Beriev plans to deliver the first three Be-103 six-seat amphibians to US distributor Aerocorp International in July, when the type is expected to gain US certification. The Russian manufacturer applied to the US Federal Aviation Administration a year ago under the bilateral aviation agreement between Russia and the USA, which allows for mutual recognition of national certificates. The procedure was used by the FAA for the "shadow" certification of the Ilyushin Il-103 light aircraft and Il-96M/T airliner. The Be-103 programme is expected to break even after production of 250 aircraft, says the manufacturer.
Source: Flight International
