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Kilo Charlie Aviation and US Aviation Academy Announce Strategic Merger to Expand National Flight Training Footprint

Kansa City, KS & Denton, TX, USA – Kilo Charlie Aviation, a premier flight training academy based in Kansas City, and US Aviation Academy, one of the nation’s largest aviation training providers, are pleased to announce their strategic merger. This union aims to enhance the scope and quality of aviation education across the United States.

Founded in 2020, Kilo Charlie Aviation has rapidly established itself as a leader in pilot training, known for its commitment to excellence and innovation. The academy operates a modern fleet, including Tecnam aircraft, and offers comprehensive programs ranging from Private Pilot to Multi-Engine Academy. Their dedication to student success and safety has made them a standout institution in the Midwest.

US Aviation Academy, established in 2006 and headquartered in Denton, Texas, brings nearly two decades of experience in training professional pilots and aircraft mechanics. With a fleet exceeding 175 aircraft and a student body of over 1,500, the academy has a proven track record of producing industry-ready aviation professionals.

The merger combines the strengths of both institutions, creating a unified entity poised to offer unparalleled flight training services. Students will benefit from an expanded network of training locations, a diverse fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft, and a curriculum designed to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry.

“This merger represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide top-tier aviation education,” said Mike Sykes, CEO of US Aviation Academy. “By joining forces with Kilo Charlie Aviation, we are expanding our reach and enhancing our ability to train the next generation of pilots.”

Robert Renfro, COO of Kilo Charlie Aviation, added, “Our shared values and commitment to excellence make this merger a natural fit. Together, we will continue to innovate and provide our students with the best possible training experience”.

Drew Konicek, CEO of Kilo Charlie Aviation, “Being able to provide the partnerships that US Aviation has created to the Midwest is what was very important to the Kilo Charlie Aviation leadership team. This Merger brings partnerships and opportunities to the Midwest immediately that would have taken us 5-10 years to develop.”

Kilo Charlie Aviation will begin to operate under the US Aviation Academy name, with training facilities in Kansas City, Denton, and other strategic locations nationwide. The merger is expected to be finalized in the coming months, pending regulatory approvals.

Source: US Aviation Academy

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Grob Aircraft Acquired by Helsing

Germany – Grob Aircraft SE, a composite aircraft manufacturer with a long-standing footprint in global flight training, has been acquired by Helsing, a European defence technology company focused on artificial intelligence and software-driven capabilities across land, sea, air, and space domains.

  • Helsing and Grob Aircraft have signed an agreement confirming the acquisition; finalisation is subject to regulatory approvals.

  • Grob Aircraft will continue its existing training aircraft business, supporting civil and military customers with no change to ongoing operations.

  • The partnership aims to accelerate next-generation aerospace and defence innovation, combining Grob’s composite airframe design and manufacturing capabilities with Helsing’s AI-driven software systems.

  • Grob Aircraft currently employs approximately 275 people and operates from a site that includes an in-house airfield and an active production and training pipeline.

  • The two companies have previously partnered on Grob aircraft used as development platforms for Cirra, Helsing’s AI-based electronic warfare system, which supports real-time threat assessment.

  • Planned investments will expand operations at Grob’s Tussenhausen site in Bavaria, aligning with the Bavarian state government’s broader objectives to establish the region as a hub for aerospace and AI innovation.

Statement’s:

  • “With the acquisition, we deepen our partnership with Grob Aircraft. Our competencies complement each other perfectly, and we share aligned growth ambitions. This step will strengthen sovereignty in Europe’s defence industry and reinforce Bavaria’s role in defence innovation,” said Dr. Gundbert Scherf, Co-CEO of Helsing.

  • “Helsing’s vision and technological expertise in AI and software perfectly align with our decades-long aircraft design legacy. Together, we redefine innovation in our sector,” said André Hiebeler, Managing Director, Grob Aircraft SE.

Source: Grob Aircraft

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