This morning, Friday April 19^th, HB-SIA, flown by test pilot Markus Scherdel, once again demonstrated its responsiveness during the second maintenance flight on US soil. The aircraft took off this morning at 5:00 am PDT (UTC -7) and underwent a number of exercises to test its maneuverability and reactivity to emergency situations, landing at Moffet Airfield at 7:05 am PDT (UTC -7).

The aircraft flew at 4’500 feet testing minimum and maximum speeds (21.5 and 35 knots respectively). The bank angle was tested to its maximum of 10 degrees (the plane’s safety system starts vibrating at the limit of 5 degrees) as well as the air brakes in a simulated emergency descent. Finally, the communication system, data transfer cameras and landing gear were also checked and declared mission safe.

When asked how he felt, Markus replied “A little sad as it might be the last time I get to fly this airplane”. In fact, this summer’s US mission is supposed to be the plane’s final exploit. And how did the plane feel? “Great! We really have a good airplane – mission ready!” The green light for the adventure is official!

There will be 2-3 more technical flights in the coming week, a requirement for pilots André Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard in preparation for the kick-off of the 2013 Across America Mission. 

If you want to be informed before each technical flight, please register here.

On Monday 31 October, Bertrand Piccard performed night take-offs and landings. After a total of 16 flights, the training of Bertrand ended successfully.

The training program, supervised by the Solar Impulse flight mission specialists had various objectives which have all been achieved. These included: mid altitude flights (4'000 m), circuit patterns, equipment and oxygen system testing, go arounds, motor failure tests and night take-off and landing.

Training will restart again in the Spring of 2012 with long-duration flights (10-18h).

A large part of the team is dedicated to the construction of the HB-SIB, our second solar aircraft, and is commuting between Payerne and Dubendorf. HB-SIB will be larger than the HB-SIA and the cabin comfortable enough for a flight of several days.

Meanwhile, in Payerne, we have kicked off another round of test flights which will run until the end of October. This test phase will give Bertrand Piccard further opportunity to familiarise himself with the prototype and to notch up the training hours needed for future missions. Markus Scherdel, our test pilot, should also be taking the controls to test settings at high altitude.

If you would like to receive information about our test flights, please sign up to the Friends section of our Supporters Program.

After spending some time getting the feel of the plane yesterday morning, Bertrand took off at sunup today for a flight lasting an hour and a half. He clearly relished every moment of it judging by the radio messages exchanged with the mission room during the flight and seeing his broad smile after landing!

Only a small Solar Impulse team was there this morning as first flights such as these need the pilot's full concentration, with no distractions. To fly for the first time in a plane as special as HB-SIA requires a huge effort in terms of preparation and teamwork to ensure maximum safety.

These last few months have really tried his patience because we were so pressed for time on the European flights and together decided to complete these before he started his training. Of course, other flights will follow this year, and we can now prepare together for the next flight missions and the round the world trip.

Congratulations Bertrand! What a pleasure to be able now to share with you these unforgettable moments at the controls of Solar Impulse!