FTV-1, the prototype CSeries aircraft successfully undertook its maiden flight on the morning of Monday, September 16th, 2013. The flight marks the start of the CSeries aircraft’s flight test program leading up to first customer delivery. The maiden flight was also the first flight for Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower engine as part of the CSeries aircraft certification program.
The flight of FTV-1, registered as C-FBCS, was commanded by Captain Charles Ellis, Bombardier’s Chief Flight Test Pilot, Captain Andris Litavniks as First Officer and Andreas Hartono as Flight Test Engineer. The recorded time of first flight was 9:55 AM and the aircraft returned to Mirabel at approximately 12:25 PM.
During its maiden flight, FTV-1 reached an altitude of 12,500 feet and an air speed of 230 knots. Tests undertaken during the flight included flap and landing gear retractions and extensions; in-flight manoeuvres that included a simulated landing; and early validation of the flight control system.
A total of five CS100 flight test aircraft, all of which are currently in various stages of assembly, will join the flight test program in the coming months.
This YouTube video shows the moment of lift-off from Mirabel.
Bombardier announced on September 15th, 2013 that it was confirming the attempt for the first flight of FTV-1, the prototype CSeries aircraft for sometime after 9:30AM on Monday, September 16th, 2013 at the company’s plant located at Mirabel airport near Montreal.
On September 5th, Air Canada announced that the airline had transferred all of its Embraer 175 aircraft to Sky Regional. Sky Regional will operate the aircraft on behalf of Air Canada under a capacity purchase agreement. Sky Regional’s fleet now includes 20 aircraft which are operated under this agreement.