Rudder Pedal Glitch Delays MRJ First Flight
Japanese regional jet now scheduled to take to the air during week of November 9
An in-flight engine shutdown has grounded Mitsubishi MRJ FTA-2 and the rest of the flight test fleet. (Photo: Mitsubishi Aircraft)

An unspecified problem with the Mitsubishi MRJ’s rudder pedal has forced the new regional jet’s manufacturer to reschedule first flight from next week to the week of November 9. In a joint statement, Mitsubishi Aircraft and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries said schedules now call for a pre-flight review board of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to meet early next week to issue flight approval. Following approval, the companies plan to conduct high-speed taxi tests and evaluations in preparation for first flight.