Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Australian Flight School RMIT Aviation Academy Adds 4 Cessna 172s to Boost 2025 Fleet to 28

Australia – RMIT STEM College Aviation Academy has significantly expanded its training capacity through a partnership with Western Australian operator Airflite Pty Ltd, leasing four additional Garmin G1000‑equipped Cessna 172 aircraft. This addition strengthens resilience during weather disruptions and supports RMIT’s growth in instructor team. The new aircraft bring the operational fleet to 28 aircraft, reinforcing RMIT’s position as Australia’s largest university-operated aviation training organisation.

STEM College at RMIT University, a leading academic institution, offers two structured aviation training pathways aimed at preparing students for commercial pilot careers within the global aviation sector through its RMIT Aviation Academy. The programs integrate academic coursework with practical flight training delivered at two key flight campuses in Victoria.

  • RMIT offers the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot Training) and the Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots) programs.

  • Both programs prepare students for the CASA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) theory and flight tests.

  • The Associate Degree focuses on core flying competencies, while the Bachelor program extends over an additional year to include eight academic and elective courses.

  • Students may also undertake instrument or instructor rating subjects to broaden qualifications.

  • Flight training is conducted at RAAF Base Point Cook and Bendigo Airport.

  • The university operates a modern fleet of 24 aircraft before these latest four, acquired in 2022:

    • 17 Cessna 172s

    • 4 Cessna 182s

    • 2 Piper PA-44 Seminoles

    • 1 Super Decathlon

  • Simulator training is supported by three flight simulators at Point Cook and one at Bendigo.

Source: Justin Brownjohn (RMIT University)

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Bye Aerospace Advances Prototype and Highlights Orderbook in 2025

United States – Bye Aerospace continues to advance its eFlyer electric aircraft programme, with a clear strategic focus on the two-seat eFlyer 2 and the four-seat eFlyer 4 models—setting aside earlier plans for the larger nine-seat eFlyer 800.

  • At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, Bye displayed a non‑flying full‑scale mockup of the eFlyer 2, built using production tools but not flight‑compliant components.

  • The company aims to fly a largely production‑conforming prototype within 9–12 months, followed by FAA Part 23 certification approximately 24 months later.

  • Bye Aerospace holds roughly 1,024 orders valued at over USD 700 million, with around half backed by non‑refundable deposits and the remainder by letters of intent.

  • The eFlyer 2 is powered by a 100 kW Safran EngineUs 100 B‑1 motor with pending FAA validation, paired with Garmin G500 TXi avionics. It features spin‑resistant aerodynamics and includes a whole‑aircraft parachute for added safety.

  • Estimated performance: top speed ~135 kt; climb rate ~1,000 fpm; endurance ~3 hrs; range ~220–250 nm; max takeoff weight ~2,450 lb.

  • Serial #00001 prototype parts—including the composite wing spar—are already under production in Denver, with full assembly underway. Partner firms such as Elevation Aero, Toray, Siemens, and M4 Engineering support composite build‑out.

About Bye Aerospace
Founded in 2014 and based in Colorado, Bye Aerospace is a pioneer in electric aviation, leading the industry in FAA all‑electric certification efforts.
Its eFlyer aircraft family is purpose‑built for flight training, offering zero emissions, significantly reduced operating costs, and integrated safety features aligned with Part 23 Amendment 64 compliance.

Source: Bye Aerospace

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BRM AERO Enhances US Expansion with 2025 Dealer Appointment

USA – BRM AERO, the Czech-based manufacturer of the Bristell line of light sport aircraft, announced a strategic expansion of its U.S. dealer network with the addition of Bill Minkoff, a seasoned aviation leader and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) advocate, as a new Bristell dealer.

BRM AERO welcomes Bill Minkoff—President and Founding Partner of Advanced Air Mobility Advisors and a partner in AltiSky—as its newest U.S. dealer.

Curious to know more about Bristell Aircraft – check out AFM’s interview with David Copeland – Vice President of Sales at Bristell Aircraft here.

Source: Bristell by BRM AERO

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Barcelona Flight School Expands 2025 Fleet with New Pipistrel 121A Explorer

Sabadell, Spain – one of the largest flight training organisations when measured by fleet size in Spain and with an over 70 history, has added the Pipistrel 121A Explorer to its training fleet, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and high-quality pilot education.

The flight school offers an Integrated ATPL(A) Programme which is a direct track to an airline pilot career. The course duration, including ground school and flight training, is about 18 months. The Integrated ATPL(A) Programme is an Airline Transport Pilot course completed with an MCC in an Boeing B737 – 800NG simulator. It is addressed towards those who are really serious about getting an airline job. Within the programme, the student will complete the APS – MCC (Airline Pilot Standard Multi-Crew Coordination) training required to act as an FO (First Officer) in multi-pilot transport category aircraft, essential in order to be employed by an Airline.

Did you know that the Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell and its ATO (Authorized Training Organisation), Barcelona Flight School had incorporated into its fleet the first aircraft with electric propulsion, following the project of this entity to renew its training aircraft for electric planes. This is the Velis Electro model, the world’s first electric aircraft certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), from the Slovenian manufacturer Pipistrel, a two-seater, 100% electric aircraft, mainly intended for initial pilot training. Its arrival on the market represents a real revolution for aeroclubs and flying schools in the context of their environmental transition in Spain.

Source: Barcelona Flight School
Photo Credit: Barcelona Flight School

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New French Flight School Receives First Aircraft – Bristell B23 in 2025

Auxerre, France – Flying Green Academy, a newly launched flight school, has added the first equipment to its training infrastructure.

  • Received its first aircraft, a Bristell B23 by BRM Aero, celebrated for low noise, cost efficiency, and modern avionics—ready to serve initial flight students. The aircraft is leased from Aviators.

  • Installed an Entrol EN1000x simulator

Source: Flying Green Academy
Photo Credit: Flying Green Academy

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