APRIL 2010
155hp ECOFLYER makes first flight!
The ECOFLYER with the new Centurion 155hp engine completed its ground running and made its first flight mid March 2010 followed
by further flight testing at Centurion factory where performance has exceeded expectations. This aircraft will be on display
at Friedrichshaven and again at AeroExpo UK (25-27th June).
JANUARY 2010
Finch Aircraft to soon manufacture Robin 400 in Dijon-Darois
An agreement has been signed this week between Finch Aircraft and CEAPR which it is hoped will lead to the revival at Dijon-Darois of the Robin 400 range of light aircraft and possibly much more.
Finch Aircraft is a new company owned by Philippe Le Corre with the long term objective of creating at Dijon-Darois a vibrant centre for French light aircraft manufacture. Philippe Le Corre has a long history of both aerospace and IT and has directed many aeronautical projects. He was at Dassault in the 80s and 90s, was formerly a flight test engineer and is himself a pilot.
The project for Dijon-Darois by Finch Aircraft is to utilise the existing facilities and expertise to:
As a first step, commence production of light aircraft, using existing Type Certificates.
Negotiate a cooperation agreement with CEAPR to rent part of the existing workshops for the purpose.
Apply to EASA for a POA for Finch Aircraft which will allow re-start production of the Robin 400 range.
Meanwhile CEAPR will continue to support Robin aircraft (spares, continued airworthiness, maintenance, repairs) under its own POA and Part M.
The existing distributors of Robin aircraft will be retained to act for the new company.
In addition to CEAPR, Finch Aircraft plans to negotiate economically sized manufacturing agreements with i.e. Socata, Dyn’Aero, Moniot and others, to be based in Dijon-Darois.
Develop new designs in the category of ELA European standards for manufacture at Dijon-Darois.
Philippe Le Corre is a close acquaintance of Philippe Corne, President of CEAPR and recognises the potential of the know-how and infrastructure arising from 50 years of light aircraft manufacture at Dijon-Darois . In addition to the Robin 400 range, a production level at between 100 and 200 in the ELA category is envisaged, assuring the necessary economies of production. It is hoped to take advantage of regional development grants.
The agreement between Finch Aircraft and CEAPR represents the first, and indeed major, step for this project. Discussions with other companies are in progress.
Boulogne, January 20th 2010
Philippe Le Corre Finch Aircraft
finch.lecorre@free.fr
+33 6 75 04 90 75
7, rue Anna JACQUIN
F-92100 - BOULOGNE
