Market Intelligence: North America

Electric Training Aircraft Pipistrel Velis Electro Earns LSA Airworthiness Exemption from US Regulator FAA

Popular training aircraft manufacturer – Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a light-sport aircraft (LSA) airworthiness exemption for the Pipistrel Velis Electro, opening up flight training in an electric aircraft within the United States.

The FAA exemption allows US flight schools to use the electric aircraft within their flight training programs. The Velis Electro offers a lower-cost and more sustainable learning platform for student pilots to acquire flying skills and go from zero flight experience to eventually flying solo, while giving them early experience on next-generation power systems.

Kriya Shortt, president and CEO of Textron’s eAviation segment, says: “This is a great day for flight training organizations and aspiring pilots. With this exemption, the cost-barrier to pursuing primary flight training can be substantially reduced. We are thankful to the FAA for its support in bringing more opportunities for electric aviation to the United States.”

Gabriel Massey, president and managing director at Pipistrel, says: “The FAA exemption is an important milestone on the journey to sustainable flight. We are proud of our team and what we have achieved towards creating the future for electric and sustainable aviation, globally.

Taking off for the first time is exhilarating, and even more so in an electric aircraft. We are looking forward to seeing more pilots take to the skies and experience their first flight in the Velis Electro.”

The relief for a Petition for Exemption to 14 CFR Part 21.190 (Issue of a special airworthiness certificate for a light-sport category aircraft) reflects the FAA’s commitment to safely integrate new technologies into the National Airspace System.

The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the first commercially available, type-certified electric aircraft in the world. The aircraft is quiet, producing noise levels of only 60 decibels, low cost and user-friendly, making it an ideal solution for flight training with zero carbon emissions.

About Pipistrel

In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000.  Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. 

Source: Pipistrel
Photo Credit: Pipistrel

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US National Flight Training Alliance Urges Review of Subcontracted Air Traffic Control Towers

The Washington, D.C., United States based National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA), an organization working to unify, promote and protect America’s flight training providers, is urging greater scrutiny of the use of subcontracted Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) reauthorization bill.  NFTA President Chris Schoensee, who also owns Paragon Flight Training, based in Fort Myers, Florida, is working to increase awareness of the second-class status by which subcontracted ATCTs are allowed to operate.

According to Schoensee, the problem is not that certain towers are subcontracted; rather, that they aren’t operated with the same standards under current funding and staffing restrictions as FAA-operated ATCTs, which are unionized and have strict rules about wages, staffing, time-off and access to modern technology. He notes that some of the nation’s busiest airfields where flight academies are co-located with commercial and other aviation activity have ATCTs operated by subcontracting companies, including Page Field, where Paragon Flight Training is based. As a Southwest Florida congressman recently noted, the Page Field ATCT is sometimes staffed by only one person.

“It is unthinkable that such a busy airstrip, with flight academies, private aircraft and commercial carriers all vying for attention, would be so woefully understaffed, but this unacceptable situation goes beyond staffing,” Schoensee said.  “The FAA needs to address modernizing ATCTs to handle the growing number of takeoffs and landings – whether the ATCT is operated by the FAA or a subcontractor.”

When it comes to the physical safety of towers, many ATCTs were built in the 1970s and have not been modernized. Further, they were intended for approximately 50,000 takeoffs and landings per year. At Page Field, the subcontracted tower is now overseeing more than 200,000 operations annually.

“The FAA reauthorization bill must include funding for improvements to ATCTs that consistently promote safety and access for air traffic controllers, pilots, students, and passengers alike,” Schoensee said. “Our nation has the technology and knowledge needed to do this – now we need to act.” 

About National Flight Training Alliance

Working to unify, promote and protect America’s flight training providers, the National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA) is comprised of American flight training providers and industry-wide aviation stakeholders committed to producing the finest professional pilots in the world. We represent the future of aviation, meeting the strong demand for pilots by embracing new technologies and methodologies and using our collective membership voice to form policy positions that directly and positively impact industry governance.

Source: National Flight Training Alliance
Photo Credit: National Flight Training Alliance

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Aircraft Manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft Unveils New Brand Identity in 2024

Recently, Cirrus unveiled its newly evolved brand identity to reflect its unending quest for innovation. Cirrus created the Personal Aviation™ category of the general aviation industry with its best-selling aircraft – the SR Series and Vision Jet® – which make aviation more approachable, accessible and personal. As the category leader, Cirrus continues to combine its passion for innovation with its expanding customer ecosystem, bringing Everything in Reach™. The updated brand identity signifies Cirrus’ continued commitment to growing the aviation industry by reimagining its future and evolving the brand into the next era of Personal Aviation.

“Since 1984, Cirrus’ legacy of innovating, transforming and defining the ‘Personal Aviation’ category has changed the way people experience aviation,” said Todd Simmons, President of Customer Experience of Cirrus. “Today, Cirrus has grown to represent more than just the best-selling aircraft in the market. Now, in addition to its state-of-the-art aircraft, Cirrus provides a comprehensive ownership experience for world-class flight training, product services and support, aircraft management, upgrades and accessories, sales, finance, insurance and more. We are excited to usher in the next era of Personal Aviation together.”
In 2024, Personal Aviation addresses both the pilot and non-pilot. Cirrus is growing the Personal Aviation category by creating a complete path for people to join the community whether they are exploring flight training, a seasoned pilot, or want to own and operate a Cirrus aircraft with a professional pilot.
“Cirrus continues its legacy of delivering innovative products and services that make aircraft ownership easy and synonymous with premium car ownership,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus. “The new brand identity honors Cirrus’ history while positioning itself for the future where the company will leverage its intelligent aircraft and connected digital ecosystem.”

Cirrus Brand Evolution

The culmination of innovation and digital connectivity has created a robust ownership experience for Cirrus operators. With expanding customer offerings, Cirrus evolved its brand identity to invite more people to engage and participate in Personal Aviation.
Cirrus’ visual identity has long demonstrated the company’s mission of innovation, quality and safety. Cirrus’ visual brand identity represents the next generation of Personal Aviation while paying homage to the company’s best-selling aircraft, the industry and the environment it continuously innovates in.

Source: Cirrus Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Cirrus Aircraft (shown as meta image)

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Leonardo Signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Simulator Manufacturer FlightSafety International

Leonardo and FlightSafety International (FSI) have announced at Heli-Expo 2024 the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate a range of potential collaborations in the field of training and simulation in the United States. Under the MoU, the partners will evaluate the potential design, production, sale and operation of training devices for use at FlightSafety, Leonardo’s helicopter sites or third-party facilities.

The MoU enables multiple helicopters type to be considered, enabling the partners to benefit from respective simulation and training capabilities and presence in the US and internationally.

Furthermore, the partners would discuss the potential appointment of FlightSafety’s training entities or divisions as Leonardo Authorized Training Centres for the supply of training services using the training devices.

The MoU potentially paves the path to a major boost in best-in-class helicopter training services for modern and successful Leonardo helicopter types leveraging the established expertise of FlightSafety and Leonardo in localized training and simulation technologies and services to meet existing and emerging market requirements.

Source: Leonardo
Photo Credit: FlightSafety International

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US Airline Owned Flight School Linked Maintenance Service Provider Receives FAA Diamond Award for 2023

LIFT Academy is proud to announce that LIFT Maintenance has received the Federal Aviation Administration’s Diamond Award of Excellence for maintenance training excellence in 2023. Across LIFT’s three campuses, 100% of their maintenance personnel across all bases participated and received awards this year.

LIFT Academy is supported by LIFT Maintenance, a team of talented aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) who perform all inspections and repairs on LIFT’s Diamond Aircraft fleet. This work includes 100 hour inspections and around-the-clock maintenance coverage. All LIFT Maintenance staff have intensive factory training from Diamond Aircraft, Austro Engines and Garmin.

LIFT Maintenance is Indiana’s premier aviation maintenance service provider offering 24/7 and offsite capabilities, logbook research, flight reviews from CFIs, flat rate inspections, instrument proficiency checks and more.

LIFT Academy is owned by US regional operator Republic Airways.

Source: LIFT Academy
Photo Credit: LIFT Academy (shown as meta image)

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