Sino Swearingen Misses NBAA As It Makes Up Flight Test Delays

Sino Swearingen, for the first time in its history, is not exhibiting at NBAA. The company is working to put together a production plan for the SJ30-2 light jet before the end of the year, and cannot spare the time or money to join the show. The first conforming prototype aircraft, with 100 flying hours behind it, is needed for the flight-test program.

The attacks of September 11 were a further setback for a program that had already had a difficult year. The most direct impact was the suspension of flight testing. The company had already stopped testing in preparation for bringing the airplane to New Orleans for the original NBAA dates, and could not resume until airspace reopened. The second conforming aircraft is due to fly in the first quarter of next year.

The good news for Sino Swearingen this year was that the original Taiwanese investor group has secured commitments for the money needed to complete certification by end-2002.