Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Elixir Aircraft, and US Flight School Announces Collaboration after 100+ Aircraft Order

France headquartered Elixir Aircraft, the 4th Generation aircraft manufacturer, is delighted to announce closer collaboration with Scottsdale Arizona, United States based Sierra Charlie Aviation. Sierra Charlie will provide maintenance support for Elixir Aircraft’s West Coast USA based clients, while the two companies will also collaborate on new educational and training materials.

Sierra Charlie Aviation recently ordered more than 100 Elixir aircraft.

CEO and Founder of Sierra Charlie Aviation Scott Campbell said: “Having visited Elixir headquarters for several days in La Rochelle France and meeting most of the Elixir team, I knew I wanted to be a part of their expansion in America. The plane flew beautifully. The design, staff and technology are all very impressive. Moreover, Elixir and I have a similar vision for the future of flight training.”

“I know Elixir will add many more US clients soon, and we want to support them, especially flight schools and individual pilots located nearby in the Western part of the United States. Our support will include anything from routine maintenance requests to ordering and delivering Elixir spare parts. America and the world needs pilots, and together we are here to lend a helping hand,” added Campbell.

“The plane has already been designed for low maintenance, but having a professional aviation organization based in Arizona like Sierra Charlie adds another key layer of support,” states Dr Scott Firsing, Elixir Aircraft’s North America Sales and Business Development Director.

Sierra Charlie is also currently busy developing their own next level flight training system which will include various learning tools such as videos and student courseware.

Mike Tonkin, Elixir Aircraft’s Head of Sales explains, “With Sierra Charlie’s own 100+ aircraft fleet, and now our partnership, they will be a wealth of information on how to train superior pilots. We got a sneak peek of their planned training courses, and similar to our plane, it’s at a high level of quality and more than compares with anything else we’ve seen on the market.”

About Sierra Charlie Aviation

Sierra Charlie is a part 61 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 to 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 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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Textron eAviation Donates Pipistrel Velis Electro to EAA Auction

Textron eAviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced it is donating a Pipistrel Velis Electro – the world’s first type certified electric powered aircraft – to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) auction at The Gathering during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The donation will support all of EAA’s charitable programs, including its efforts to engage young people in the world of aviation.

The Pipistrel Velis Electro, designed and manufactured by Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, is set to take top billing at the auction, which will feature around 20 items and is raising funds for causes including the EAA’s Young Eagles program, which has offered free airplane rides to those aged 8-17 since 1992.

Rob Scholl, president and CEO, Textron eAviation, says: “We’re proud to support EAA and the Young Eagles program, which has provided young people around the world with their first exposure to aviation for more than 30 years. We know that exciting new technologies and aircraft, like the Pipistrel Velis Electro, can attract the next generation to our industry and we are committed to playing our part. Through this collaboration, we also lend our support to the EAA’s efforts to lead the way in advocating on behalf of experimental and light sport aircraft, both in the US and globally.”

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the world’s largest fly-in convention, with this year’s event taking place 24-30 July. It welcomes more than 10,000 aircraft and 600,000 attendees annually, showcasing the latest innovations and aircraft from around the world.

Pipistrel’s Velis Electro – which is type-certified by EASA and currently under an experimental licence in the US – will be on static display during EAA AirVenture, at booth 393, taking part in the flight display from 3pm each day, as well as at the gala itself.

Prospective auctionees will be able to bid live at the event or arrange proxy bidding with EAA Aviation Foundation beforehand for the Velis Electro, which produces zero emissions during operation and is ultra-quiet both on the inside and outside, with noise levels of only 60dBa. The winner of the auction will be announced during The Gathering on Thursday, July 27th.

About Textron eAviation

Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Textron eAviation is focused on sustainable flying, backed by Textron’s 100 years of expertise and the restless spirit for innovation that is embodied in Textron’s Pipistrel, Cessna, Beechcraft and Bell brands.

Taking the lead in Textron’s development of sustainably powered flight, Textron eAviation is leveraging the industry-leading product design, certification, manufacturing, and aftermarket solutions from across Textron’s businesses coupled with the newly acquired expertise of Pipistrel.

About Pipistrel

In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000.  Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development.

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, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems.

Source: Textron Press Release
Photo Credit: Textron

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Diamond Aircraft’s All-Electric eDA40 Made its First Flight in Austria

The all-electric eDA40 made its first flight at Diamond Aircraft’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. This marks a significant milestone for the manufacturer and all project partners and is a big step towards certifying the aircraft.

The eDA40, which shall be the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified electric aircraft, is designed to be an excellent electric circuit trainer powered by an ENGINeUSTM electric smart motor by Safran Electrical & Power and charged by Electric Power Systems’ (EPS) battery module equipped with a Direct Current (DC) fast charging system.

Piloted by Diamond’s Head of Flight Test Sören Pedersen the maiden flight covered system checks, all basic maneuvers and initial performance evaluation. The flight went as scheduled and delivering all results requested.

“We are extremely proud to announce another significant milestone for our all-electric eDA40. The aircraft performed outstandingly well during its maiden flight and not only met but exceeded all our expectations,” said Liqun (Frank) Zhang, CEO Diamond Aircraft Austria. “We are very much looking forward to offer an exceptional sustainable aircraft for the flight training market of tomorrow.”

“We are very excited to take part in the eDA40 first flight, along with Diamond Aircraft, as it is the first time our ENGINEUS electric motors and the electrical protection system will fly on an all-electric aircraft. Participating in the electrification of the DA40, a proven aircraft and a best seller, has been a thrilling technical challenge. We have recently obtained Design Organisation Approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for our ENGINeUS 100 electric motor and are currently on the home stretch in obtaining their final certification. This state-of-the-art equipment is one of the essential building blocks in Safran’s decarbonization strategy,” said Bruno Bellanger, Executive Vice President & General Manager of the Power division of Safran Electrical & Power.

Nathan Millecam, CEO of Electric Power Systems: “This marks a historic milestone for both Diamond and EP Systems. The flight is the culmination of years of determination, innovation, and hard work. The eDA40 project ushers in a new era of electric propulsion that solves an immediate problem in both an economical and sustainable way. Through unwavering dedication and cutting-edge technology, we are showing the industry how electric propulsion can be implemented in aviation. We extend our deepest gratitude to our visionary customer, dedicated employees, and passionate investors who have made this achievement possible. Their unwavering belief in our mission has fueled our determination to power a more sustainable future.”

The eDA40 is scheduled to be presented to the broader public at AERO Friedrichshafen 2024.

Source: Diamond Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft

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Future of General Aviation: Insights from Training Aircraft Manufacturer Elixir Aircraft

France headquartered training aircraft manufacturer Elixir Aircraft sees SAF as the initial key component to make General Aviation more sustainable in the near term. However, Elixir, already known for their innovative airframe, are constantly researching new products and technology, like hydrogen, to integrate into their aircraft and the industry.

Elixir Aircraft’s research and development has not stopped since the company was formed in the early 2010s. Their most recent announcement, at last month’s Paris Air Show, was the Elixir Turbine prototype dedicated to decarbonising aviation. Developed as part of a CORAC program in collaboration with Air Liquide, Safran, Daher and Turbotech, the program aims to accelerate the launch of innovative, more environmentally-friendly aircraft powered firstly by biofuel and then by hydrogen. The Elixir prototype integrates Turbotech’s SAF-burning TP90 turbine engine producing 160hp. Test flights are scheduled to take place around the end of the year.

The turbine integration is possible due to Elixir’s unique airframe originally inspired by racing sailboats. Today, all Elixir aircraft are built using a proprietary Carbon Oneshot technology that simplifies the structures with no complex assemblies with rivets, glue or screws. With this simplicity, the parts are fewer and stronger. The main structure of the aircraft, for example, is made of only nine composite parts, including a single block wing of 27.82 feet.

Another French Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, is also investing in new aviation technologies. Airbus’ currently produced aircraft are 50% SAF capable. This will increase to 100% in 2030. Airbus, like Elixir, believes decarbonisation requires a such as renewing fleets with latest generation aircraft, improving operations and infrastructure, using SAF and implementing disruptive technologies like Hydrogen.

Airbus’ Flight Academy in France has ordered a new fleet of Elixir aircraft.

Elixir Aircraft co-founder Cyril Champenois explains: “Commercial aviation has been moving towards biofuels for 15 years. This high-energy-density fuel does not change engines, pilot training, maintenance or distribution methods. SAF should soon be mass-produced meaning it will distributed to airports worldwide and available for purchase for GA customers. The team at Elixir Aircraft, like Airbus, see it to be the best current compromise for the future of its propulsion. Other technology like Hydrogen also looks very promising, but our options are open as we see what technology matures in the coming years.”

The current EASA Part 23 certified Elixir aircraft powered by Rotax already reduces carbon emissions by nearly 70% compared to other old generation aircraft.

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

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Aircraft Manufacturer Diamond Aircraft Celebrates DA50 RG FAA Certification and First U.S. Customer Delivery

Austria headquartered training aircraft manufacturer Diamond Aircraft proudly announces FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification for its exciting new DA50 RG single engine piston with retractable gear, clearing the way for U.S. customer deliveries and the delivery to the first DA50 RG U.S. customer at EAA AirVenture 2023, Oshkosh.

On July 25th Diamond Aircraft received DA50 RG FAA validated type certificate at its booth at EAA AirVenture during a tour with FAA members organized and supported by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), led by GAMA President Pete Bunce. Mrs. Lirio Liu, Executive Director of the FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service, personally handed over the certificate to Diamond Aircraft’s management team.

“What an amazing day! Our revolutionary DA50 RG is getting overwhelming high praise from everyone that flies it. Its combination of cabin size, utility, performance and efficiency paired with environmentally friendly jet fuel engines make it an ideal aircraft for the U.S. market,” said Liqun (Frank) Zhang, CEO Diamond Aircraft Group & CEO Diamond Aircraft Austria. “We have been eagerly waiting for this next milestone and are extremely proud to be offering this great aircraft, alongside our popular singles and twins. We’d also like to congratulate Continental Aerospace Technology on receiving FAA certification for the CD-300 jet fuel engine, powering our fantastic DA50 RG.”

Diamond Aircraft is now working on delivering all DA50 RG aircraft, which have already been ordered by many U.S. customers with the celebration of the first U.S. delivery on the day of FAA certification receipt. Diamond Aircraft, and one of its U.S. dealers, Premier Aircraft Sales, celebrated today’s Diamond DA50 RG delivery to the first U.S. customer, Mr. Jordan Cram.

“The DA50 RG is a perfect match for sustainability, performance, and design requirements,” Jordan Cram said. “The excellent fuel economy combined with jet fuel made me feel better about carbon impact, and the balance of function and form is just unparalleled. We’re going to be up in the air a lot.”

“This is truly an amazing day. We are here to not only celebrate the Diamond DA50 RG receiving FAA certification but also the delivery to Mr. Cram,” Kevin Sheng, CEO of Diamond Aircraft Canada, said. “We are truly fortunate to be able to share this with all of our friends here at Oshkosh, AirVenture 2023, and we are so proud that Mr. Cram has joined the Diamond Aircraft family. We know he will love the performance, comfort, economy, and safety that his new DA50 RG will provide.”

Since May, the DA50 RG has been touring the USA, to let as many pilots as possible experience the simplicity of operation, impressive cabin volume, extraordinary fuel efficiency and performance of this unique aircraft. The tour will continue until end of September.

Source: Diamond Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft

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European Aircraft Manufacturer, Tecnam, Unveils its P-Mentor Training Aircraft in North America

Tecnam unveiled the P-Mentor to North American pilots at the Tecnam display at Oshkosh. Already a best-seller in the European training market, the aircraft is set to revolutionize the American training paradigm and personal flying marketplace. This modern aircraft represents the pinnacle of engineering excellence, offering superior flight performance, state-of-the-art technology with Garmin avionics, and unparalleled low operating cost and CO2 emissions.

About the P-Mentor

The P-Mentor is a two-seat aircraft, powered by a Rotax 912 Is, fully IFR with PBN/RNAV/AFCS capabilities, compliant with the latest CS-23 EASA & FAA amendments. The Mentor is a turnkey solution for many flight schools to train students from their first flight up to their CPL-IR on a single platform. With a variable pitch propeller, a simulated retractable landing gear and an optional ballistic parachute, the P-Mentor has everything flight schools were looking for in today’s market. The P-Mentor is designed to offer the best human-machine interface, resulting in the most effective and efficient VFR/IFR training. The generous fuel tanks allow flight schools to fly all day without refueling, which improves operational value. It has low fuel consumption of 3.70 US Gal/h (14 lt/h) and a low cost of operations with an average of $65 per hour.

During the ceremony, Tecnam also disclosed the launch customers that will be using the P-Mentor for their flying school needs: Kansas based Kilo Charlie Aviation, Vermont Flight Academy, Melbourne Flight Training in Florida and Stephen F. Austin State University, based in Texas.

Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer said: “We are very excited to launch the P-Mentor in the United States, during Oshkosh 2023. Our fleet solution is unique in the market, ensuring reliability, cost control, intelligent training and low emissions. Together with the most prestigious flight schools, we are proud to innovate the flight training paradigm in the USA.”

Kristen Conklin – President, HCH Aviation: “After flying the Tecnam Aircraft in our fleet there was no question which aircraft that we would choose to expand our Collegiate Flight Training Program.  The P-Mentor is the perfect choice due to its unmatched flying capabilities and super low operating economics.”

Tom D’Orso – Executive Director; Vermont Flight Academy stated: “the P-Mentor will be a game changer for our Flight Academy. We currently fly a mix of aircraft and the P-Mentor will replace our legacy aircraft and offer our students a current innovative training platform that meets the requirements of both the business plan and student growth forecast at Vermont Flight Academy.”

“We have been in a two-year process trying to find the right aircraft partner for our career flight training school. Once Tecnam presented the P-Mentor we knew that all the work over the last two years had to be re-evaluated and compared to this aircraft. Safety and Technology are our two highest priorities here and after comparing everything it was without a doubt the best option for our school and students,” Robert Renfro, Kilo Charlie Aviation Chief Operating Officer said.

Tradition, innovation and vision. Those factors are spearheading Tecnam to wider horizons. Based on recent data and industry benchmarks, Tecnam is offering the greenest training fleet in the world. Flight schools operating Tecanm’s single- and twin-engine fleet can save as much as 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions for every single student graduating with a Commercial Pilot License – a 60% reduction compared to fleet using 100LL fuel on a journey of 155 flight hours, 30h of which on twin.

About Tecnam

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

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Cirrus Aircraft, Participates at EAA AirVenture 2023

Cirrus Aircraft, the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft, participates at EAA AirVenture 2023 in Oshkosh happening on July 24, 2023 to Jul 30, 2023.

Check out a glimpse of Cirrus’ participation in the same event last year through the video below.

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

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