Thrush 710P Wins FAA Patrol Certification
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued patrol category certification for the legendary Thrush 710P, which has been enhanced to take on special missions – including patrol and surveillance work – for environmental, military and government operations worldwide.
(Albany, GA) - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued patrol category certification for the legendary Thrush 710P, which has been enhanced to take on special missions - including patrol and surveillance work - for environmental, military and government operations worldwide.
The patrol category certification allows the Thrush 710P to add patrol work to its already impressive resume of agricultural capabilities - meaning the airplane can now also be used for missions such as border patrol, pipeline inspection, and environmental oversight, among others. Thanks to the 710P's superior handling, cockpit visibility and pilot comfort - combined with the outstanding power and low fuel burn of its Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine - it's anticipated the recent patrol category certification will make it an extremely popular aircraft with a wide variety of agencies and organizations.
One such application is already underway in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where several modified Thrush 710P's - called Archangels - are already serving as observation and patrol platforms for that country's armed forces.
"The 710P is an extremely efficient, reliable and low observable aircraft," said Payne Hughes, president of Thrush Aircraft." It's been specifically designed to have a light pilot workload, very reasonable direct operating costs, terrific low altitude maneuverability and high structural strength. Together, these attributes make it an ideal airplane for special operations work around the world." Initial reports from the UAE confirm the popularity and flying qualities of the 710P in a patrol environment - and more aircraft are anticipated to be added for additional missions there in the months ahead.
About Thrush Aircraft Company
Headquartered in Albany, Georgia, Thrush Aircraft manufactures a full range of aerial application aircraft used in agriculture, forestry and fire fighting roles worldwide. Founded in 2003, Thrush is well-known for building the most durable aircraft in the aerial application industry, as well as the best flying - from both pilot and operator perspectives. All Thrush models provide superb visibility, light control response, and a high degree of maneuverability and speed, along with superior efficiency and low direct operating costs. Today there are more than 2,100 Thrush aircraft operating in some 80 countries around the world.
