Archives: Market Intelligences

Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne Expands Piper Training Aircraft Order by Additional 20 Aircraft

Global pilot training group Skyborne which operates flight training bases across the United Kingdom and the United States, has signed a US $8million contract for a further 20 Piper Pilot 100i aircraft, growing the US academy’s all-Piper fleet at its base in Vero Beach, Florida. The significant investment follows an initial order of 11 new Pilot 100is, with the first delivered to Skyborne in November 2023 as part of a multiyear fleet agreement.

Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne, says: “Over the last three years, Skyborne’s US footprint has grown exponentially as demand for airline-focused pilot training continues to rise. A partner and ally from the beginning, Piper has been crucial to helping us meet this need.

“We’re proud to be supporting a Florida-based company that aligns with our values of trust and quality, and we look forward to seeing our fleet expand to more than 80 Piper aircraft.”

With state-of-the-art technology and equipment, the Pilot 100i operates with a full Garmin suite of avionics, including the Garmin G3X touch system and autopilot capabilities, enhancing the flight training experience.

Dan Peterson, managing director, Skyborne, says: “Our top priority is to provide industry-leading equipment to support students through their pilot training. By expanding our Pilot 100i order, we’re investing in aircraft we trust to be safe, professional and reliable as we grow for the future.

“From our FAA Part 141 programs to the Propel Flight Academy by Delta, the Pilot 100i is central to delivering world-class pilots for our airline partners.”

Ron Gunnarson, vice president of sales, marketing & customer support, Piper Aircraft, adds: “We’re thrilled to support this additional aircraft order from our neighbors here in Vero Beach, Skyborne, and it’s a privilege to have them as a Piper Flight School Alliance member.

“We look forward to being a part of Skyborne’s growth in our community by providing them with top-of-the-line trainers that are reliable and cost-effective.”

The additional Piper 100i aircraft will be delivered to Skyborne through 2024 and beyond.

AFM team note – In addition to the Piper Aircraft on order Skyborne expanded their order for electric training aircraft with 40 Bye Aerospace eFlyer on order.

Source: Skyborne

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Spain’s Quality Fly: A Carbon Neutral Flight School for Second Year Running

Madrid-based flight school Quality Fly has announced that in 2023, for the second consecutive year, the school has achieved carbon neutrality. This follows on from their proud standing as the first European Flight School to attain carbon neutrality in 2022, proving that they have not just embraced sustainability, but have integrated it into every aspect of their operations. This reaffirms their commitment to environmental stewardship and reinforces their position as leaders in sustainable aviation. Through persistent dedication and proactive measures, Quality Fly continues to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in aviation.

A Green Flight Path: Reducing Emissions by 50%

Quality Fly’s journey towards carbon neutrality has been propelled by a series of transformative initiatives, such as the complete digitalization of their activity. This has solidified their position at the forefront of sustainable aviation in Europe while working on enhancing the quality of their aviation education. A comprehensive fleet modernization had led to a remarkable 50% reduction in emissions. By investing in state-of-the-art aircraft models, Quality Fly has significantly curbed fuel consumption and emissions, setting a new benchmark for efficiency in flight training.

Advancing Change Through Renewable Energy

Quality Fly’s commitment extends beyond their immediate operations. Offsetting their remaining carbon emissions has played a crucial role in their sustainability journey. Quality Fly has partnered with projects in developing regions of India and China, supporting solar, wind, and hydroelectricity projects. These initiatives not only offset their carbon footprint but also contribute to the socio-economic development of these regions, fostering a sustainable future beyond Quality Fly’s immediate sphere. These projects are authorized under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and demonstrate Quality Fly’s commitment to not only carbon neutrality, but also to promoting positive change in regions where it is most needed.

A Vision for Tomorrow: Towards a 100% Electric Fleet

While Quality Fly celebrates their achievements, they also remain committed to future progress, with a vision extending to a 100% electric fleet as soon as this technology becomes fully operational. This aspiration aligns with their ethos of constantly evolving to reduce their environmental footprint while providing top-tier aviation training.

Leading by Example in Sustainable Aviation

Quality Fly’s transformation to carbon neutrality isn’t just a milestone for them; it’s a stepping-stone for the industry. As the first carbon-neutral flight school in Spain, Quality Fly is setting a precedent for responsible, high-quality aviation training, and we encourage every other flight school to follow our steps.

The Path Forward: Excellence, Innovation, and Responsibility

Quality Fly’s journey towards sustainability is an ongoing commitment. By continually assessing and enhancing training methodologies, exploring sustainable aviation fuels, and embracing emerging technologies like hybrid and electric aviation, Quality Fly will continue to drive forward a future of environmentally responsible aviation.

“At Quality Fly, our dedication to excellence, innovation, and environmental responsibility is unwavering. We invite aspiring aviators to join us on this journey, where sustainability meets sky-high standards of aviation education.” stated Quality Fly.

About Quality Fly
Quality Fly is a flight academy based in Cuatro-Vientos airport, Madrid. The academy boasts a highly international profile with all classes taught in English and a student base of more than 35 different nationalities. At the very heart of their training offer is possibly Europe’s most innovative ATPL integrated program, which meets the latest and future EASA requirements and includes 40 hours in A320 full flight simulator level D, night flights in MEP, gliding training sessions or career advice. All to ensure the highest level of competency to fly as First Officer in the most demanding airlines around the world and prepare the students for real life circumstances. The commitment of Quality Fly to digital processes and effective systems allows the school to maintain its very competitive price for the 2024 ATPL course.

Source: Quality Fly

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Flight Simulator Manufacturer REISER Simulation and Training GmbH Achieves World’s First Qualification for Airbus H145 D3 Helicopter Full-Flight Simulator

REISER Simulation and Training announces a groundbreaking milestone in aviation simulation excellence. The company proudly reveals that they have secured the distinction of being the very first to obtain Level D qualification for the Airbus H145 Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) in the D3 version. 

The D3 version of the renowned Airbus H145 helicopter introduces significant enhancements, featuring a 5-bladed main rotor subsystem and the HELIONIX® Avionics Suite Version 8.0. These advancements represent a remarkable leap forward in helicopter technology and performance. REISER is at the forefront of simulating these innovations to provide pilots with the most accurate and immersive training experience possible. 

Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority qualified the new REISER H145 D3 FFS at Norwegian Competence Centre Helicopter, NCCH A.S. in Stavanger, Norway, on February 15, 2024.

To bring these extraordinary improvements to life, REISER Simulation and Training conducted a comprehensive new flight data campaign, which involved gathering data directly from the real helicopter. These meticulously collected data serve as the foundation for the brand-new flight model. As a result, the new Level D FFS is not merely 98 percent true to reality but an unparalleled 100 percent true to the real Airbus H145 D3 aircraft. 

“REISER Simulation and Training has always been at the forefront of innovation in aviation simulation, and this milestone is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise,” states Dr. Johannes Hain, CEO at REISER Simulation and Training. 

“We are delighted to provide the aviation community with a simulator that truly reflects the capabilities and advancements of the Airbus H145 D3, ultimately enhancing the safety and proficiency of helicopter pilots and crewmembers worldwide,” adds Dr. Michael Mayrhofer, CEO at NCCH.

About Reiser Simulation and Training

REISER Simulation and Training GmbH has been leading the revolution in aviation training for over three decades. With a distinctive German engineering touch, REISER has been delivering innovations globally, enhancing the efficiency and safety of flight personnel training worldwide.

The REISER Universe covers bespoke aviation training solutions from Full-Flight Simulators and Flight Training Devices at various qualification levels. Our diverse portfolio includes training rigs precisely engineered for maintenance, repair, and loading tasks. These innovative solutions empower training initiatives without the need to ground flying equipment.

REISER’s Simulators and Training Devices minimize the ecological footprint associated with traditional training methods but also conserve vital resources. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of our operations.

Source: REISER Simulation and Training
Photo Credit: REISER Simulation and Training

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