Noble was a keen pilot and aircraft developer. He certified a two seat training airplane, the ARV Super 2 in 1986. In 1998, during the dotcom boom, he launched FarboroughAircraft.com, with the idea of developing a fast six seat air taxi – the Farnborough F1.
In 2002, Noble left the company and Geoffrey Galley became CEO and owner of Farnborough Aircraft Corporation Ltd. (FACL).
In 2003, Galley oversaw development of the Kestrel single engine turboprop airplane, which was always intended solely for certified production. First flight of the Kestrel was on July 29th 2006. The test pilot was Graham Archer, from the UK, assisted by Joe Thorne.
In August 2006, the prototype aircraft was flown to the UK for interior completion. In 2008, the prototype aircraft was displayed at the Farnborough Airshow by Graham Archer, celebrating the 100th anniversary of powered flight in the UK. The Kestrel was the largest new British design to fly since 1983.
In the summer of 2008, Anthony Galley and Adrian Norris took over FACL. The prototype aircraft was then flown to the U.S. where it was presented at various air shows and trade events. In late 2009, discussions began with Alan Klapmeier about forming a company to enhance and bring to production the Kestrel design, and in July 2010, Kestrel Aircraft Company was launched.
