D-Jet resumes flight test program

Diamond Aircraft has resumed flight testing of its D-Jet prototypes, following their temporary grounding after a funding shortfall and significant employee furloughs in March, 2011.

“Our team’s spirits are certainly lifted with the resumption of flight activities,” said Peter Maurer, president.

“Being able to bring back part of the team allowed us to resume flight operations and we are looking forward to finishing the campaign with 002 and 003, while in parallel finalizing detail design work and starting the production of conforming aircraft 004.”

The one hour flight of D-Jet 003, its first flight since March 27, 2011, included shakedown of aircraft systems, control sweeps, gear cycling, flap cycling, verification of navigation equipment and software, several touch and goes, and completion of some control system test points.

Diamond test pilot Mark Elwess reported the flight to be uneventful without any issues or aircraft snags.

Completion of the flight test campaign for the prototypes will continue on a regular basis.

Visit www.diamondaircraft.com for more information.