Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Global Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Cirrus Aircraft, Launches New Private Pilot Training Program

Cirrus Aircraft announced its new, world-class Private Pilot Program designed to teach anyone to learn how to fly an SR Series Cirrus aircraft and earn their pilot’s license. The Private Pilot Program provides an immersive ground school training partnered with a dedicated Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) through a Cirrus Training Center (CTC) to help students complete their Private Pilot License (PPL) in a Cirrus aircraft.

“Learning to fly and earning a pilot’s license is what moves the personal aviation industry forward,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “From day one, our mission has been to grow engagement and participation in personal aviation, and our new Private Pilot Program makes that experience easier and smoother along the way.”

The Private Pilot Program includes 11 modules with 40 engaging lessons that take you through the pre-study material, ground instruction lessons, flight instruction videos, performance assessment and quizzes. Captivating by design, the Private Pilot Program is a highly specialized training program offering specific flight training content to learn to fly a Cirrus aircraft alongside a dedicated CTC and CSIP by leveraging study materials designed and written by Cirrus Aircraft’s flight training experts.

Cirrus Aircraft is renowned for the innovation and design it has introduced to the personal aviation industry. As the first to include the glass cockpit for workload reduction and the only manufacturer to include the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) as standard equipment on every aircraft, the company continues to lead in its innovative spirit which is reflected in the Private Pilot Program.

Designed and developed by Cirrus Aircraft’s pilots and experts, the Private Pilot Program is the industry’s first program that focuses on learning to fly an SR Series aircraft. Furthermore, the program breaks down barriers and is unique in that it pairs you with a dedicated Cirrus training partner who will encourage you to complete your PPL.

The Private Pilot Program is now available through Cirrus Aircraft’s corporate-owned flight training locations and U.S. Network Partners.

About Cirrus Aircraft

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet™, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 15 million hours, and 250 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee and Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Source: Cirrus Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Cirrus Aircraft (shown as meta image)

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European Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Elixir Aircraft, Witnesses Monumental Global Growth

Since EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2022, Elixir Aircraft has quickly become a leader in the global training aircraft market. Sales orders are taking off, investment is pouring in and constant hiring is taking place. Elixir is filling a much-needed element of general aviation: new, more efficient, safer, and technologically advanced aircraft.

Research shows that the average age of the standard single engine piston aircraft training fleet is 49 years old. Moreover, on average for every three aircraft being scrapped, only one new tail number is being registered. In short, there are not enough aircraft to train the world’s much-needed pilots.

Recapping the past 12 months, Elixir co-founder Cyril Champenois explains: “Elixir has seen monumental growth since last years’ EAA Airventure. On the sales side, we have added dozens of aero clubs, flight schools and private pilots to the Elixir family. There are too many to list all, but include the Airbus Flight Academy, Mermoz and other FTOs in countries like Luxembourg, Italy and New Zealand, with many more to come.”

“In America, Sierra Charlie Aviation ordered more than 100 Elixir Full Glass Cockpit 100HP aircraft. Florida based Cirrus Aviation also increased their order to 10 aircraft. This is in addition to other pre-orders received from other Americans. Moreover, we are hoping to receive FAA Part 23 certification soon so we can start to deliver these aircraft to our US customers,” adds Champenois.

In addition to sales revenue, Elixir growth has been propelled by multiple investments. The most recent was a €13-million grant as part of a 40 million Euros total financing package. The funds are being put into the company’s industrialization.

Elixir co-founder and president Arthur Léopold-Léger points out: “Elixir is focusing on production with a goal of producing more than 300 aircraft a year. This will be capable due to the soon to be built highly energy efficient and environmentally friendly 150,000ft factory at our current home of La Rochelle, France. The plant is expected to employ over a 1000 people by 2033. In the United States, Elixir aim to operate a final assembly and maintenance facility at Sarasota Bradenton Airport (SRQ). The first hangar will be occupied in 2024, then adding the new neighboring hangar the year after. We need to hire hundreds of Americans for this facility over the coming months and years.”

The Elixir Team is excited to welcome visitors on their EAA Airventure Oshkosh booth 356 for the 2023 show.

About Elixir Aircraft

Elixir Aircraft, created in 2015 and headquartered in La Rochelle, France offers aviators throughout the world the latest and most advanced 4th generation single engine aircraft. Elixir currently employs more than 100 employees and is constructing new production facilities in France and Florida, USA.

The objective of company from the beginning: to make safer, more economical, more environment-friendly and more versatile aircraft. Elixir 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 US$50 of fuel and maintenance). All Elixir airplanes feature advanced Garmin avionics in the cockpit.

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 since 2020
  • 100 employees, including Over 70 new hires since the first quarter of 2021
  • Two production sites in France, one of 23000 square ft, the other of 9000 square ft
  • +70 aircraft on firm order
  • +100 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 Press Release
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft (shown as meta image)

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Pipistrel, Expands US Distribution Network; Appoints US West Coast Distributor, Elemental Aviation

Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, has expanded its US distribution network with the appointment of a third regional distributor, Elemental Aviation, for the West Coast.

Dedicated to advancing aviation through sustainable and innovative solutions, Elemental Aviation will be responsible for sales, service support and training for Pipistrel’s ultralight, light sport and type certified aircraft. Elemental Aviation will oversee sales and service in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico.

Stephen Mckenna, director of sales and marketing, Pipistrel, says: “By collaborating with Elemental Aviation, we are strengthening our distribution capabilities and ensuring that flight schools and training centers throughout the West Coast have convenient access to Pipistrel aircraft, including the Alpha Trainer, which is among the best options for trainee pilots in the United States. The Alpha Trainer configured with Garmin G3X avionics can accommodate a variety of training missions while offering low acquisition, operating and maintenance costs.

Now with Elemental Aviation, flight schools can rely on timely access to parts and support, ensuring uninterrupted training operations and maximum aircraft availability. We are proud to welcome the Elemental Aviation team to the Pipistrel family.”

Jason Talley, Founder and CEO of Elemental Aviation, says: “At Elemental Aviation, we firmly believe that the future of aviation lies in access to affordable and sustainable training solutions. Collaborating with Pipistrel allows us to combine our expertise and introduce the next generation pilots to the incredible potential of electric aviation as well as Pipistrel’s amazing lineup of sustainable aircraft.”

The appointment of Elemental Aviation bolsters Pipistrel’s existing US distribution network, following the appointments of Lanier Flight Center and Lincoln Park Aviation (LPA) in Q1 2023.

Source: Pipistrel Press Release
Photo Credit: Pipistrel

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Textron Aviation, Introduces Significant Enhancements to Cessna Single-Engine Lineup

United States headquartered training aircraft manufacturer Textron Aviation announced significant enhancements to its iconic Cessna high-wing piston aircraft lineup — the Cessna Skyhawk, Cessna Skylane, Cessna Turbo Skylane and Cessna Turbo Stationair HD. Coming in 2024, customers will enjoy a range of new high tech standard features and sleek interior design options including modern and comfortable seating, updated instrument panels and new exterior paint styles.

The Cessna Skyhawk, Skylane, Turbo Skylane and Turbo Stationair HD are designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company.

“For decades, pilots have chosen the Cessna piston lineup for its durability, comfort and performance,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience. “When designing the next interior for the iconic aircraft family, it was important that we include feedback from customers and fans. The result is a more modern, sporty feel that aligns with our family of Cessna Citation jets for the best aviation experience.”

The first change that customers will notice is an enhanced level of comfort and functionality throughout the aircraft. With new power headset jacks and charging ports at every seat (USB A and C device compatibility), upgraded seats with additional support and padding, and a brand-new center armrest for the Cessna Skylane, Turbo Skylane, and Turbo Stationair HD models, customers will experience a whole new level of excellence in flight.

The lineup also offers exceptional style with top-notch performance. From the sleek black instrument panel to the new side panels, window locks and air vents, the aircraft is designed to make the flying experience even more exciting. Owners can select from a variety of modern standard paint schemes to customize their aircraft and make it their own. With decades of impressive performance, powerful capability and low operating costs, the Cessna piston lineup is the perfect choice for aviators — whether they’re taking their first solo flight or charting their next big adventure.

“Cessna pistons inspire the journey of flight,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Textron Aviation Piston Sales. “If you’re a pilot, odds are that you learned how to fly in a Skyhawk. This investment demonstrates Textron Aviation’s continued enthusiasm for our piston aircraft lineup, and we are thrilled to see these aircraft continue to support pilots worldwide in their training ambitions or mapping their next adventure.”

Customers and fans can experience the new interior for the first time when the company debuts the design in a Cessna Skyhawk at the upcoming 2023 Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

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, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training.

Source: Textron Aviation Press Release
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation (shown as meta image)

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