SkyCraft Airplanes has declared to the FAA that its SD-1 Minsiport is compliant with all ASTM regulations for Light-Sport Aircraft one year after publicly announcing it would be producing the airplane ready-to-fly.
SkyCraft now awaits an FAA audit, after which it will be able to make its first aircraft deliveries. The FAA has scheduled SkyCraft’s audit for two months from now, company officials report.
Over the last year, SkyCraft has made several upgrades and refinements to the design for the SD-1 Minisport.
Most recently, the mechanical brakes on the SD-1 were replaced with a stronger, smoother, hydraulic brake system, which will shorten the landing distance of the aircraft and improve taxi operations.
Historically, many airplane manufacturers have struggled to keep their initial price point during these developmental stages of production, however SkyCraft has been able to maintain its $54,850 price tag for the SD-1 Minisport in spite of the many improvements that have been made, company officials said.
In preparation for increased production after certification, SkyCraft has purchased a new factory and hangar at KPVU in Provo, Utah. The new facility will triple the production space from the current factory, allowing enough room to build 100 SD-1 Minisports a year. The additional space will be used to expand the production line for the SD-1 Minisport and to continue development of future aircraft models, company officials explain.
SkyCraft will be displaying a flying aircraft publicly for the first time at EAA Airventure Oshkosh later this month, officials add.
For more information: SkycraftAirplanes.com