The new sleek Pipistrel Panthera four-seater appears to be progressing quite well. The company announced it has successfully completed the first engine start of the 210 horsepower Lycoming IO-390 that will eventually power the airplane. The test pilots got the engine started on the second attempt and taxied the airplane around the grass runway adjacent to Pipistrel’s factory in Ajdovščina, Slovenia.
“It is very exciting to witness the tests and see the aeroplane come to life for the very first time,” said Pipistrel’s CEO Ivo Boscarol. “This is definitely a very important milestone in the development of Panthera. We look forward to the continuation of tests and the first flight soon!”
