On 30 October the prototype e-Go SSDR (single-seat deregulated) made its first public flights in at Tibenham Aerodrome in Norfolk the hands of test pilot Keith Dennison.

In front of a large crowd of supporters, journalists and TV crews, Dennison gave a spirited flying display, showing the 115kg aircraft – the first new all-British type to fly in many years – to have a good takeoff performance and impressive manoeuvrability. Speaking to Pilot after the first public flight (and only the fifth time the e-Go has been flown), Keith says that while there is development work to be done on the flight controls – which are a presently a little lighter than ideal – the aircraft performs very much as projected, having a 35mph stalling speed and promising a 100 knot cruise.

Full details, including manufacturer e-Go Aeroplanes’ view on the CAA’s consultation on increasing the weight limit for deregulated aircraft and plans for developing a two-seat version of the e-Go, will appear in the January 2014 edition of Pilot.

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