Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments
Training Aircraft Manufacturer Bye Aerospace Announces Latest Appointment for President and COO
Bye Aerospace is pleased to announce the appointment of Rod Zastrow as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Zastrow joins the leadership team to spearhead the final stages of FAA certification and commence production of the highly anticipated eFlyer 2, the world’s first FAA Part 23 certified electric airplane.
With an impressive background as the former Chair and CEO of Spartan Global Aviation Training, Zastrow brings extensive expertise in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, logistics, and global business development. Zastrow played a pivotal role in securing a prominent position in a comprehensive $1 billion pilot and maintenance training Middle East Foreign Military Sale for Spartan. Zastrow’s accomplishments also include a distinguished career as a senior USAF leader, F-15 combat pilot and Fighter Weapons School “Top Gun” graduate.
Bye Aerospace recently achieved a significant milestone by completing the full ‘Means of Compliance’ for its eFlyer 2 certification. This accomplishment, comprising 16 specific plans encompassing a wide range of systems and procedures, marks the first ever FAA approval under Amendment 64 for a Level 1 all-electric aircraft in the general aviation industry worldwide. Zastrow will lead Bye Aerospace’s team of experts as they embark on the assembly of the initial conforming eFlyer aircraft.
George Bye, Chairman and CEO of Bye Aerospace, expressed his enthusiasm for Zastrow’s addition to the team, stating, “Rod Zastrow brings invaluable aviation leadership experience to our organization. His guidance will be instrumental in leading the Company through the completion of the FAA certification process and transitioning to eFlyer 2 production. Of particular significance is his extensive background in global logistics, supply chain management, and support for large fleets of pilot training aircraft.”
Rod Zastrow commented on his appointment, saying, “I am honored and thrilled to join the Bye Aerospace team during this pivotal moment on the path to achieving a historic FAA all-electric certification. We have a clear roadmap to eFlyer 2 certification, and I have complete confidence in our exceptional team’s ability to execute on that game plan. Our focus is laser sharp as we work towards delivering this clean and quiet technology to our pilot training customers and their students, as well as other customers who stand to benefit from the disruptive advantages of significantly lower operating costs.”
About Bye Aerospace
Bye Aerospace, located in Denver, CO, is at the forefront of developing and FAA certifying a family of zero-emission, electric aircraft that offer one-fifth of the operating costs and enhanced safety compared to traditional airplanes. As a pioneer in electric aviation, Bye Aerospace has established itself as a leading force in the industry, with a production backlog of $1 billion if fully realized.
Source: Bye Aerospace Press Release
Photo Credit: Bye Aerospace
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Electric Aircraft Manufacturer Signs MoU with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Preparing pilots to fly zero-emission, eco-friendly aircraft of the future is the goal of a newly inked partnership that will also create high-paying, high-quality jobs, Aura Aero and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University announced at the 2023 Paris Air Show.
A memorandum of understanding between Aura Aero and Embry-Riddle was signed at the Florida Activation Event, hosted by Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Enterprise Florida on June 20 at the Business France Headquarters in Paris.
By establishing a major footprint in Embry-Riddle’s busy Research Park in Daytona Beach, Florida, electric aircraft pioneer Aura Aero expects to create some 20 exceptional new jobs in Volusia County as well as internships for student pilots. Since 2017, Embry-Riddle’s Research Park has served 25 leading and emerging companies while creating 174 lucrative jobs and 224 internships.
“Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University plays an important role shaping Florida’s next generation of top-tier talent in aerospace,” said Lieutenant Governor Nuñez. “Their MOU with Aura Aero demonstrates the importance of this event and its ability to create meaningful partnerships between Florida and France in order to enhance our state’s workforce development. Together, we look to strengthen our aerospace sectors by creating a pipeline to meet demand.”
Under the agreement, Aura Aero is also launching an internship program for Embry-Riddle students who are eager to learn more about “the Integral” — the company’s two-seater training aircraft with aerobatic capabilities, which is available with thermal or full electric propulsion.
“Aura Aero is committed to serving humankind by designing and manufacturing aircraft that accelerate air transport decarbonization,” said company co-founder and CEO Jérémy Caussade, who also serves as the company’s chief engineer. “We are excited to partner with Embry-Riddle, a global leader in aviation education, to accelerate innovation and prepare pilots for a more sustainable future.”
Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., said the partnership reflects a unique synergy between two organizations with shared goals. “We look forward to welcoming Aura Aero, a company at the leading edge of sustainable aviation options, to Embry-Riddle’s Research Park in Daytona Beach to support their technology development efforts while also enhancing educational opportunities for our students.”
Embry-Riddle Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rodney Cruise said: “Our Research Park offers a creative ecosystem that cultivates transformational business ideas and careers. We are honored to work with Aura Aero to advance sustainable aviation, create high-paying, high-quality jobs and build workforce capacity.”
In addition to the Integral training aircraft, Aura Aero, established in 2018, is developing the ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft), a regional transport 19-seater. Alongside Caussade, the company’s co-founders are Chief Programs Officer Wilfried Dufaud and Chief Operations Officer Fabien Raison.
Aura Aero plans to establish operations at Embry-Riddle’s Research Park by 2024. Details are pending, but the company will occupy between 3,000 and 10,000 square feet of space in the MicaPlex, the Research Park’s cornerstone facility, and the adjacent Applied Aviation and Engineering Research Hangar.
About Aura Aero
A pioneer in low-carbon aviation, Aura Aero is committed to serving mankind by designing and manufacturing aircraft that accelerate air transport decarbonization by industrializing disruptive technologies resolutely focused on the aviation of tomorrow. Combining the best in the aeronautical industry and digital technologies, Aura Aero manufactures aircraft that offer unrivaled efficiency in the market of eco-efficient vehicles. Founded in 2018, Aura Aero is based at Toulouse-Francazal Airport in France and employs 200 people. In addition to its many shareholders, the manufacturer is supported by the Occitanie Region, the BPI (French Public Investment Bank) and the venture capital firm Innovacom. Laureate of the France Relance modernization fund and benefiting from the France 2023 investment plan, Aura Aero is a member of the steering committee of AZEA (Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation), a European Union initiative.
Source: ERAU Press Release
Photo Credit: ERAU
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Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Elixir Aircraft, Secures Order for 4 Aircraft From Leasing Company and LOI for 10 Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft Elixir Aircraft receives order for four aircraft from a Luxembourg leasing company
Elixir Aircraft continues its expansion in the European market with the sale of four aircraft to Luxembourg. This is another international success for the aircraft manufacturer from La Rochelle, following the sale of ten aircraft to the United States last February and its recent announcement of 100 Elixirs pre order for the United States.
Founded in 1999, ALD LUX is a leasing company in Luxembourg. The company is now turning its attention to aircraft leasing, with this first order for four new-generation French aircraft.
With its low fuel consumption, averaging 12L/h and simplified maintenance, the low operating costs of the Elixir convinced the Luxembourg company.
Elixir Aircraft was founded in 2015 to meet the technical, ecological and economic challenges of general aviation. With this permanent objective and more than 70 orders worldwide, Elixir Aircraft has all the cards in hand to continue its attractive growth.
International Aviation Academy of New Zealand signs LOI for 10 Elixir 100HP Full Glass Cockpit Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft The aircraft manufacturer and the New Zealand professional training organisation are embarking on an exciting partnership.
Following a visit by a delegation from the IAANZ in April to Elixir Aircraft in La Rochelle where they received demo flights and an in-depth study of the aircraft and its ecosystem. The professional training organisation has committed to renewing its fleet with the 4th generation aircraft. Aiming to order a minimum of two aircraft per year for the next 5 years.
Elixir Aircraft is offering an extremely modern, safer, greener aircraft that also cuts maintenance time by almost 60%. This is of major interest to a flying school that operates a large fleet on the other side of the planet. “The part catalogue for an Elixirconsists of between 20 to 30 times less references than existing older generation aircraft, so it’s an incredible opportunity for a flying school to manage its spare parts and day-to-day operations,” says Mike Tonkin head of sales for Elixir.
On the threshold of the Rugby World Cup, where the All Blacks and Les Bleus will kick off the tournament in Paris, the aircraft manufacturer and the flying-school are looking forward to a shared horizon, one that is sure to be sweeter, stated Jeremy Ford CEO IAANZ.
About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft, a company headquartered in La Rochelle, France, with nearly 100 employees, was founded in 2015 to meet the challenges of global light aviation.
The French company’s objective: to manufacture safer, more economical and more versatile aircraft. Complexity is the reason why today’s aircraft suffer from failures (technical or human), and are costly to operate (fuel consumption and maintenance).
Elixir Aircraft uses a technology from the world of competitive sailing, the Carbon Oneshot, to simplify structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, so greater safety, but also less maintenance, and lower costs (estimates of €40/h fuel and maintenance).
At the end of 2021, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in Périgny, Charente Maritime, to internalize all carbon parts production.
Elixir Aircraft in Numbers
- 4th-generation two-seater aircraft EASA CS-23 certified since 2020
- 100 employees, including more than 70 new hires since the first quarter of 2021
- Two production sites in France, one of 2300m², the other of 2000m².
- +70 aircraft on firm order
- +140 aircraft on pre-order and letters of intent in the U.S. and Europe
Source: Elixir Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft (shown as meta image)
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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Elixir Aircraft Announces Plans for New Factory and Plans to Recruit more than 1,000
The future Elixir Aircraft Factory 4.0 will manufacture aircraft for training purposes from 2025, eventually recruiting more than 1,000 employees in La Rochelle.
At the occasion of the Paris Air Show currently taking place at Le Bourget, Elixir Aircraft, manufacturer of low-carbon aircraft, Aire Nouvelle, Equans France’s low-carbon real estate development subsidiary, and its partners, announce the signing of a design contract for the construction of a new factory. Spanning 14,000 m², this highly energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly industrial site will house all production and assembly activities for the Elixir aircraft.
Faced with a growing demand for carbon-free training aircraft, Elixir Aircraft is contributing to the reindustrialization of France by investing heavily in the Rochelais region. Elixir Aircraft will significantly increase its production capacity, thanks to a brand-new 4.0 factory with exemplary environmental ambitions, to reach a rate of over 300 aircraft per year.
“The training aviation market has reached a turning point. Produced in the 60s and 70s, the current fleet needs to be replaced. There is an urgent need to renew these ageing aircraft to enable schools to improve their profitability while meeting the climate and industrial challenge. With this new 4.0 factory, Elixir Aircraft is giving itself the means to become one of the world’s leaders in general aviation, while at the same time decarbonizing the sector. The Elixir is a high-performance, fuel-efficient and versatile aircraft, which will enable it to be compatible with SAF, and then hydrogen in a second phase,” explains Cyril Champenois, co-founder and marketing director of Elixir Aircraft.
The future plant will house the production of OneShot carbon aerostructures for the Elixir, Elixir Aircraft’s ultra-frugal two-seater, as well as final assembly. From the overall design of the plant to the submission of the building permit, including financial backing and process engineering, the Aire Nouvelle teams are committed to work alongside ElixirAircraft to ensure the success of the project. They can count on the complementary expertise of Equans, a world leader in the energy and services sector, to achieve a high level of industrial performance, thanks in particular to the recovery of waste heat and the optimization of the production chain alongside Elixir Aircraft. Energy and environmental efficiency is further enhanced by the installation of photovoltaic panels, the use of hydrogen, the use of bio-sourced materials and measures to protect biodiversity based on the Aire Nouvelle compass methodology.
This model plant will be equipped with the latest technological advances, including autoclaves, digital cutting machines, laser fiber placement equipment… all controlled entirely digitally by flow optimization software. Elixir Aircraft has set itself the ambitious goal of eventually producing over 300 aircraft a year. To meet demand, the plant is expected to employ over a thousand people by 2033. All will benefit from soft mobility support to further improve their environmental footprint.
“In addition to the performance of our buildings and production facilities, we need to capitalize on the talents of today and develop those of tomorrow,” adds Marine Gaudin, Director of Human Resources at Elixir Aircraft. “Producing a light aircraft is teamwork, a real human adventure. It’s the alchemy of our employees that enables us to design, certify and produce. Successfully transforming aviation is a passion shared by all our teams. It’s the soul of Elixir Aircraft. By enabling our employees to flourish in a new factory designed for their comfort in an incredible living environment like La Rochelle, we are strengthening our attractiveness to be able to meet our customers’ demand.”
Elixir Aircraft currently has over forty positions open in La Rochelle, ranging from composite operators to methods technicians and structural engineers. Recruitment is open to all levels of training, including those with no qualifications, up to master’s degree level and above.
“We are proud to support the project for this factory of the future. The Elixir AircraftFactory is now entering a new phase, with the aim of starting construction in the middle of next year and delivering the plant in 2025. The experts at Aire Nouvelle and the Equans entities and their partners are delighted to be taking action for the reindustrialization and growth of virtuous production, capable of meeting the challenges of industrial, energy and digital transition,” emphasizes Marc Daumas, Managing Director of Aire Nouvelle.
Arthur Leopold-Léger, President and co-founder of Elixir Aircraft, concludes: “ElixirAircraft is at a turning point, as we move from start-up to certified manufacturer. The announcements of the last few days show that, between mega-orders and Emmanuel Macron’s funding announcement, this future factory will definitely bring Elixir Aircraft into the big league.”
About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft, a company headquartered in La Rochelle, France, with nearly 100 employees, was founded in 2015 to meet the challenges of global light aviation.
The French company’s objective: to manufacture safer, more economical and more versatile aircraft. Complexity is the reason why today’s aircraft suffer from failures (technical or human), and are costly to operate (fuel consumption and maintenance).
Elixir Aircraft uses a technology from the world of competitive sailing, the Carbon Oneshot, to simplify structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, so greater safety, but also less maintenance, and lower costs (estimates of €40/h fuel and maintenance).
At the end of 2021, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in Périgny, Charente Maritime, to internalize all carbon parts production.
Elixir Aircraft in Numbers
- 4th-generation two-seater aircraft EASA CS-23 certified since 2020
- 100 employees, including more than 70 new hires since the first quarter of 2021
- Two production sites in France, one of 2300m², the other of 2000m².
- +70 aircraft on firm order
- +140 aircraft on pre-order and letters of intent in the U.S. and Europe
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.
About Aire Nouvelle, a subsidiary of the Equans Group
Aire Nouvelle, Equans France’s low-carbon development and property development subsidiary, works in partnership with all the players in the city to create new urban models capable of meeting the challenges of the environmental transition. At a time when 50% of the carbon footprint of a new building or major refurbishment over 50 years comes from the technical and energy components, Aire Nouvelle is building on its relationship with Equans* to develop tailored, made-to-measure solutions. Thanks to its own methodology, the “AN compass”, based on 4 cardinal points (energy, mobility, materials and biodiversity), the Aire Nouvelle teams take into account the growing systemic complexity of urban environments by putting environmental excellence at the heart of ambitious property and urban projects, in the service of citizens’ quality of life.
About Equans France
Rooted in more than a century of history, Equans is the new world leader in the energy and services sector, with major ambitions in France, thanks in particular to Ineo and Axima. Its 35,000* employees in France work closely with their customers to meet the challenges of a triple transition: energy, industry and digital technology. Equans works to achieve low-carbon production, digitalise processes and strengthen the contributive economy. Electrical engineering, climate control, refrigeration, fire safety, IT and telecommunications, digital solutions: the complementary expertise of Equans is deployed in France through a unique combination of multi-technical skills for design, construction and installation projects as well as for operation and maintenance services. Equans connects, protects and supplies energy to territories, cities, buildings, plants and infrastructures. In 2022, Equans France had sales of more than 6** billion euros.
Source: Elixir Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft
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French Aircraft Manufacturer Sign MoU with Airbus to Decarbonize Pilot Training
AURA AERO, French aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in low-carbon aviation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus Flight Academy Europe (AFAE), a 100% subsidiary of Airbus that supplies training services for the French Armed Forces pilots and civilian cadets, to jointly approach decarbonization for pilot training by introducing electric-powered aircraft for commercial and military pilot formation.
Under this agreement, Airbus Flight Academy Europe will collaborate on the initial development of INTEGRAL E, a full-electric, two-seater trainer aircraft, ideally suited for initial stages of pilot training. While operating from an airfield equipped with superchargers, the INTEGRAL E aircraft can be charged in 20 to 30 minutes, granting the aircraft an hour of flight endurance.
“Our target at Airbus Flight Academy is to operate a low-carbon aircraft fleet by 2030,” said Airbus Flight Academy Europe CEO, Jean LONGOBARDI. “We are excited to collaborate with AURA AERO in this field and are convinced that, by combining our expertise, we can meet the ambition of decarbonizing to the current pilot- training approach. INTEGRAL E could become the first step to a broader partnership.”
Jérémy CAUSSADE, CEO and co-founder of AURA AERO, said: “Our technical and commercial teams are very happy and honored to have been chosen by Airbus to support the decarbonization of their training activities. Pilot training will be an area where we expect early adoption of zero-emission approach, starting with two- seater aircraft. By partnering with AFAE, we will develop a new type of electrically-powered training to benefit all pilots in the future, whatever the aircraft they are flying.”
About AURA AERO
A pioneer in low-carbon aviation, AURA AERO is committed to serve mankind by designing and manufacturing aircraft that accelerate air transport decarbonization, by industrializing disruptive technologies resolutely focused on the aviation of tomorrow. Combining the best in the aeronautical industry and digital technologies, AURA AERO manufactures aircraft that offer unrivaled efficiency on the market of eco-efficient vehicles.
Founded in 2018, AURA AERO is based at Toulouse-Francazal airport, France, and employs 200 people. In addition to its many shareholders, the manufacturer is supported by the Occitanie Region, the BPI (French Public Investment Bank) and venture capital firm Innovacom. Laureate of the France Relance modernization fund and benefiting from the France 2023 investment plan, AURA AERO is a member of the steering committee of AZEA (Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation), a European Union initiative.
Source: Aura Aero Press Release
Photo Credit: Aura Aero
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Textron Aviation Unveils New Hiring and Learning Center as Part of its Commitment to Workforce Development
Source: Textron Aviation Press Release
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation
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Spanish Flight School, Flyschool Air Academy, Purchases Brand-New Tecnam Aircraft
Training aircraft manufacturer Tecnam announced that Spanish academy, Flyschool Air Academy, purchased another P2006T MkII twin engine. With this P2006T MkII purchase, Flyschool completes his fleet with 20 aircraft.
Fitted with two Rotax 912S3 engines, the Tecnam P2006T exhibits remarkable fuel saving and can be operated on AVGAS and MOGAS 95 octane fuel, leading to huge cost reductions.
Acquiring the P2006T will allow Flyschool to offer more flight time and a quicker way to move through multi-engine ratings.
The P2006T is ideal for flight training, as the aircraft has proved to be very unstressful to fly, the controls are light to operate, and even with one inoperative engine, the pressure needed to cope with the asymmetric thrust is very low.
Beyond the benefit of the aircraft, Flyschool Air Academy confirmed Tecnam for the support and the involvement received, before during and after the purchase. The academy has also its own service center to maintain the fleet in perfect efficiency. For this reason, Flyschool Air Academy, is considering expanding even more the fleet.
“Flyschool Air Academy board of directors is very happy with the new aircraft and with the factory services, reason why we are studying the purchase of new models in the short term to continue with the plan of renewing the fleet,” said Rafael López, Flyschool Air Academy CEO.
“Flyschool Air Academy demonstrates how a flight school of the next century can offer modern aircraft and lower prices to students, thanks to the latest technologies in General Aviation, such as efficient engines, modern avionics and constant support,” Said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam Chief Sales Officer.
About Flyschool Air Academy
Flyschool Air Academy is a flight school specialized in training air transport pilots with bases in Madrid and Palma de Mallorca. They have trained more than 4,000 pilots during the last 12 years that they compete in the market. Flyschool Air Academy’s training offers are integrated courses (ATPL), UPRT, Upset Prevention Recovery Training (UPRT) and Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC).
A training multidisciplinary team as engineers, doctors, psichologist, air traffic controllers, pilots have achieved to raise students results to the excellence, where 95% of the aspirants pass the official exams.
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 Press Release
Photo Credit: Tecnam (shown as meta image)
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US-based Flight School, Sierra Charlie Aviation, Places Pre Order for 100 Training Aircraft from European Manufacturer Elixir Aircraft
At the Paris Air Show, Elixir Aircraft announced that Scottsdale Arizona USA based Sierra Charlie Aviation has ordered more than 100 Elixir Full Glass Cockpit 100HP, part 23 aircraft, 50 on option.
Both Elixir Aircraft and Sierra Charlie Aviation are driving the charge in changing the flight training industry.
With the high demand for Airline pilots, the Elixir Aircraft will be integrated into Sierra Charlie’s popular Aviator Career Program. The program is designed and focused on training the very best pilots, taking students with no past flying experience through all certifications and ratings. However, while other programs focus on speed and rushing students through a nonstandard curriculum, Sierra Charlie’s Aviator Program follows a structured syllabus that considers different learning styles.
“Like Elixir Aircraft, we pride ourselves on innovation and safety, and being ahead of the curve. This means providing our students with best and safest tools out there to ensure the highest quality education and training. The 4th generation Elixir is definitely one of these tools,” says Scott Campbell owner of Sierra Charlie.
“The simplicity, yet strength of the airplane like the components built with the OneShot technology is a game changer. Less than 1000 references in the whole plane and half a day 100hr maintenance checks means my Elixirs will be flying a lot. And my students already fly a lot!” adds Scott Campbell.
“Speaking with Sierra Charlie, it’s clear both our businesses are focused on commercial and industrial development. We know the demand for the global aviation market, training aircraft and pilot shortage. We aim to work together to do whatever we need to do to meet that demand,” states Arthur Leopold Leger, CEO of Elixir Aircraft.
Mike Tonkin, Elixir’s Head of Worldwide Sales explains “Sierra Charlie’s order comes off the back of recent Elixir orders by several large flight training organizations around the world including the Airbus Flight Academy and the Mermoz Academy. There are more orders to come and our new 12,000m² factory at La Rochelle airport and an assembly facility in Florida, USA is a key part of this growth.”
“Knowing Scott [Campbell] and his team for years and their professionalism when it comes to flight training, we are thrilled about their large fleet order. It will have a positive impact on their students, but also help feed the US part 121 and 135 operators. It’s full throttle for Elixir in America.” says Dr Scott Firsing, Elixir Aircraft’s North America Sales and Business Development Director.
The Elixir 912iS was originally certified Part 23 by EASA in early 2020. FAA certification is pending expected in the near future.
About Sierra Charlie Aviation
Sierra Charlie is a part 161 flight school located in Scottsdale Arizona with over 60+ instructors. We have two bases: Scottsdale Airport and Chandler Municipal Airport.
We at Sierra Charlie have a passion for aviation and it shows. We have grown to become a national award-winning flight school, supporting students at every stage in their career. Airlines partner with Sierra Charlie Aviation because they know we aim high in our industry. Our training creates well-equipped pilots ready to take on challenges whether in the sky or in the industry. Moreover, a superb track record for training the safest, most competent pilots in the country, and a commitment to providing a fun family atmosphere that energizes every student and contributes to his or her success.
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.
About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft, a company headquartered in La Rochelle, France, with nearly 100 employees, was founded in 2015 to meet the challenges of global light aviation.
The French company’s objective: to manufacture safer, more economical and more versatile aircraft. Complexity is the reason why today’s aircraft suffer from failures (technical or human), and are costly to operate (fuel consumption and maintenance).
Elixir Aircraft uses a technology from the world of competitive sailing, the Carbon Oneshot, to simplify structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, so greater safety, but also less maintenance, and lower costs (estimates of €40/h fuel and maintenance).
At the end of 2021, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in Périgny, Charente Maritime, to internalize all carbon parts production.
Elixir Aircraft in Numbers
- 4th-generation two-seater aircraft EASA CS-23 certified since 2020
- 100 employees, including more than 70 new hires since the first quarter of 2021
- Two production sites in France, one of 2300m², the other of 2000m².
- +70 aircraft on firm order
- +140 aircraft on pre-order and letters of intent in the U.S. and Europe
Source: Elixir Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft