Stratos Taking Deposits for Its VLJ

Bend, Ore.-based Stratos Aircraft last month began taking refundable $50,000 deposits, which will be placed in escrow, for its four-seat, single-engine Stratos 714 personal very light jet. The first 25 aircraft will be sold for $2 million each, after which there will be a modest, but as-yet-undetermined, price increase. First flight of the Model 714 is planned for the fourth quarter of 2010, with certification and first deliveries expected to follow two years later. Although the company said it is close to completing funding that will allow the prototype to be built and flown, funding for the program remains a concern. Crucially, Stratos also needs a “larger funding round” to take the program to certification.