Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

US University Places Order for 15 New Training Aircraft – Deliveries Beginning in 2027

Textron Aviation announced an agreement with California Aeronautical University for the purchase of 15 Cessna Skyhawk aircraft with deliveries beginning in 2027. The new aircraft will be added to their current fleet and will be used at the various Western United States locations including Bakersfield, CA, San Diego, CA, Ventura, CA and Mesa, AZ.

The Cessna Skyhawk is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.

“For more than six decades, the Skyhawk has been at the forefront of innovation, empowering aspiring pilots and setting new standards in flight training,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston Sales. “We are delighted to continue inspiring the journey of flight by providing California Aeronautical University students access to the most produced single-engine aircraft globally.”

California Aeronautical University’s existing fleet of Textron Aviation aircraft includes Cessna Skyhawks and Beechcraft Barons. The additional aircraft will offer more resources expected to be needed with continued growth and help maintain an optimal student-to-aircraft ratio at the University, enabling students to begin flying in their first term and maintaining consistent aircraft availability throughout the entire duration of their training.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce this acquisition of Cessna Skyhawks, which marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing top-tier aviation education,” said Matthew Johnston, President of California Aeronautical University. “These new aircraft will help elevate our flight training degree programs, ensuring our students receive the best possible learning experience and preparing them for successful careers in the aviation industry.”

About the Cessna Skyhawk

The Cessna Skyhawk is considered the aircraft of choice for pilot training, and it is the most popular single-engine aircraft in aviation history. Since the aircraft first took flight in 1955, more than 45,000 Cessna 172 aircraft have been delivered to customers around the world — more than any other aircraft in the industry. The single-engine four-seat, high-wing Skyhawk is renowned for offering the best combination of modern features, including the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics with wireless connectivity, a standard angle-of-attack display system, and proven dependability. The aircraft also features McCauley’s aluminum fixed pitch propeller, providing greater reliability and operating time and a Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine with 180 horsepower.

About California Aeronautical University

California Aeronautical University (CAU) is preparing the next generation of aviation professionals. Serving students from all over the country, the University offers career-focused programs in aviation, aviation business, and aircraft maintenance. With on-airport locations throughout California and in Arizona that provide an ideal learning environment, CAU courses are delivered in a year-round, fast-paced schedule that enables students to enter the pipeline for aviation careers in the shortest amount of time. Through the University’s strong partnerships with airlines, influential aviation organizations, and leaders in the aviation community, CAU graduates become a part of a larger aviation network and reap the benefits of these relationships, including direct access to several airline cadet programs. The University offers access to federal student financial aid, scholarships, and veteran benefits to those who qualify.

Source: CAU-Textron
Photo Credit: CAU-Textron

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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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