FAA Certifies Ae270 Turboprop

On Friday, the FAA issued the type certificate for the Ibis Aerospace Ae270 turboprop single to Aero Vodochody, the Czech partner in the joint venture with Taiwan’s Aerospace Industries Development. About a month earlier, the European Aviation Safety Agency issued its certification. However, the current version of the aircraft has not met its performance targets and the manufacturer intends to develop an improved Ae270 that will go into production. The Ae270B will have a larger, lighter wing that will be of greater span and deeper than the existing design. Repositioned flaps and ailerons will provide room for fuel for greater range and improved stall characteristics. The Ae270B is not expected to receive certification until the middle of next year at the earliest. Ibis said it expects to receive additional financing from Taiwan that will fund development to the production phase.