Market Intelligence: North America

Helicopter Manufacturer Unveils New Army Training Helicopter at 2025 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit 

United States – Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), one of the world’s leading manufacturer of light helicopters, unveiled the new R66 Army Training helicopter at the 2025 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit (Quad A) in Nashville, Tennessee. As the only American-designed and manufactured helicopter in its class, the R66 offers a dependable and affordable training solution for the Army’s IERW (Initial Entry Rotary Wing) program.

The Robinson R66 helicopter offers significant advantages as the U.S. Army’s next rotorcraft trainer. The R66 consistently has the lowest acquisition and lowest direct operating cost (DOC) and most advanced safety features in its class. Through vertically integrated manufacturing, more than 85% of all R66 parts are made in Robinson’s Torrance, California manufacturing facility. This American-made philosophy ensures consistent parts availability and the highest part quality.

Inside the aircraft, the R66 incorporates its signature instructor-friendly cyclic design, providing enhanced instructor oversight for improved control and safety in the learning environment. Designed for real-world training, the R66 exceeds demanding Army training requirements and ensures a smooth transfer of skills to operational environments.

The integration of advanced Garmin G500H TXi and GTN750 avionics provides enhanced situational awareness and facilitates digital cockpit habit transfer. The intuitive powerplant, equipped with a power turbine governor and twist-grip throttle, simplifies engine management, crucial for effective training. The R66 helicopter also comes standard with an integrated 4k cockpit camera to further enhance safety and support ongoing training.

“The R66 embodies American-made readiness, built with reliability, quality, and durability at its core, and we are committed to providing seamless American-made support,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “Pilots worldwide learn critical power management skills and achieve true flight readiness in a Robinson aircraft. This foundation prepares them exceptionally well for future operational demands.”

In conjunction with Quad A, Robinson Helicopter Company released the latest installment in its Climb Higher video series, “American-Made Readiness and Pilots of Tomorrow,” featuring highly experienced, former Army aviators and Robinson pilots. These videos highlight their direct experience with Robinson helicopters and underscore the platform’s effectiveness in preparing the Army’s next generation of skilled aviators. The series offers compelling insights into the critical role Robinson aircraft play, from law enforcement missions to training thousands of pilots over the last half century.

About Robinson Helicopter Company
For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windshields, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient helicopters in the industry. 

Source: Robinson Helicopter Company
Photo Credit: Robinson Helicopter Company

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PlaneSense Adopts MINT TMS to Fully Digitize Training Operations

USA – PlaneSense®, a leading fractional aircraft ownership provider, has officially implemented MINT TMS, a web-based Training Management System from MINT Software Systems, to modernize and streamline its end-to-end training processes. The adoption marks a strategic shift from manual record-keeping to a fully digital training environment—improving data integration, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency across flight operations, maintenance, and scheduling.

  • PlaneSense has deployed MINT TMS, a cloud-based solution to centralize training records, qualifications, compliance, and planning.

  • The TMS implementation includes electronic grading, intelligent forecasting, offline functionality, and mobile app workflows.

  • MINT’s system integrates with PlaneSense’s internal platforms, including FAA Pilot Records Database (PRD) and MS Exchange Calendar sync.

  • The system supports training departments across the enterprise, from pilots and instructors to maintenance technicians at Atlas Aircraft Center.

  • The upgrade enables real-time data tracking, reduces manual workload, improves resource allocation, and enhances training oversight.

Statements:

  • “MINT TMS is uniquely flexible. It’s built to adapt to the specific training requirements of every customer, and for PlaneSense, that means scaling operations efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance. It is a powerful step to modernize its training processes and improve oversight.” – Nick Denton, Chief Customer Officer, MINT Software Systems

  • “I continue to be amazed by the customizations and features that MINT offers. MINT is going to help us in many ways. By transitioning from manual paper record-keeping to MINT’s completely digital solution, PlaneSense will streamline its entire training process.” – Tim Cloutier, Assistant Director of Flight Training for Jet Operations, PlaneSense

About PlaneSense
PlaneSense® is a U.S.-based fractional aircraft ownership program headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It operates the largest civilian fleet of Pilatus PC-12 turboprops and PC-24 jets in the country, supported by over 600 personnel, including 240 pilots. The company delivers personalized, high-performance private aviation services across North America, with a reputation for reliability, safety, and customer-centric operations.

About MINT Software Systems
MINT Software Systems, based in Germany, develops MINT TMS, a training management solution used by airlines, training centers, and OEMs globally. Designed for flexibility and compliance, MINT TMS digitizes the full training lifecycle, offering tools for planning, qualification tracking, analytics, and regulatory reporting.

Source: MINT Software Systems
Photo Credit: MINT Software Systems

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H55 Achieves 104th Electric Landing as Arizona Segment of USA Tour Concludes

Phoenix, Arizona, USA – H55, the Swiss electric aviation pioneer and spin-off of the Solar Impulse project, has completed the Arizona segment of its Across USA Tour, marking a major milestone with its 104th electric landing. This phase of the tour showcased the Bristell B23 Energic, an all-electric trainer aircraft, through a series of demonstration flights, community engagements, and direct outreach with flight schools, fixed-base operators (FBOs), and aviation leaders across the state.

  • 104 electric landings achieved across the U.S., with Arizona marking the third state on the eight-state tour

  • 20 demo flights conducted with 17 certified flight instructors and 4 aviation operations leaders

  • 25 flight schools engaged, including institutions like ASU and ERAU Prescott

  • Airports visited: Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ) and Scottsdale Airport (SDL)

  • The Bristell B23 Energic, powered by H55’s certified electric propulsion and battery management systems, proved its operational viability in Arizona’s high-temperature, high-density air environments. Feedback from instructors and student pilots highlighted the aircraft’s intuitive handling, noise reduction, and training adaptability.

Statements:

Kyle Sauvageau, Flight Instructor, Scottsdale Executive Flight Training: “The simplicity and quiet would benefit instructors, students, and communities alike. I can’t wait to see these take flight at more airports and hopefully at our school.”

Mitchell Rasmuson, Flight Instructor, Sierra Charlie Aviation (100th U.S. Landing Pilot): “It handles just like a standard single-engine aircraft—but the quiet and communication clarity truly felt like the next step in flight training.”

Kailee McGough, Flight Instructor, Leopard Aviation (104th U.S. Landing Pilot): “It’s actually easier than a Cessna. As a student pilot, the quiet cockpit helps you focus without the noise fatigue.”

Kristen Jurn, North American Sales Manager, H55: “Arizona delivered far more than sunshine—it offered a powerful look into the future of flight training, instructor enthusiasm, and community support.”

Gregory Blatt, Co-Founder and Tour Director: “Crossing our 104th landing in Arizona is symbolic. From where Solar Impulse departed in 2013 to today’s Part 23 electric aircraft, this proves that clean aviation has moved from concept to reality.”

About H55
Founded by the team behind Solar Impulse, H55 is based in Switzerland and develops certified electric propulsion and energy storage solutions for general and regional aviation. Its mission is to enable sustainable air travel with scalable, safe, and operational electric aircraft systems.

Source: H55
Photo Credit: H55

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Flight School Management Software, Four Forces, Announces Latest Partnerships at AeroSummit 2025

Vancouver, Washington, USA – Four Forces, the integrated software platform built for flight schools under Part 61 and 141, has announced major product integrations with both King Schools and UpskillAir, following a standout week at AeroSummit. These integrations mark a significant step in Four Forces’ mission to streamline operations and protect flight school margins through seamless, tech-enabled solutions.

  • Announced integration with King Schools’ Course Tracking Application

  • Introduced collaboration with UpskillAir, enhancing instructional delivery and administrative efficiency

  • Celebrated collaborative success with Stratus Financial and engagement with industry icons John and Martha King

The King Schools integration will enable partner schools to sync course tracking directly into Four Forces’ platform—simplifying oversight, record-keeping, and compliance. Meanwhile, the UpskillAir partnership adds value through enhanced training management tools, creating a more cohesive experience for instructors and students.

Statements:

“We think the King Schools integration is going to be a huge win for our partners and we can’t wait to show you how it works,” said Brett Hart, CEO, Four Forces.

On UpskillAir: “We couldn’t be more excited to show schools how seamlessly our solutions will work together.”

Learn more about Four Forces here.

Source: Brett Hart (Four Forces)
Photo Credit: AeroSummit

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Canadian Pilot Academy Appoints Moein Sade as Chief Flight Instructor

Abbotsford, Canada – Canada Aviation Academy Inc. (CAAI), a British Columbia-based flight training unit formerly known as Crosswind Aviation and Tylair Aviation Ltd., continues to operate at Abbotsford International Airport with regulatory approvals that support both domestic and international student training.

Canadian Pilot Academy has appointed Moein Sade as its new Chief Flight Instructor and Person Responsible for Maintenance (PRM), reinforcing its leadership structure as it develops its training operations.

  • CAAI has been approved as a Flight Training Unit by Transport Canada Civil Aviation since March 2013.

  • The academy received Designation status in 2016 from the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of British Columbia’s Ministry of Advanced Education, followed by Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation in 2017.

  • In 2018, CAAI obtained a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), enabling the academy to enroll international students.

  • CAAI has been previously recognized by the Faculty of Applied & Technical Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) to provide collaborative teaching on aviation-related programs.

Learn more about Canadian Pilot Academy or Sade by connecting with him through his LinkedIn profile here.

Source: Moein Sade (Canadian Pilot Academy)
Photo Credit: Moein Sade (Canadian Pilot Academy)

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USA’s Hillsboro Aero Academy Welcomes 7 New Certified Flight Instructors in June 2025

Oregon, United States – Hillsboro Aero Academy has welcomed a new group of Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) to its team in June 2025 further strengthening its instructor community and flight training capacity.

To provide an overview of Hillsboro Aero Academy, check out its significant milestones in 2024 across its fixed-wing and rotor-wing training programs:

  • Placed an order for new Piper aircraft, including Archer TX and Pilot 100i models.
  • Completed over 1,000 checkrides across both fixed-wing and rotor-wing programs.
  • Helicopter school attained FAA self-examining authority status.
  • Formed new rotor-wing training partnerships with major corporations.
  • Alaska Ascend Pilot Academy’s first Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) reached 1,500 flight hours.
  • Graduated its first batch of VietJet Airline cadets.
  • Achieved IS-BAO Level 3 re-certification, confirming a strong safety management system.
  • Added a Frasca RTD simulator to its Redmond campus to enhance training capabilities.

Source: Hillsboro Aero Academy
Photo Credit: Hillsboro Aero Academy

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