Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments
Training Aircraft Manufacturer Elixir Aircraft Brings Airworthiness Department In-House
As part of its strong growth and in order to continue certifying these aircraft, Elixir Aircraft has announced the internalization of its airworthiness department. Previously carried out externally, airworthiness is now handled in-house, with the recruitment of Anthony Chauveau and Jonas Dauwe as Airworthiness Manager and Airworthiness Engineer respectively.
Airworthiness is the ability of an aircraft to fly safely, with respect to :
- Its occupants
- Other aircraft and,
- People overflown
The mission of the airworthiness department is to ensure that the aircraft flies safely throughout all its life phases.
About Anthony Chauveau
Anthony studied Mechanical Engineering and Design at the Technlogy University of Belfort Montbéliard (UTBM). After graduating in 2017, he was hired by CEAPR (Centre Est Aéronautique Pierre Robin – the company that owns the intellectual rights to ROBIN aircraft) in June 2017 as an airworthiness and design engineer. Here, he was able to carry out projects in their entirety, including design, certification, methods, industrialization, quality, documentation and so on. It was a very rewarding and exciting time for Anthony. As production rates and development needs increased, he gradually climbed the ladder to become airworthiness manager and head of the design office, while retaining the versatility he cherishes.
“Having reached one of the highest levels in my previous experience, and not wanting to rest on my laurels, I wanted a change of scenery and to discover new perspectives, while putting my skills and know-how to good use in the service of a company on a human scale and on the way up, where I could rediscover a family atmosphere and a product worth fighting for. My natural choice was Elixir Aircraft“, says Anthony. Chauveau.
About Jonas Dauwe
After obtaining a double degree in Aeronautical Engineering from ISAE-ENSMA / INSA in 2017, Jonas began his career at NYCO (Consumables for Aeronautics and Defense) as Program Project Manager. He was able to build up solid experience in the aeronautics industry by leading numerous qualification projects for major European OEMs (Safran, GE, Airbus, Honeywell, KMW among others).
To get closer to the aircraft, he moved from “qualification” to “certification”, working in the H160 airworthiness center at Airbus Helicopters in Marignane.
“The Elixir Aircraft project will enable future pilots to train on a modern, economical and reliable aircraft. With today’s environmental challenges, and as a private pilot, these arguments motivated me to join the adventure and contribute my skills on a broader spectrum this time!“says Jonas Dauwe.
Internalizing the airworthiness department is therefore a major step forward for the La Rochelle-based aircraft manufacturer, which, having passed a milestone by obtaining certification for its Elixir Full Glass Cockpit, is now working on obtaining FAA certification for the Elixir in the United States.
About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft, a company headquartered in La Rochelle, France, with over 140 employees, was created in 2015 to meet the challenges of Global light aviation. The objective of the French company: to make safer, more economical and more versatile aircraft. Complexity is the reason why current aircraft suffer from failures (technical or human), and are expensive to operate (consumption and maintenance). Elixir Aircraft employs a technology from the world of competitive sailing, the Carbon Oneshot, to simplify the structures. More simplicity means less failure, therefore more safety, but also less maintenance, and less costs (estimates of 60$/h of fuel and maintenance). Elixir Aircraft currently employs over 130 people at three sites.
Elixir Aircraft is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
- 4th generation two-seater aircraft certified EASA CS-23
- 130 employees, including 90 new hires since the first quarter of 2021
- 2 productions sites in France, one of 23000 square ft, the other of 9000 square
- +80 aircraft on firm order
- +200 aircraft pre-ordered
Source: Elixir Aircraft
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Italy Based Flight School Takes Delivery of New Multi-Engine Training Aircraft
Aviomar Flight Academy, a pilot training organisations based in Rome, Italy operating both a flight school and full flight simulator training center, has shared that it has taken delivery of a new Diamond DA42 multi-engine aircraft to expand its training fleet.
In January 2023, Aviomar had announced that it would expand its flight training fleet to 23 aircraft. The academy also grew its full flight simulator training center with the addition and upgrade of an Airbus A320 full flight simulator as well as a partnership announcement for that device with Lauda Europe.
Source: Aviomar Flight Academy
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Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Elixir Aircraft, Receives EASA Certification for Full Glass Cockpit Configuration
The 4th generation part 23 aircraft manufacturer, Elixir Aircraft, has marked the next phase of their continued advancement by receiving EASA Certification for the Full Glass Cockpit layout consisting of Dual Garmin G3X touchscreens, a GTN750xi and Garmins GNC355a Comms and Nav backup unit.
World Wide head of sales Mike Tonkin explains: “With this new flight deck configuration now certified, the Elixir corresponds perfectly for the global flight training market. As we know the aging Single Engine Piston (average aircraft age 48 years old) fleet needs replacing globally, at Elixir Aircraft we feel we have the perfect EASA CS Part 23 certified Aircraft to meet the current market requirements. The Elixir is modern, safe, versatile and extremely cost effective with an average hourly operating cost of around 50€ per hour for any ATO/FTO flying around 500 hours per year per aircraft.”
In June, Elixir announced an expansion of their headquarters in La Rochelle, France to 14,000 m² (150,000 sqft). This highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly industrial site will house all production activities. Elixir Aircraft aims to produce more than 300 aircraft a year. To meet demand, Elixir HQ is expected to employ over a thousand people by 2033.
About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft, a company headquartered in La Rochelle, France, with over 140 employees, was created in 2015 to meet the challenges of Global light aviation.
The objective of the French company: to make safer, more economical and more versatile aircraft. Complexity is the reason why current aircraft suffer from failures (technical or human), and are expensive to operate (consumption and maintenance). Elixir Aircraft employs a technology from the world of competitive sailing, the Carbon Oneshot, to simplify the structures. More simplicity means less failure, therefore more safety, but also less maintenance, and less costs (estimates of 60$/h of fuel and maintenance).
At the end of 2021, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in Périgny, Charente Maritime, to internalize the entire production of carbon parts.
Elixir Aircraft is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
Elixir Aircraft in figures
- 4th generation two-seater aircraft certified EASA CS-23
- 140 employees, including 90 new hires since the first quarter of 2021
- 2 productions sites in France, one of 23000 square ft, the other of 9000 square
- +80 aircraft on firm order
- +200 aircraft pre-ordered
About the Elixir Aircraft 100HP
The Elixir 100HP is the latest in safety, economy, and technology. Elixir Aircraft offers an aircraft that covers all the needs of a modern flight school while reducing carbon emissions by nearly 70% compared to other old generation aircraft. The standard flight training organization configuration includes a full Garmin avionics suite and are built to withstand the rigors of flight training. Standard safety equipment include: spin resistance; ballistic parachute, AoA indicator; double slotted electric flaps; explosion resistance fuel tank and Reinforced oleo-pneumatic landing gear and combined nose wheel, wide track and low center of gravity minimize bounced landings associated with loss of control accidents and runway excursions. The 912iS is powered by the low noise 100 hp Rotax offers with a fuel consumption of around three gallons per hour.
Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft
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Spanish Flight School Quality Fly Further Bolsters Fleet to Meet 30% Expected Growth in 2024
Madrid, Spain based flight training organisation Quality Fly has announced the pending arrival of 4 more brand-new Tecnam P2008 aircraft in order to meet an expected 30% growth in 2024, following the addition of a second Tecnam P2006 MEP and two P2008 SEP aircraft in 2023. The success of Quality Fly’s EASA ATPL Integrated course, featuring all the latest innovations in airline pilot training, has propelled rapid growth for the Madrid-based flight school.
In 2024, the school is poised for further expansion with an expected growth of 30%. This is lower than the increase in applications, but a growth the school considers can be achieved in a controlled manner. The acquisition of 4 new aircraft on top of the current 11, is a strategic move to accommodate the growth. Consequently, the order for these aircraft was made months ago, driven by high demand and extended waiting times for Tecnam deliveries.
Delivery for the first two are expected in February 2024, with the second two arriving in June.
Juan Cervero, Managing Director at Quality Fly, emphasises the importance of maintaining a high standard: “The organisation is steadfast in its commitment to the highest quality, ensuring the industry best practice of 1 aircraft for each 6-7 students. While weather can bring periods of limited flying frequency, such ratio ensures operational continuity in the mid and long term. In 2023, 65 students commenced the integrated program, with an 11-aircraft fleet. Whereas, looking ahead to 2024, 80 places are open, with the fleet increasing to 15 aircraft through the year.”
The 4 new aircraft are all equipped with Traffic Advisory Systems (FLARM technology), therefore ensuring the highest safety standards. This seamlessly integrates with the existing fleet, which already incorporates such systems.
David Barril, Safety Manager at Quality Fly, shares his perspective: “Our belief is that solutions and technology that are common in commercial airlines will progressively arrive to general aviation aircraft, and the Traffic Advisory System is just one example. We anticipate regulators will mandate TAS for all aircraft over the next years. Sooner rather than later, Traffic Advisory System will be a prerequisite and a crucial factor for candidates in selecting the right flight school. Just as glass cockpits or APS MCC has become a necessary feature over the years.”
About Quality Fly
Quality Fly is a flight academy based in Cuatro-Vientos airport, Madrid. The academy boasts a highly international profile with all classes taught in English and a student base of more than 35 different nationalities. At the very heart of their training offer is possibly Europe’s most innovative ATPL integrated program, which meets the latest and future EASA requirements and includes 40 hours in A320 full flight simulator level D, night flights in MEP, gliding training sessions and career advice. All to ensure the highest level of competency to fly as First Officer in the most demanding airlines around the world and prepare the students for real life circumstances. The commitment of Quality Fly to digital processes and effective systems allows the school to maintain its very competitive price for the 2024 ATPL course.
Source: Quality Fly
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French Flight School Inaugurates as Cirrus Training Center
Orbifly, a flight school based in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France, is the newest Cirrus Training Center (CTC). Orbifly recently held an inauguration as an official Cirrus Training Center in Europe.
Check out the event through the video below.
About Orbifly
Founded in 1999, Orbifly is well known as the pioneer in FAA IFR training in Europe. More than 600 pilots flying in Europe already trusted the flight school for their CPL/IFR/ATPL Ground School or Flight training.
Source: Orbifly
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US Based ATP Flight School Orders Additional 40 Cessna Skyhawk Aircraft, Deliveries to Begin in 2026
Textron Aviation announced an agreement with ATP Flight School for the purchase of an additional 40 Cessna Skyhawk aircraft to be delivered beginning in 2026. This addition to ATP’s existing fleet of nearly 225 Skyhawks, deployed across more than 85 training centers nationwide, will provide students with access to a modern and advanced fleet in support of their pilot career aspirations.
The Cessna Skyhawk is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company.
This agreement marks the fourth fleet purchase, amounting to a total of 135 of Cessna Skyhawks, for ATP’s Airline Career Pilot Program in just over a year, as the flight school scales to train 20,000 airline pilots by 2030.
“For over six decades, the legendary Cessna Skyhawk has inspired the next generation of pilots and served as the world’s leading flight trainer,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston Sales. “We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with ATP and provide their students access to the most produced single-engine aircraft globally.”
The Cessna Skyhawk is renowned as the go-to training aircraft in the industry. Its steady flight dynamics, cutting-edge avionics and reliable dispatch history have made it ATP’s trusted training platform for the past three decades.
“With already one of the youngest, most modern fleets at scale, the firm orders for 135 Skyhawks are for direct fleet growth, not replacement. Over the next three years, ATP will be expanding its Cessna fleet by 60% and delivering over 40 new state-of-art planes to ATP students each year through 2026,” said Michael Arnold, vice president of marketing, ATP Flight School. “ATP’s fleet expansion has been responsibly paired with an investment in its Florida-based flight operations center. Dedicated safety, tech ops, and quality assurance departments promote a high level of safety across the ATP network with real-time monitoring, risk mitigation, and safety trend analysis as they orchestrate 800 daily flights. This structured airline-based approach to flight operations provides students with a safety-focused environment from the onset of their professional careers as they become airline pilots on the most efficient path possible.”
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, over 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 Textron Aviation
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight.
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, Pipstrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training.
About ATP Flight School
ATP is the nation’s largest flight school, providing students with the most efficient path to a successful airline pilot career. For over 35 years, ATP has been the leader in professional flight training and supplying pilots to airlines.
About the Airline Career Pilot Program
ATP’s fast-track, fixed-cost Airline Career Pilot Program takes students from zero experience to commercial multi-engine pilots and flight instructors (CFI, CFII, MEI) in seven months. Offered at 84 locations nationwide, students gain the competitive edge with airline-oriented training, nationally awarded flight instructors, new aircraft, dedicated training and career support, airline-sponsored tuition reimbursement, airline direct programs, and access to 38 hiring partnerships. Airlines hire more Airline Career Pilot Program graduates than from any other flight school.
Source: Textron
Photo Credit: Textron
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Airbus Flight Academy Europe Takes Delivery of the First Batch of Brand New Elixir Aircraft
Airbus Flight Academy Europe, a 100% subsidiary of Airbus providing civil and military pilot training, has received its first batch of more fuel efficient, quieter Elixir training aircraft as part of its sustainable development strategy.
The first four aircraft, out of a total of eight to be delivered, are equipped with a cockpit specially designed for the Airbus Flight Academy, including two Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS), to prepare cadet pilots for the technologies in today’s most advanced commercial aircraft.
“We are delighted to announce that, following the delivery of our very first Elixir aircraft, our cadets will now be flying this quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft during the first flight phases of their training. This is a first step towards the gradual modernisation of the training fleet to reduce the environmental impact of our academy,” says Jean Longobardi, Airbus Flight Academy Europe CEO & President.
Airbus Flight Academy Europe was established in 2006 to provide training facilities and services to support the initial, basic and advanced training of civil and military pilots. Airbus Flight Academy Europe has developed its own pilot training capabilities and has been delivering the Airbus Pilot Cadet Training Pme since 2019. Located in Angoulême, south-west France, the training centre offers all the necessary training facilities and assets to provide the best training conditions for our cadets.
The Airbus Pilot Cadet Training Programme is open to high school graduates over 18 years old worldwide. Candidates will undergo online and on-site screening tests before being eligible for training which will include 800+ hours of ground school, and 200 hours of practical (flight and simulator) training. Around 80 cadets are trained at the Airbus Flight Academy Europe each year.
Airbus Flight Academy Europe owns a fleet of Diamond DA42, Cirrus SR20, Grob 120 A-F and now four Elixir aircraft, all dedicated to the cadet training. In addition, Airbus Flight Academy Europe operates on its site and customer sites a fleet of two FNPT II qualified simulators to offer the best training solutions to student pilots.
About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft, a company based in La Rochelle with more than 80 employees, was created in 2015 to meet the challenges of the French light aviation sector. The objective of the French SME: to make safer, more economical, more environment-friendly and more versatile aircraft. Complexity is the current reason why older generation aircraft suffer from failures (technical or human) and are expensive to operate (fuel consumption and maintenance). Elixir Aircraft employs a technology from the world of competitive sailing, the Oneshot Carbon, to simplify the structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, therefore more safety, but also fewer maintenance, and lower costs (estimates of 40€/h of fuel and maintenance). At the end of 2021, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in order to internalize the entire production of carbon parts.
Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus