Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Helicopter Manufacturer Robinson Helicopter Company Announces Leadership Transition

Robinson Helicopter Company, Inc. (RHC), a global leader in civilian rotorcraft, announces Kurt Robinson, president and CEO of the privately-owned company, will transition to an advisory role and remain on the board of directors effective immediately. Concurrently, David Smith, formerly Robinson Helicopter’s vice president of operations, has been named the new president and CEO. This leadership transition marks a new chapter in the company’s 50-year history. The last leadership transition occurred in 2010 when founder Frank Robinson retired, and Kurt Robinson was elected president and CEO by the board of directors. Smith becomes only the third to lead the civil aviation company in 50 years.

“Watching and helping our company grow from our living room to become a global leader in the helicopter industry is a fantastic lifetime achievement, and I am incredibly proud of my 40-year career with the company,” said Kurt Robinson. “Moving forward, RHC requires a committed, strong leader who shares our company values, and we’ve found that leader in David Smith, who will be taking over the day-to-day leadership of the business as President and CEO. With his strategic experience and passion for our industry, David is well poised to lead Robinson Helicopter Company into an exciting future marked by continued innovation, success, and global leadership.”

Smith is committed to maintaining Robinson’s reputation for safety and reliability and building on the company’s legacy of innovation and growth. With his experience and fresh perspective, he plans to continue the culture of excellence and collaboration, driving the company forward with new product development initiatives, enhanced business systems, and expanded manufacturing capabilities. Smith recognizes the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the rotorcraft industry and ensuring that Robinson helicopters remain the benchmark for efficiency and performance. Additionally, Smith aims to strengthen relationships with customers, suppliers, and partners worldwide, positioning RHC as the preferred choice for civilian rotorcraft solutions.

“Leading Robinson Helicopter Company is an extraordinary privilege. With a 50-year legacy of success, I am honored to lead the company into the next 50 years of vertical flight,” said Smith. “I look forward to working with the more than 400 service centers and dealers and the more than 1100 employees of RHC as we pursue new products, markets, partnerships, and technologies.”

Smith joined Robinson Helicopter in early 2023 as vice president of operations and has nearly two decades of experience in aviation and rotorcraft. The majority of his career was spent at Bell Flight in multiple leadership roles across engineering, serving as program director for critical product developments as well as the vice president of operations modernization, leading organizational growth and profitability. Smith also led TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation, delivering pilot training solutions, including full-flight simulators and flight training devices for business aviation, rotorcraft, commercial air transport, and military markets.

Smith’s new role is effective immediately.

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, 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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US Flight Training Group Phoenix East Aviation Modernizes Multi-Engine Training Aircraft

Florida, United States-based flight school Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) announced that has modernized its Piper Senecas which are now ready for training.

PEA has three locations in Florida. Its main campus is located at Daytona Beach International Airport, a Satellite facility in Ft Lauderdale where they are the flight training provider for Broward College, and an Auxiliary training facility in Flagler Beach that specializes in accelerated training. PEA is equipped with over 70 aircraft.

Source: Phoenix East Aviation
Photo Credit: Phoenix East Aviation (shown as meta image)

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Elixir Aircraft Receives Order for 3 Aircraft from French Organisation

France-based Loire Atlantique Air Club has placed an order for three Elixir training aircraft. The first two of these aircraft are scheduled to be delivered before the upcoming summer 2024 season.

This strategic investment by the flying club is expected to bring about a transformative impact on various fronts:

  • Safety enhancements, including features such as airframe parachutes and explosion-proof tanks, will be instrumental in elevating the overall security standards of the flying club’s operations.
  • Residents around Aéroport Nantes Atlantique can look forward to a substantial reduction in noise pollution, thanks to the Elixirs’ advanced technology.
  • The adoption of these aircraft will result in an impressive 40% reduction in fuel consumption, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Pilots associated with the flying club are eagerly anticipating the integration of these cutting-edge aircraft into their fleet. The Elixirs are not only at the forefront of technology but also boast recognized environmental performance, aligning perfectly with the club’s vision for a greener and more advanced aviation landscape.

Source: Loire Atlantique Air Club

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Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne Expands Piper Training Aircraft Order by Additional 20 Aircraft

Global pilot training group Skyborne which operates flight training bases across the United Kingdom and the United States, has signed a US $8million contract for a further 20 Piper Pilot 100i aircraft, growing the US academy’s all-Piper fleet at its base in Vero Beach, Florida. The significant investment follows an initial order of 11 new Pilot 100is, with the first delivered to Skyborne in November 2023 as part of a multiyear fleet agreement.

Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne, says: “Over the last three years, Skyborne’s US footprint has grown exponentially as demand for airline-focused pilot training continues to rise. A partner and ally from the beginning, Piper has been crucial to helping us meet this need.

“We’re proud to be supporting a Florida-based company that aligns with our values of trust and quality, and we look forward to seeing our fleet expand to more than 80 Piper aircraft.”

With state-of-the-art technology and equipment, the Pilot 100i operates with a full Garmin suite of avionics, including the Garmin G3X touch system and autopilot capabilities, enhancing the flight training experience.

Dan Peterson, managing director, Skyborne, says: “Our top priority is to provide industry-leading equipment to support students through their pilot training. By expanding our Pilot 100i order, we’re investing in aircraft we trust to be safe, professional and reliable as we grow for the future.

“From our FAA Part 141 programs to the Propel Flight Academy by Delta, the Pilot 100i is central to delivering world-class pilots for our airline partners.”

Ron Gunnarson, vice president of sales, marketing & customer support, Piper Aircraft, adds: “We’re thrilled to support this additional aircraft order from our neighbors here in Vero Beach, Skyborne, and it’s a privilege to have them as a Piper Flight School Alliance member.

“We look forward to being a part of Skyborne’s growth in our community by providing them with top-of-the-line trainers that are reliable and cost-effective.”

The additional Piper 100i aircraft will be delivered to Skyborne through 2024 and beyond.

AFM team note – In addition to the Piper Aircraft on order Skyborne expanded their order for electric training aircraft with 40 Bye Aerospace eFlyer on order.

Source: Skyborne

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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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Italian Flight School Cantor Air Acquires 5 New Tecnam Aircraft

Italian flight training organisation Cantor Air announced the acquisition of five new Tecnam aircraft during the Pilot Expo Berlin 2024. This strategic move underlines Cantor Air’s relentless commitment to providing cutting-edge and sustainable learning experiences in the world of aviation.

The handover of the keys, which took place at the Pilot Expo Berlin, represents a significant moment in the history of Cantor Air. With the introduction of three new four-seat P2010 TDIs and two additional two-seat P2008JCs into its fleet, Cantor Air is setting the stage for an increasingly exciting future in its pilot training.

Since its inception in 2007, Cantor Air has distinguished itself through its commitment to excellence and innovation in aviation training. The choice to expand the fleet is a testament to the school’s ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge resources to its students, offering them unrivaled learning opportunities in the industry.

“Our decision to expand the fleet reflects our commitment to quality and sustainable training,” says Roberto Magnani, Head of Training at Cantor Air. “We are determined to offer our students the best resources available to best prepare them for the challenges of the aviation industry.”

With the addition of these new aircraft, Cantor Air brings its fleet to 19 aircraft , plus a state-of-the-art simulator, preparing to break new ground in aviation training while maintaining its commitment to transforming aspiring pilots into professionals competent and safe.

The decision to opt for the new Tecnam aircraft also reflects Cantor Air’s arduous commitment towards a more sustainable future in aviation. These aircraft not only offer optimal performance and superior comfort, but also significant benefits in terms of emissions and noise reduction. Thanks to advanced technologies and high-efficiency engines, the new Tecnam aircraft reduce environmental and acoustic impact, promoting a more sustainable and comfortable flight experience.

Source: Cantor Air
Photo Credit: Cantor Air

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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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