GE H80-Powered L410 Takes Off on Maiden Flight

Bethany Whitfield

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 10:12 PM ET

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The GE H80-powered L410

Key Takeaways:

A Czech-built L410 aircraft successfully completed its inaugural 40-minute test flight with new GE H80 turboprop engines.
This event marks the first application of GE's H80 engine in a commuter airplane, initiating the next phase of its certification process.
Following certification, expected by Q3 next year, the H80 engine will be available for all new L410 aircraft and as an upgrade option for existing ones, aiming to improve performance and expand the aircraft's global reach.

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A Czech-built L410 powered by two GE H80 turboprop engines took off for the first time on Wednesday for a 40-minute test flight, jump-starting the next step in the certification process for the aircraft-engine combination.

The flight took place in Kunovice in the Czech Republic and, according to Paul Theofan, president of GE Aviation Czech, signifies the first time the H80 has been used to power a commuter airplane.