GippsAero’s widely popular GA8 Airvan workhorse is to be further tweaked with a forthcoming increase in MTOW and the announcement of a float-equipped version of the aircraft.
GippsAero has gained CASA approval to increase the Airvan GA8 and GA8-TC’s MTOW for commercial operators by 200lbs (90kgs). The approval follows a 10-month intensive development and testing program by GippsAero’s engineering group in close consultation with CASA.
“The increase to MTOW is an enhancement we’ve been working towards for some time and I am delighted to be able to provide this capability to new and existing customers,” GippsAero CEO Dr Terry Miles said.
All new Airvans from Serial #163 onwards will be delivered with the increased MTOW, while existing clients will be able to operate at the new weight by implementing a currently available Service Bulletin.
With Minnesota-based float manufacturer Wipaire Inc., GippsAero has also launched a deposit program for a float-equipped version of the GA8 Airvan. During the 1970s Wipaire was also involved in equipping the Nomad, which is now part of the GippsAero family, with floats.
The project will see the two organisations cooperate for the design, construction and flight testing to certify the GA8 on Wipaire 3450 seaplane and amphibious floats via STC. Flight testing is expected to occur in October.
“I’ve known the Wipaire products for many years and a float plan is a perfect extension to the already successful GA8 Airvan platform,” GippsAero Technology Director George Morgan said.
GippsAero and Wipaire are offering a 50 per cent discount off the standard deposit for a GA8 Airvan on floats to the first 10 customers who commit to an agreed delivery date in 2012.
While it remains to be seen whether new Indian parent company Mahindra Aerospace will move production at the proud Latrobe-based GA manufacturer over to India, for the time being GippsAero remain on song, with development of the new 10-seat GA10 also said to be progressing successfully towards the scheduled public debut of the aircraft at the 2013 Australian International Airshow.
Globetrotter - the GA8-TC Airvan that circumnavigated the globe on show at Avalon.
