Italy and France – Blackshape Aircraft, an Italian aircraft manufacturer specializing in high-performance training and general aviation aircraft, has announced its participation in France Air Expo 2025, set to take place from June 5-7 at Lyon Bron Airport (LFLY).
All aircraft are designed and handcrafted in Italy, reflecting a commitment to quality and performance.
Source: Blackshape Aircraft
Photo Credit: Blackshape Aircraft
Capua, Italy –headquartered training aircraft manufacturer Tecnam and US Aviation Academy, one the United States largest aviation and flight training groups, are pleased to announce the expansion of its training fleet with the acquisition of 38 aircraft, consisting of the P2010 powered by the Lycoming IO-360 and the P2006T MKII powered by the Rotax 912S3, to be delivered from now until Q1/2026, with an option for 52 additional aircraft for 2026 and 2027. This strategic investment underscores the Academy’s commitment to providing on-time and on-budget training for its students and supporting both various training contracts.
Established in 2006, US Aviation Academy has grown into a world-class aviation training center, offering professional pilot, aircraft technician, and aircraft dispatcher training. With pathways to major airlines such as Delta, United, and Southwest Airlines, the academy operates a fleet of approximately 175 aircraft across multiple bases, with 1500 students (A&P and flight).
The addition of Tecnam aircraft, known for their modern design and advanced performance, will enhance the academy’s training programs and strengthen its ability to support airline and government pilot training contracts:
US Aviation Academy continues to lead in aviation education by investing in advanced aircraft and technologies, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry
“At US Aviation Academy, we are committed to providing our students with the best training experience possible, and the addition of these new Tecnam aircraft to our fleet is a testament to that commitment,” said Scott Sykes, Director of US Aviation Academy. “The Tecnam P2010 and P2006T MKII are exceptional training aircraft that offer advanced avionics, reliability, and the performance required for a comprehensive pilot training program.”
“We are proud to partner with US Aviation Academy in its mission to train the next generation of pilots with the most advanced and reliable aircraft available,” said Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam’s Managing Director. “The selection of the Tecnam P2010 and P2006T MKII aircraft underscores the academy’s dedication to excellence in flight training. These aircraft offer state-of-the-art avionics, exceptional performance, and operational efficiency, making them ideal for student pilots preparing for their future careers. We look forward to supporting US Aviation Academy as they continue to grow and innovate in aviation education.”
About US Aviation Academy
Founded in 2006, US Aviation Academy is one of the largest and most respected flight training institutions in the United States. With a fleet of over 175 aircraft and multiple training locations, the academy provides high-quality pilot training programs, including private pilot, commercial, and airline pathway programs. US Aviation Academy partners with major airlines and collegiate institutions, offering career-focused training that prepares students for success in the aviation industry. The academy is known for its innovative approach, commitment to safety, and dedication to shaping the next generation of aviation professionals.
Source: Tecnam Aircraft
Florida, USA – headquartered Epic Flight Academy has announced several significant developments in February 2025:
Epic Flight Academy has earned accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) for its pilot and aviation maintenance technician (AMT) training programs. This accomplishment follows a comprehensive self-assessment involving both students and staff.
The academy has expanded its fleet with the addition of five new Cessna 172 Skyhawks. These aircraft, purchased directly from the factory, will have their tails painted red by the maintenance team to enhance visibility.
February saw the enrollment of new flight students at the New Smyrna Beach campus, as well as new aircraft mechanic students at both the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) campus and the New Smyrna Beach campus.
Epic’s outreach initiatives included visits to various educational institutions, such as West Port High School in Ocala, Florida, and participation in events like the 4th Annual Climb Event in Jacksonville, Florida.
Aircraft mechanic students engaged in extracurricular activities, including exploring the mobile maintenance command post for the Goodyear Blimp at the New Smyrna Beach Airport and touring the Cessna (Textron) Citation Service Center in Orlando.
Source: Epic Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Epic Flight Academy
Jacksonville Beach, FL, USA — ATP Flight School, the nation’s leading supplier of airline pilots, expands its fleet with 61 factory-new aircraft in 2025. The deliveries include:
These aircraft join ATP’s modern fleet as additional capacity to train the next generation of airline pilots.
The need for highly qualified pilots continues to grow, with mandatory airline pilot retirements peaking in the coming years.
To meet this demand, ATP is expanding training resources, including the opening of new training centers in:
At scale, ATP operates one of the youngest, most modern training fleets, totaling 614 aircraft, with 133 new deliveries in the past two years alone.
ATP will continue to expand its fleet with at least 40 new aircraft each year through 2027, further solidifying its position as the nation’s leader in airline pilot training.
ATP conducts over 850 daily flights, logging more than 581,000 flight hours annually.
This scale of operations is supported by an extensive safety and maintenance network. Nearly 30 dedicated Tech Ops maintenance bases ensure a well-maintained and dependable fleet, while ATP’s airline-style operations center at its Jacksonville Beach headquarters contributes to an efficient and structured training environment.
“The safety and reliability of ATP’s operations exceed the national average for general aviation flight instruction by a factor of ten,” said Michael Arnold, Vice President of Marketing, ATP Flight School. “This commitment to our students and instructors is only made possible through an unmatched investment in aircraft and safety, allowing aspiring pilots to train with confidence on the most efficient path to a successful airline pilot career.”
Deliveries of the new Cessna Skyhawks began in February and will continue throughout the year.
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 40 years, ATP has been the leader in professional flight training, supplying pilots to airlines and corporate operators.
Source: ATP Flight School
Photo Credit: ATP Flight School
Sanford, Florida, USA – Air India Cadet’s at the flight training base of L3Harris Commercial Aviation have played a role in the upcoming launch of Air India’s new training academy, through assisting in the delivery of four brand-new Piper aircraft. The aircraft, recently manufactured at Piper Aircraft’s facility in Vero Beach, Florida, will be delivered to India in March 2025 to support Air India’s expanding pilot training program.
Source: L3Harris Commercial Aviation
Capua, Italy – Tecnam is proud to announce that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially awarded Type Certification to the P2006T NG (Next Generation)—a milestone that redefines excellence in the twin-engine aircraft category.
Fifteen years after its initial debut, the P2006T continues to evolve, setting new benchmarks in efficiency, technology, and performance. With hundreds of units in operation worldwide and continuous enhancements based on real-world operator feedback, the Next Generation P2006T is designed to surpass even its own legacy.
Built on Tecnam’s rich aviation heritage and decades of engineering expertise, the P2006T NG integrates cutting-edge advancements to meet the demands of flight schools, private owners, and special mission operators.
Unrivaled Efficiency & Sustainability
Compared to the P2006T MkII the P2006T NG has an increased Maximum Take-Off weight to 1290 kg (2844 lb) that allow more payload.
Equipped with fuel-injected Rotax 912iSc3 engines, the P2006T NG is in fact the world’s most fuel-efficient twin-engine aircraft. It consumes as little as 14 liters per hour (3.7 USG/h) per engine, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 45 metric tons per year—a breakthrough in environmentally conscious aviation.
Flawless Fleet Integration & Maintenance
Operators of mixed fleets will benefit from full interchangeability of engines and accessories between the P-Mentor and the P2006T NG, streamlining logistics and operational efficiency. Maintenance teams will appreciate the quick-release engine cowlings, ensuring effortless access to the powerplant bay for inspections and servicing.
Next-Level Avionics & Connectivity
The P2006T NG introduces a totally redesigned cockpit, featuring a central console designed to accommodate an FMS GCU477 keyboard, enabling smooth control and entry of all Garmin G1000Nxi avionics. The fully digital, 3-axis GFC700 autopilot with ESP (Electronic Stability and Protection), coupled with the GI-275 stand-by instrument, enhances flight precision, while the innovative Garmin Flight Stream system ensures total connectivity between tablets, smartphones, and the aircraft.
Unmatched Accessibility & Comfort
From flight instructors and students to private owners and their families, the P2006TNG improves accessibility like never before. Four independent doors – one for the pilot, one for the co-pilot/instructor, one for the passengers and one for the baggage compartment – allow easy boarding and operations, making flying more enjoyable even for pilots with limited mobility.
Refined Aesthetics & Enhanced Safety
The P2006T NG introduces a sleek new window design, providing improved visibility and a modernized appearance. Its fully LED winglet-integrated position and navigation lights enhance aerodynamics and visibility, while enhanced LED landing/taxi lights further improve safety in all conditions.
Luxury in the Sky: The P2006T NG SPORT
For those seeking exclusivity, Tecnam offers the P2006T NG SPORT, a premium edition crafted with meticulous Italian design. This luxurious variant features:
✔ Black leather dashboard with soft LED lighting
✔ Handmade carbon fiber panels and leather yokes
✔ Alcantara headliners and plush moquette seats
✔ Side panels with carbon fiber details
Delivering an unparalleled flying experience, the SPORT edition blends performance with sophistication.
Special Mission Ready: The P2006T NG SMP
The P2006T NG is also available in a Special Mission Platform (SMP) configuration, with certified power box and hatches, supporting a wide range of applications, including:
✔ Search and rescue
✔ Reconnaissance & surveillance
✔ Border patrol
✔ Aerial mapping
This specialized version provides a cost-effective, highly capable solution for operators conducting demanding missions worldwide.
Global Availability & Customer Commitment
With a robust global support network, Tecnam ensures worldwide spare parts availability and after-sales assistance, reinforcing its commitment to customer satisfaction. Deliveries are now set to begin for customers across:
A Statement from Tecnam’s Leadership
“First of all, I would like to thank my design and certification team for this great result! Today, with this new certification, Tecnam confirms its position as one of the most prolific aircraft manufacturers, as we certify several new designs every year in order to offer our customers the most advanced aircraft.”— Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam Managing Director.
The Tecnam P2006T NG is not just an upgrade—it’s a new standard in twin-engine aviation.
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
