The third and final conforming Cirrus SF50 Vision single-engine jet completed its first flight, moving the program toward certification and first delivery by late 2015. The third aircraft,  “C2,” took off from Duluth International Airport (KDLH) on December 20 at 14:00 and flew for 20 minutes. “Though this first flight was planned to be brief, C2 flew as predicted and initial handling qualities were confirmed,” said Mike Stevens, director of engineering flight test. 

C2 joins C0 and C1 in the flight test program, which has accumulated 177 flights and more than 250 hours. C0 first flew in March and has tested aerodynamic performance and handling qualities. In-flight parachute testing with C0 is expected shortly. C1 flew Nov. 25 and is focused on flight into known icing. C2 will be used for reliability and optional equipment testing, along with flight standards and training evaluations.

Cirrus expects the first production aircraft, P1, to roll off the assembly line in the second half of 2015. The company claims more than 500 position holders for the $1.96 million carbon-fiber aircraft.