SJ30-2 Receives FAA Type Certification

Following a nearly 20-year development program marked by financial and management challenges, technical issues and a fatal crash in 2003, San Antonio-based Sino Swearingen yesterday received type certification for the SJ30-2. The TC approves the new twin-engine light business jet for day, night, VFR, IFR, single-pilot and "full performance envelope" operations. Remaining approvals, such as certification for flight into known icing and operation of cabin interior systems, will be completed before deliveries are scheduled to start in the first quarter of next year, according to the company. Senior manager of flight test Bob Kromer told AIN over the next two weeks the company will also fly an additional 75 hours to complete function and reliability requirements. FAA production certification is also pending. Wings and fuselages for the SJ30-2 are being built in Martinsburg, W. Va., and then shipped to San Antonio for final assembly and installation of the Williams International engines, avionics, cabin interior, and other systems and components. The company claims orders for 150 aircraft from its distributors worldwide.