VIVAERO First UK‑built Islander begins ground tests ahead of September flight The first Islander to be fully built in the UK since Britten-Norman repatriated production to Bembridge has begun its ground test programme, with first flight targeted for September. Delivery to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) will follow completion of flight testing and customer preparation, and the company is opening its production line to customers and media ahead of the aircraft's formal launch later this year. The aircraft was rolled out at the company's Isle of Wight facility on 30th July, the day after electrical power was successfully applied for the first time. The roll-out followed the installation of the aircraft's engines, propellers, cowlings, electrical systems, brakes and flight control surfaces and mechanisms, and came in sequence with the programme's previous public milestones: 75% structural completion confirmed in June, power-on on 29th July, and roll-out...
