Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

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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European Training Aircraft Manufacturer Discusses Long-Term Cooperation with SE Asia Pilot Training Center

Hungarian training aircraft manufacturer Magnus Aircraft shared that its CEO László Boros, recently visited Cambodia and saw the Fusion aircraft in service there. During his visit, Boros had the opportunity to discuss a long-term cooperation and further aircraft orders with partner, Lamnei Training Center.

The Cambodian Fusion aircraft, now used for training, arrived at its destination in late 2022 on a ferry flight, the longest ever, covering more than 11,000 kilometres (5,985 NM) in 50 hours flown. According to the Cambodian school, the aircraft is performing excellently in training missions, as evidenced by their latest order.

Source: Magnus Aircraft
Photo Credit: Magnus Aircraft

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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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