Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments
Global Flight Training Group Expands US Fleet in 2025
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Tecnam Aircraft Announces New P2006T MKII Delivered to Melbourne Flight Training
Capua, Italy & Florida, USA – Tecnam is proud to announce the delivery of a brand-new P2006TMkII aircraft to Melbourne Flight Training (MFT), a leading Part 141 flight school based in Melbourne, Florida. This latest addition expands MFT’s multi-engine fleet to eight aircraft—five of which are Tecnam P2006T models—and supports the launch of the school’s innovative new Platinum Multi-Engine program.
MFT’s Platinum Multi-Engine program provides an accelerated, no-wait multi-engine training path, designed to address growing industry demand for efficient and high-quality pilot training. With the FAA’s approval of self-examining authority, students enrolled in the program can now complete their checkrides in-house, significantly reducing delays traditionally caused by limited Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) availability.
“We’re thrilled to offer our students this accelerated multi-engine training option,” said David Cruz, Chief Instructor at Melbourne Flight Training. “Our mission has always been to provide top-tier flight training, and the addition of this new course will take our students to the next level in their careers.”
The Tecnam P2006T MkII continues to be the aircraft of choice for multi-engine training institutions around the world. Its modern avionics, proven reliability, fuel-efficient twin Rotax 912 engines, and low operating costs make it an ideal platform for training the next generation of commercial pilots.
“We’re honored to support Melbourne Flight Training’s mission of excellence with our P2006T,” said Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam Managing Director. “Their commitment to providing high-quality, efficient training aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re proud that Tecnam plays a central role in their growing fleet.”
Additionally, Melbourne Flight Training is proud to announce its new self-examining authority across multiple flight training programs, including Instrument, Commercial Multi Add-On, and Certified Flight Instructor courses. Students enrolled in these programs can now take their checkrides directly with MFT’s qualified instructors, without the need to wait for availability with outside DPEs.
“This expansion of our self-examining authority for our 141 commercial multi engine program breaks through the current industry barriers affecting students who are waiting in long lines for DPE checkrides,” said Derek Fallon, President. “MFT is a leader in commercial multi engine training and is committed to providing the most efficient, effective multi engine flight training possible.”
Melbourne Flight Training continues to attract both local and national students, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for aspiring pilots. Tecnam is pleased to be a trusted partner in MFT’s ongoing growth and success.
About Melbourne Flight Training
Melbourne Flight Training is a leading FAA Approved 141 flight training school located in Melbourne, Florida. Founded by Husband & Wife team Derek & Kristina Fallon in 2016, the school provides premier flight instruction to recreational and professional pilot students. Our mission is to provide safe, high-quality flight trainingthat empowers our students to achieve their aviation goals. We offer a variety of flight training programs including an accelerated Career Aviator Pathway (CAP) program, multi engine pilot training, and advanced training up to Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certifications. Melbourne Flight Training operates a fleet of 34 trainingaircraft, including three new Tecnam P2006T MkII multi engine trainers, operating in a spacious training facility.
About TECNAM; “Quality Aircraft since 1948”
Tecnam is an Italian aircraft manufacturer and one of the world’s leading piston aircraft manufacturers. Founded in 1948 by brothers Luigi and Giovanni Pascale, the company is headquartered in Capua, Italy, and operates two subsidiaries in Sebring, Florida, USA, and Brisbane, Australia, to serve and support the needs of local Tecnam owners and operators. Tecnam designs and manufactures a wide range of aircraft for personal use, commercial operations, business travel, flight training, surveillance, law enforcement and other specialised applications.
Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Tecnam
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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Next Generation Training Aircraft – Smartflyer
In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Rolf Stuber – the CEO and Head of Design at Smartflyer – a Swiss aircraft manufacturer that introduces an innovative aircraft for flight training with an easy and fast swap between a hybrid and fully electric versions.
The conversation covers:
- Innovative Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Design: Smartflyer, founded in 2016, is a Swiss aerospace company developing the SF1 — a hybrid-electric aircraft with a unique configuration. Its electric propulsion unit is mounted on the vertical tail, allowing the nose section to be modular and swappable between a battery pack and a range extender (a combustion engine driving a generator). This design enables flexibility, low emissions, quiet operations, especially during takeoff and landing near airports, and extended range up to 800 km.
- Progress and Industry Recognition: The SFX1 prototype was successfully rolled out in November 2024 and showcased in April 2025 at Aero Friedrichshafen, gaining strong interest from the aviation community. Smartflyer received positive feedback for its environmentally sustainable concept and is currently seeking industrial partners and investors to support the next phase: certification and production.
- Strategic Partnerships: Smartflyer has signed a Letter of Intent with FlyOnE, an Australian company operating electric aircraft, for the future purchase of 30 aircraft. This partnership demonstrates early market validation and aligns with Smartflyer’s vision to support regional and training aviation with sustainable solutions.
- Revolutionizing Pilot Training: The SF1 is tailored for modern pilot training needs, featuring a cockpit and avionics layout that mirrors airline environments. Its modular energy system allows flight schools to adapt operations cost-effectively, offering both battery-electric and hybrid training options. Maintenance is streamlined, and the aircraft design supports efficient learning of both flying skills and airline-standard cockpit procedures.
- Outlook and Industry Insights: Rolf Stuber emphasizes the growing demand for pilots — projected at 600,000 over 20 years — and the need for modern, cost-effective training aircraft. Looking ahead, Smartflyer aims to certify the SF1 within the next five years. The ultimate goal is to bring Smartflyer aircraft into regular use, helping to modernize the training fleet and make sustainable aviation a practical reality.
For more information:
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