Explorer Aircraft Begins Flight Tests for 500T Prototype

Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 02:52 PM ET

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Explorer Aircraft's 500T is built to fly from community airports and unimproved runways. Explorer Aircraft

Key Takeaways:

Explorer Aircraft is currently conducting flight testing for its 500T, an all-composite, single-engine light utility aircraft, near Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The aircraft is designed for diverse operations, including community airports, unimproved runways, and water (with floats), and can accommodate both passengers and substantial cargo.
Current flight testing, following an engine upgrade and other system changes, focuses on validating performance, fuel efficiency, low-speed handling, and the aircraft's adaptability for future technologies and global utility missions.

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Flight testing is underway for Explorer Aircraft’s 500T, the flying prototype of the company’s light utility aircraft.

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.