Piper Aircraft's M700 Fury turboprop single has received FAA approval for unpaved field operations, the Vero Beach, Florida-based aircraft manufacturer announced yesterday. Unpaved surfaces include gravel, coral, sand, clay, hard-packed soil mixtures, grass, turf or sod. This approval broadens the aircraft’s overall operational capabilities, Piper said.
“The Fury’s performance was exceptional considering the FAA’s rigorous testing requirements for unpaved field certification,” said Piper Aircraft v-p of sales, marketing, and customer support Ron Gunnarson. “The aircraft’s robust design and construction quality ensured seamless operations in all test conditions. The certification process was also smooth with the type inspection authorization flight test being completed in just one day.”
Meanwhile, the company is making headway on M700 international validations—notably from Transport Canada, EASA, UK CAA, and Brazil ANAC—at both the aircraft level and for unimproved field operations. International deliveries will begin by October, according to Piper.
The M700 received FAA certification in March, with deliveries commencing to U.S. customers shortly thereafter. Piper expects to hand over nearly 50 of its flagship turboprops by year-end.