The FAA has issued a number of special conditions needed for Spectrum Aeronautical’s all-composite S.40 Freedom twinjet to achieve type certification. The issuance of special conditions is nothing unusual in any certification program. The regulations do not cover every design eventuality, and some special conditions are needed. In the S.40 Freedom’s case, these special conditions cover many flight and performance characteristics as well as new requirements for lithium batteries. According to the special conditions, the GE Honda HF120-powered S.40 will have a maximum takeoff weight of 9,550 pounds, 45,000-foot maximum altitude and seats for up to nine passengers. Maximum ramp weight is 9,580 pounds, according to a Spectrum spokesman, and certification is planned under Part 23 regulations, allowing for single-pilot operation. Company engineers are now focused on the engineering documentation phase, the spokesman said, and manufacturing tooling is under development. He added that the aircraft will likely fly early next year, followed by type certification 12 to 18 months later.