet. Most recently, the company delivered the second A500 to a customer on Dec. 29, allowing the Pennsylvania-based physician to take advantage of the now-expired bonus depreciationallowance. The second Adam A500 delivered to a customer is serial number 006, and features a cockpit equipped with a two-screen glass layout — one multi-function display and one primary function display — including weather radar and a terrain database. However, Adam’s piston twins are still laboring under a series of restrictions imposed by the FAA when it granted type certification; the company says that, within the next 90 days, the aircraft will be outfitted with air conditioning, pressurization and an expanded CG envelope. Also, Adam Aircraft will expand the altitude envelope to support flights above 12,500 feet to 25,000 feet. These modifications will remove many of the FAA-imposed certification restrictions.

Meanwhile, the second jet-powered Adam A700 — the company’s entry in the coming very light jet (VLJ) sweepstakes — is scheduled for its first flight before mid-February. According to the company, A700 s/n 002 saw its flap and aileron systems installed in December, while its belly pod was fabricated and nacelles, pylons, and tail cones were fitted. Additionally, the engine fire suppression system and the engines themselves were installed. As of Jan. 16, the company said its A700 prototype, s/n 001, had amassed some 370 flight hours.