Stratos Jet Makes First Flight

Last week, the four-seat Stratos 714 jet took to the skies for the first time from the company’s headquarters at the Roberts Field Airport in Redmond, Oregon. The plan for the flight, which lasted only 10 minutes, was to evaluate the general stability and systems operation of the single-engine jet. Test pilot Dave Morss was satisfied with the overall handling and provided feedback to the development team after the flight.

The initial flight was limited to 128 knots and 3,700 feet agl with the gear extended and flaps at 24 degrees. Once the test program is complete, the Stratos 714 is expected to fly at speeds around 415 knots and as high as 41,000 feet. The maximum range is projected at 1,500 nm. The airplane is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s JT15D-5, rated at 2,900 pounds of thrust.

The company plans to pursue type certification for the jet once the initial flight testing is complete, said Michael Lemaire, CEO of Stratos Aircraft. Although the company is not accepting orders, potential customers can register on the Stratos website “for airplane availability updates and investment opportunities,” said chief sales officer Kevin Jordan.

Stratos plans to bring the 714 jet to the EAA AirVenture 2017 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, set to take place July 24 through 30.