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Utility Aircraft Corporation and the PAC 750XL
In early 1999, a story in New Zealand's "Aviation News" described the successful operation of a Pacific Aerospace Corporation (PAC) CRESCO at a parachuting center in Taupo, New Zealand. This caught the attention of Philip Esdaile of Davis Air Repair Inc., located in Davis, California. He brought the idea of importing the "CRESCO" to Ray Ferrell, President of PreStar Inc., an aviation services company also located in Davis, California. Mr. Esdaile's company has maintained PreStar's fleet of skydiving aircraft for over ten years. Mr. Ferrell and Mr. Esdaile had often discussed the shortcomings of aircraft used by Drop Zone Operators (DZO's) in the parachute / skydiving industry. These aircraft, which include older Beechcraft "King Airs", De Havilland "Twin Otters", and Cessna "Caravans", were not designed for skydiving / parachute jump operations and require expensive modifications in order to be utilized in the skydiving industry.
A market survey in 1999 revealed that there were approximately 800 jump planes in the USA alone, 26% of which were turbine aircraft. The total fleet was valued at over one hundred and twenty-five million US dollars.
Ferrell and Esdaile realized that the existing Cresco aircraft could not meet the needs of this rapidly maturing sport, and that a larger version of this plane with the proper changes would be ideal. They flew to New Zealand to meet with the principles of PAC and to discuss their ideas.
Utility Aircraft Corporation then became the distributor for Pacific Aerospace Corporation's products in the Americas.
The goals of Utility Aircraft Corporation are to:
- Sales and support of the PAC 750XL in the United States of America and its territories, Canada, Mexico and all of Central and South America.
- Develop a leasing division to lease aircraft to commercial operators of skydiving centers.
- Supply after-sales support, including parts, maintenance and technical information for the continued airworthiness of the aircraft.
PAC 750XL
The PAC 750XL's high lift wing design allows for short take off and landing distances. With further development, it will be configured for float, passenger, cargo, and icing conditions. The PAC 750XL is certified by the New Zealand CAA (Civil Aviation Administration) and the United States FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). For additional information, please visit the following web site: www.aerospace.co.nz
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