The maiden flight of Taurus

In May 2004 the newest member of Pipistrel airplanes family, Taurus, was presented to the public and baptised in a widely covered media event.

At the end of May 2004 the newest member of Pipistrel Sinus/Virus planes family, Taurus, was finally brought to the light of day. At a small ceremony on Ajdovščina airport the plane was baptised by the member of European Parliament, Mr. Lojze Peterle.

The baptism of Taurus with the patron, Mr. Lojze Peterle

A pilot himself, Mr. Peterle is a conossieur and a fan of Pipistrel airplanes. He was glad to sponsor the baptism of the World's first side-by-side ultralight glider with a retractable engine! The event was covered by a wide variety of different media and had a huge response in both professional circles and wider public, both in Slovenia and in the world.

Mr. Peterle and Mr. Boscarol checking Taurus and getting ready for the flight under the vigilant eye of Mr. Fabrizio Cerboneschi, the Italian dealer (behind the plane, in blue)

Mr. Peterle tried the plane himself and agreed that the Taurus trully turned a new page in the book of ultralight flight history. He praised the very comfortable side-to-side sitting arrangement, the clear, user-friendly cockpit, the innovative new technology and the flawless manufacturing. He was very surprised at the amazing gliding ratio of 1:40 and good flying characteristics.

The event was attended by several high guests (left to right, standig on the right of Mr. Boscarol):
Mr. Lojze Peterle, a member of European Parliament, Mr. Marijan Poljšak, the mayor of Ajdovščina, Mr. Å tefan Žuna, the Secretary of Aeronautical Association of Slovenia

A relaxed social gathering followed the official part of the event.
The stars of the day were of course the proud members of the Pipistrel team, "The best workers colective in the world", and the associates, without whom the Taurus wouldn't exist.

A part of Pipistrel Team

The associates, who participated in the creation of Taurus. Left to right:
Mr. Igor Å trumbelj (Smart engine-control system), Mr. Sašo Kolar (structural and plastic material technology), ing. Franc Popit (retractable undercarriage, retractable engine system and controls), Mr. Franco Orlando (Airfoil, design of the shape).

Pipistrel wishes to thank everyone who participated in the creation of Taurus and wishes for a long, successful co-operation in the future.

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