 |
| HISTORY The Kestrel was conceived in the UK and born in the US. It's the perfect expression of British aviation heritage and American innovation. |
 |
Kestrel adds to its capabilities with new engineering and production facilities in Superior, Wisconsin. A production-quality mockup is introduced to aviation enthusiasts at Oshkosh Airventure in July. The engineering and production staff in Maine and Wisconsin grows to 75+ dedicated professionals, many of them former Klapmeier teammates at Cirrus Aircraft. |
 |
 |
Kestrel opens engineering and production facilities in Brunswick, Maine and the team grows to 50 skilled engineers. Kestrel presents the first dimensionally accurate cabin mockup at three key industry events: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the NBAA Convention and AOPA Aviation Summit. The Honeywell TPE331-14GR is selected to power the Kestrel and new, larger cabin dimensions are announced. |
|
 |
In July, the AirCompany is launched, with Alan Klapmeier as CEO. Design objectives include a dramatic expansion of the cabin, an upgrade in engine power and capability (to the Honeywell TPE331-14GR) and a renewed approach to interior luxury, including a commitment to custom interior design to fit individual customers' design aesthetic. The proof of concept aircraft is displayed at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the NBAA Convention, the AOPA Summit and the Reno Air Races. The first Kestrel engineers are hired. |
|
 |
Alan Klapmeier, the founder of Cirrus Aircraft and a British aviation enthusiast, is fascinated by the promise of the Kestrel and begins discussions to join the effort in a leadership role. The proof of concept aircraft is flown back to the U.S., where Klapmeier and his partners undertake major enhancement of the Kestrel design and bring the concept aircraft closer to its journey to certification and production. |
|
 |
Anthony Galley and Adrian Norris assume command of FACL from Anthony's father Geoffrey. The proof of concept aircraft is displayed at the Farnborough Air Show, celebrating 100 years of British aviation. The search begins for supporters in the U.S. to help develop this fast, long-range racehorse with great versatility and performance. |
|
 |
The proof of concept aircraft is displayed at the Dubai Air Show. |
|
 |
The Kestrel flies into the skies over Bend, Oregon on July 29, 2006. The test pilot is UK pilot Graham Archer, assisted by Joe Thorne of Minneapolis. In August, Kestrel—the largest new British design to fly since 1983, flies to the UK for interior completion, and is displayed at the Farnborough Airshow. |
|
 |
Geoffrey Galley becomes CEO and owner of Farnborough Aircraft Corporation Ltd. (FACL). A year later, he oversees development of the Kestrel single-engine turboprop airplane, intended solely for certified production. |
|
 |
Farnborough Aircraft is created by Richard Noble, best known for breaking the land speed record in Thrust2, and again in Thrust SSC, the world's only supersonic car. Noble, a keen pilot and aircraft developer, begins to develop a fast 6-seat air taxi — the Farnborough F1. |
|