Market Intelligence: North America

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Tecnam Aircraft

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Giovanni Pascale Langer – Managing Director at Tecnam Aircraft – an Italy headquartered aircraft manufacturer known for producing light, efficient, and innovative next-generation piston aircraft which have gained popularity with flight training organizations around the world.

The conversation covers:

  • Tecnam’s Legacy and Leadership: Tecnam’s roots trace back over 77 years, beginning with Partenavia, founded by Giovanni Pascale Langer’s grandfather and great-uncle. Built on a strong family legacy in aviation, Tecnam has grown into one of the top three general aviation manufacturers worldwide. Under Giovanni’s leadership as Managing Director the company embraces a philosophy of hands-on, ground-up management. Giovanni himself worked across all Tecnam’s departments. This deep, practical understanding of the business shows Tecnam’s leadership style: engaged, agile, and grounded in the realities of aircraft manufacturing and customer needs.
  • Recent Successes and U.S. Expansion: Tecnam has seen growing demand globally, especially in the U.S., highlighted by a major order from US Aviation Academy: 38 aircraft initially with an option for 52 more. Their agility in adapting production schedules to client needs has made Tecnam a trusted partner for critical projects like training future U.S. Air Force pilots.
  • Addressing the Global Pilot Shortage: Giovanni views the pilot shortage as both a challenge and an opportunity. Tecnam aircraft like the P-Mentor, P2008, and P2010 are tailored for efficient, modern training that helps flight schools produce better pilots, faster. Smart training with smart aircraft is Tecnam’s solution to a growing global issue.
  • Innovation and Market Trends: Tecnam is deeply aligned with industry trends such as cost efficiency, fleet unification, safety, and sustainability. Rather than relying on legacy designs, Tecnam develops certified aircraft tailored to modern requirements. Their diverse aircraft lineup supports a one-stop-shop model for training organizations.
  • Vision for the Future: Tecnam focuses on immediate sustainability gains, such as reducing CO₂ emissions through efficient training platforms. Their innovation pipeline remains strong, driven by real-world needs and regulatory evolution. Giovanni emphasized that meaningful progress in aviation sustainability will come step by step, not through abrupt shifts, and Tecnam is committed to leading that gradual, practical transformation.

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Canada’s Top Aces Marks 25th Anniversary and Global Expansion in Military Air Training

Canada – Top Aces Inc., the world’s premier provider of live-fly Adversary Air (ADAIR) and Close Air Support (CAS) training, is proudly celebrating its 25th anniversary of service. Founded in Montreal by veteran Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-18 pilots, Top Aces has since evolved into a global leader, achieving an industry record of over 140,000 accident-free training hours in support of NATO and allied nations.

“This is a very proud moment for all of us at Top Aces. What began as a small Canadian business with just a few employees has grown into a global enterprise of 600+ team members operating across three continents,” said Paul Bouchard, Co-Founder and CEO, Top Aces Inc. “This 25th anniversary milestone is a testament to our dedicated employees, past and present, for believing in the Top Aces mission and living our values of Service, Integrity, Excellence, and Together – every day. Our highly experienced military veterans take great pride in continuing to mentor and support the training of active-duty aviators, soldiers and sailors.”

Top Aces’ mission has always been to deliver safe and highly professional defense training solutions, ensuring the current and future operational readiness of its customers. In an ever-changing world, military preparedness and readiness are crucial, and allied forces worldwide are recognizing the benefits of the commercial ADAIR industry for cost savings and fleet longevity. “We feel privileged for the unwavering trust and support of our customers and partners throughout this 25-year journey, and for their recognition of the value Top Aces brings to their operational training needs,” stated Didier Toussaint, Co-Founder and Group President, Top Aces Inc.

Several notable achievements have marked Top Aces’ 25-year history, driving the company’s remarkable growth:

  • In 2021, Top Aces Corp. achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first private company in the world to own and operate a fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft. Currently used to train U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-22 and F-35 pilots, Top Aces’ F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighters (AAFs) are the most advanced and threat-representative training adversaries available on the market today.
  • Driven by innovation, Top Aces spent nearly a decade developing its groundbreaking, proprietary “Advanced Aggressor Mission System” (AAMS), which was successfully launched in 2021. Featuring an open architecture design, the AAMS enables Top Aces’ F-16 and A-4N aircraft to integrate cutting-edge sensors, including but not limited to Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Infrared Search and Track (IRST), Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (HMCS), and advanced datalinks, effectively replicating the threats posed by modern adversary fighter aircraft. The AAMS provides a pathway for continuous improvement, allowing customers to constantly evolve their training threat, including the integration of ongoing advancements in Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) elements and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
  • In 2022, Top Aces expanded its service offering with the acquisition of U.S.-based Blue Air Training, the recognized global expert in full-spectrum CAS training for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) and Joint Fires Observers (JFO). The partnership created a market leader in the provision of ADAIR and CAS training, benefiting military customers worldwide.

Looking ahead, Top Aces’ vision is to be the most trusted provider of innovative defense training solutions, continuously elevating standards in an industry where Experience Matters. “As we celebrate this significant milestone, we look forward to continuing our mission of delivering best-in-class training solutions, ensuring our NATO and allied militaries are always prepared for the challenges that lie ahead,” continued Bouchard.

About Top Aces
With over 140,000 accident-free flight hours, Top Aces Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Top Aces Corp. and Blue Air Training Corp., provide advanced ADAIR services and CAS training to the world’s leading armed forces. In an industry where Experience Matters, Top Aces boasts the largest fleet of commercially operated fighter aircraft in active service and is the world’s only commercial owner/operator of the F-16. Top Aces’ mission-critical training enhances the operational readiness of combat forces by delivering real-world experience while creating significant cost efficiencies and extending the lifespan of military aircraft fleets. 

Source: Top Aces Inc.
Photo Credit: Top Aces

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US Flight Training Group Epic Flight Academy Partners with MSU Denver

Denver, Colorado, USA – Epic Flight Academy is pleased to announce a partnership with Metropolitan State University – Denver. Epic is now an FAA Part 141 pilot training provider to MSU Denver. Epic flight training can lead to a BS degree in Aviation & Aerospace Science with a Professional Flight Officer Concentration.

MSU Denver is a Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) FAA authorized Institution of Higher Education. Eligible students can be authorized for the R-ATP at 1000 hours flight time by graduating from MSU Denver. Epic’a flight school at Centennial Airport (APA) is conveniently located near Denver and MSU.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Epic Flight Academy to bring high-quality FAA flight training directly to Centennial Airport,” said Professor Chad Kendall, Associate Chair of the Aviation and Aerospace Science Department. “This initiative not only increases our training capacity but also helps us continue to develop the next generation of professional aviators.”

Danny Perna, founder and CEO of Epic Flight Academy, added, “We are thrilled to partner with MSU Denver. This gives our Colorado flight students an excellent opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science Aviation & Aerospace degree by transferring their Epic FAA Part 141 flight training. Earning a degree will enhance their career opportunities.”

Epic has been training pilots since 1999. It is the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the U.S. with multiple locations. MSU Denver is a public university. Established in 1965 and located in downtown Denver, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Source: Epic Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Epic Flight Academy

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Acron Aviation Academy Welcomes 27 Cadets in May 2025

Sanford, Florida, USA – Acron Aviation Academy has commenced its May training batch by welcoming a new group of twenty-seven (27) cadets. The intake includes both international and domestic cadets enrolled in various airline training pathways including:

  • US domestic cadets

  • 7x Korean Aerospace University Cadets

  • Air India and IndiGo Cadets

  • Cadets from UK-based programs

Acron Aviation Academy has also launched an incentive campaign for new pilot trainees enrolling in June or July 2025. The initiative includes financial benefits aimed at easing the initial cost burden for aspiring pilots.

  • The offer includes two months of free housing, valued at nearly $3,000.

  • An additional $2,500 tuition fee credit is available.

  • The housing benefit is limited to the first 20 students enrolling in June and the first 20 in July.

Source: Acron Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Acron Aviation Academy

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Boeing Nears Targeted 737 MAX Production Rate of 38 Aircraft Per Month

USA – Boeing is showing positive momentum towards stabilizing production of its 737 MAX aircraft at 38 units per month, a limit that was enforced by U.S. regulators in early 2024.

  • Boeing Commercial Airplanes VP of Quality Doug Ackerman said the company expects to stabilize monthly output at 38 aircraft “in the next couple of months.”

  • According to media report’s sources indicated the manufacturer is on track to produce around 38 aircraft by the end of May 2025.

  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had capped monthly production at 38 units after a door plug detached from a 737 MAX 9 in January 5, 2024.

  • The FAA subsequently conducted a thorough production audit, increased oversight, and required Boeing to present a comprehensive plan to improve production quality.

In its latest Chief Aerospace Safety Officer Report, Boeing reported a 220% increase in employee reports submitted via the company’s “Speak Up” tool between 2023 and 2024, an indication of growing internal transparency and issue reporting.

AFM team note – in 2018 Boeing achieved a peak month of 52 B737MAX aircraft per month.

Source: Boeing and Media Reporting

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Acron Aviation Academy Offers Housing and Tuition Perks for June and July 2025 Enrollees

Florida, USA – Flight training provider Acron Aviation Academy has launched an incentive campaign for new pilot trainees enrolling in June or July 2025. The initiative includes financial benefits aimed at easing the initial cost burden for aspiring pilots.

  • The offer includes two months of free housing, valued at nearly $3,000.

  • An additional $2,500 tuition fee credit is available.

  • The housing benefit is limited to the first 20 students enrolling in June and the first 20 in July.

Source: Acron Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Acron Aviation Academy

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