Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

French Flight School, Mermoz Academy, Orders 6 Elixir Aircraft

Elixir Aircraft is pleased to announce the sale of six 4th generation Elixirs to Mermoz Flight Academy.

The aircraft manufacturer and professional flight training organisation share a common territory and common ambitions. To make aviation accessible, safe, efficient, but above all more committed to the planet. 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.

Elixir Aircraft and Mermoz Academy are pleased to exhibit an Elixir in the colors of Mermoz Academy at Aero Friedrischafen. The configuration chosen by the school is full Garmin glass cockpit, to allow for training adapted to the needs of airlines. Elixir Aircraft wishes to be part of this relationship for the long term and is convinced that the Mermoz Flight Academy and Elixir Aircraft duo will be beneficial for the training of future generations of pilots.

Following its success with Airbus Flight Academy, Elixir Aircraft is focused on its commercial and industrial development, with more than Seventy Elixir on firm order in Europe alone. With a growing staff of over 100 people, the company’s priority is to ramp up production. This continued development includes the construction of a new 12,000m² factory at La Rochelle airport in the coming months.

About Elixir Aircraft

Elixir Aircraft, a company headquartered in La Rochelle, France, with over 100 employees, was created in 2015 to meet the challenges faced by the Global General aviation sector. The objective of the French company: to make safer, more economical and more versatile aircraft. Complexity is the reason why current aircraft suffer from failures (technical or human), and are expensive to operate (consumption and maintenance). Elixir Aircraft employs technology from the world of competitive sailing, the Carbon Oneshot, to simplify the structures. More simplicity means less failure, therefore more safety, but also less maintenance, and less costs (estimates of 40€/h of fuel and maintenance).

Since early 2022, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in Périgny, Charente Maritime, to internalize the entire production of carbon parts.

  • 4th generation two-seater aircraft certified EASA CS-23 FAA Part 23 Pending
  • 100 employees, including 50 new hires since the first quarter of 2021
  • 2 productions sites in France, one of 2300m², the other of 1000m² square
  • 70 aircraft on firm order
  • +140 aircraft pre-ordered or in letter of Intent (LOI)

About Mermoz Academy

MERMOZ ACADEMY is a reference ATO in Europe since 1957. The academy trains 150 students a year on different bases South of France, (Nimes), near Paris (Tours), in the USA and Canada. Instructors are former Air Force pilots and Airliners pilots to offering students the highest industry’s standards training.

Source: Elixir Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Piper Aircraft, Announces the Approval of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in all Existing Piper Turboprop Models

Piper Aircraft is excited to announce the approval of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in all its existing Piper turboprop models. This exciting development in sustainability reaffirms their commitment to making general aviation a safer, greener, and more accessible industry for all.

Source: Piper Aircraft Announcement
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft (shown as meta image)

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Training Aircraft Engine Manufacturer Austro Engine is Researching Future Propulsion Systems

Austro Engine GmbH, a sister company of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH, in cooperation with the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) – owned by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) and the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs (BMDW), and the Vienna University of Technology have launched a program, supported by Bosch General Aviation Technology GmbH, to develop a bivalent hydrogen engine. The research project is scheduled for completion by end of 2024.

“In renowned studies, hydrogen is regarded as the energy storage medium of the future. Undoubtedly, many challenges in the production and especially handling as well as infrastructure are not yet clarified. True to the motto “If you don’t go forwards you go backwards”, Austro Engine is taking responsibility for the next generation of propulsion systems for General Aviation,” said Felix Zahradnik, Chief Technology Officer, Austro Engine. “In addition to highest efficiency with lowest emissions, factors such as operating costs, safety and worldwide availability have been decisive in determining the strategy of future propulsion concepts. We see our long-term future not only with sustainable aviation fuels, but also believe that hydrogen direct combustion might be a good propulsion system for General Aviation.”

There are two different methods for the direct combustion of hydrogen in a piston engine. The initial ignition of the air/hydrogen mixture can be done either by a spark plug or an ignition jet. The advantage of initiating the combustion by a spark plug is a constant 100% hydrogen operation, which in the ideal case was generated 100% regeneratively. However, if the ignition jet method is chosen, there are clear advantages for General Aviation. In the present case, the ignition jet is generated by the existing combustion process with kerosene. The substitution rate of kerosene by hydrogen can be adjusted for combustion stabilization but can also be modulated to 100% kerosene operation due to the current lack of availability of pure hydrogen in some regions of the world. The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) instead of conventional fossil kerosene for the ignition jet also meets the requirement of 100% substitution of fossil components and has no disadvantages compared to the spark plug-powered hydrogen engine in terms of sustainability.

Despite the early development stage of this project, considerable success has already been achieved. A 90% energy substitution rate at part load was achieved, which means a 99% reduction in CO emissions and 89% in CO2 emissions. In addition to the focus on reducing CO and CO2, the already extremely low emissions of unburned hydrocarbons (HCs) at full load (maximum take-off power) were also reduced by 25%. Besides basic research and combustion development, topics such as durability (hydrogen embrittlement) and EASA certification are the focus of the further course of this project. All research has been currently solely done on a test bench. Further information will be released after completion of the three-year program.

“Partnerships across industry borders are crucial to achieve sustainability in aviation. At Bosch Aviation Technology we are proud to be technology partner of Austro Engine and the Vienna University of Technology in public funded projects, which integrate hydrogen in an existing engine line-up,” commented Christian Grim, General Manager Bosch General Aviation Technology GmbH. “We are convinced that hydrogen will play a major role in regard to sustainable aviation solutions if used with fuel cells or in hydrogen engines. To face decarbonization as a major challenge for General Aviation, it will become increasingly important to search for alternative propulsion systems.”

Diamond Aircraft and Austro Engine, together with Lufthansa Aviation Training, are also working on Sustainable Aviation Fuels options for the Austro Engine powered aircraft line.

Source: Diamond Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft

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Cirrus Aircraft Celebrates 9,000 SR Series Deliveries

Cirrus Aircraft unveiled a new, destination-inspired Limited Edition aircraft to commemorate the 9,000th SR Series aircraft delivery. The 9,000th Limited Edition SR Series reflects the thousands of Cirrus Aircraft owners who embody the Cirrus Life™ empowering them to travel to different destinations without constraint or boundaries. Whether it is to grow one’s business, spend time with family or explore the world, Cirrus aircraft owners are experiencing more from the comfort of their advanced, luxurious SR Series aircraft.

“The SR Series continues to move people, businesses and imaginations as we reach another significant delivery milestone,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “Our talented Xi Design Studio collected inspiration through the lens of our customers and the worldwide travel and freedom personal aviation offers. The 9,000th SR Series delivery means that 9,000 owners are living the Cirrus Life enabled by the best-selling high-performance piston aircraft in the industry for over two decades. The SR Series is one of the safest aircraft as it includes the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) and a suite of integrated safety features as standard equipment. Through our expanded aircraft ownership ecosystem, we are excited to continue introducing more people to Personal Aviation™.”

From the onset of the Cirrus aircraft ownership experience, customers work alongside the company’s Xi Design Studio to personalize their new aircraft. Founded in 2009, the Xi Design Studio carefully curates an exclusive experience leveraging advanced technology, world-class engineering and a leading-edge Paint and Finish Facility to build a one-of-a-kind Cirrus aircraft.

Cirrus Aircraft’s Xi Design Studio showcases its artistic prowess through the compelling Limited Edition’s bold design and color collection. Thematically named Limited Edition designs, ‘Balos,’ ‘Lava,’ ‘Magma’ and ‘Santorini’ were inspired by different international destinations and illustrate the company’s range of premium and bespoke paint schemes. In partnership with Sherwin-Williams, Cirrus Aircraft reformulated signature hues, namely, Lava orange and Aegean blue, to create a bold and eclectic splash of color.

To commemorate 9,000 SR Series deliveries, the number nine was thematically integrated throughout the design. The ‘9’ iconography inspired the sleek and aerodynamic lines on the fuselage, along with the many exterior graphic details. The theme continues inside the cabin with several custom touches on the seats and embroidery.

With the release of the 9,000th Limited Edition, Cirrus Aircraft introduced newly designed Cirrus All-Weather Floor Liners engineered for adventure travel to protect the aircraft floor from mud, sand, water, dirt and more. Each liner features a customized badge commemorating the delivery milestone. Standard SR Series All-Weather Floor Liners for G1-G6 aircraft are available for purchase. Additionally, every 9,000th Limited Edition SR Series aircraft owner will be outfitted with the newly announced Bose A30 Aviation Headset and Garmin® International’s D2™ Aviation watch with custom bands matching the 9,000th livery for a premium flight experience.

Meticulous craftsmanship, bespoke design and daring colors turn heads with the 9,000th Limited Edition SR Series and are a testament to Cirrus Aircraft’s customers’ unwavering passion to seek new experiences and travel the world.

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; and Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee and Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Source: Cirrus Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Cirrus Aircraft

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Pipistrel Boosts US Distribution Network With Appointment of Lanier Flight Center

Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, has expanded its US distribution network with the appointment of Lanier Flight Center as its distributor for five southeastern states.

A leading aircraft sales, maintenance and training provider, Lanier Flight Center will be responsible for sales, service support and training for Pipistrel’s ultralight, light sport and type certified aircraft, including the Alpha Trainer, Velis Electro and Panthera. Lanier Flight Center will oversee sales and service in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.

“The appointment of Lanier Flight Center covering this region underlines our commitment to establish a strong network of distributors that support the needs of our US based customers. As an authorized Cessna Pilot Center (CPC), Lanier Flight Center provides an exceptional experience to customers and we’re excited for them to join the Pipistrel family,” says Steve Mckenna, director of sales and marketing, Pipistrel.

“We’re familiar with Textron as an authorized CPC and extending this relationship to include Pipistrel really cements the success of our existing partnership,” adds Troy Wheeler, president, Lanier Flight Center. “For 20 years in this industry and many accomplishments in the air, our most lasting influence will be our connection to many within the aviation community, including business aviation. We look forward to supporting Pipistrel customers across an important region that is helping to drive the future of aviation.”

The partnership expands on Pipistrel’s existing distribution network, which was boosted earlier this year with the appointment of Lincoln Park Aviation (LPA) as Pipistrel’s distributor for 15 US states in the northeast.

US customers with sales, service or contract queries based outside of the territories covered by Lanier Flight Center or LPA can contact Pipistrel directly.

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 (shown as meta image)

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Crane Aerospace & Electronics to Supply New Converter on Bye Aerospace’s eFlyer 2 Series of Electric Aircraft

Crane Aerospace & Electronics, a segment of Crane Co., has been selected to provide its new High Voltage DC-DC Converter to Bye Aerospace – an aircraft manufacturer applying clean, all-electric propulsion systems to its airplane designs. Crane A&E’s new converter will be placed on Bye Aerospace’s eFlyer 2 series of electric aircraft, which is to be certified under 14 CFR Part 23 by the FAA.

The aerospace industry’s move toward alternative energy sources has created new demand within an aircraft’s power supply architecture. Crane A&E has filled a major industry void with its modular High Voltage DC-DC Converter, which supports traditional, all-electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen platforms. A&E’s HV DC-DC Converter provides 4kW of power and owns a wide input (600v nominal, 450-800v) range. Regardless of electrical power source, Crane A&E’s high-power converters will convert high voltage source power into an aircraft’s traditional 28v DC bus or 270v DC bus.

“We are pleased to provide Bye Aerospace our High Voltage DC-DC Converter for its new all-electric eFlyer 2 platform,” said Hilary King, Crane A&E VP & GM of Sensing & Power Systems. “This state-of-the-art power converter is derived from our breakthrough technology and is an extension of our rich expertise in innovative electrical power solutions supporting the future of electrification for the aerospace and defense industry.”

Crane A&E’s power converter delivers high density in a small package, has parallel capability and is greater than 97% efficient. In addition to adapting to varying power inputs, the converter also supports different cooling options through one of several modules. These cooling mechanisms include liquid, fan and conduction cooling, giving customers enhanced electrical system design flexibility.

George E. Bye, CEO of Bye Aerospace, expressed his gratitude to Crane A&E for being an engaged supply chain partner filling a critical requirement. “We appreciate Crane A&E’s enthusiasm and technical expertise for this revolutionary airplane,” he said.

About Crane Aerospace & Electronics

Crane Aerospace & Electronics delivers innovative systems, components and services for commercial aircraft, defense platforms and space systems, which have proven reliability in mission-critical environments. Products and services are organized into six integrated solutions: Electrical Power Solutions, Fluid Management Solutions, Landing Systems, Microwave Solutions, Cabin Systems and Sensing Components & Systems.

About Crane Co.

Crane Co. is a diversified manufacturer of highly engineered industrial products. Founded in 1855, Crane Co. provides products and solutions to customers in the chemicals, oil & gas, power, automated payment solutions, banknote design and production and aerospace & defense markets, along with a wide range of general industrial and consumer related end markets. The company has four business segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Process Flow Technologies, Payment & Merchandising Technologies and Engineered Materials. Crane Co. has approximately 11,000 employees in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. 

About Bye Aerospace

Bye Aerospace has developed and is in the process of FAA certifying a family of zero-emission, electric-aircraft that are one-fifth the operating cost of traditional airplanes. As a pioneer in electric aviation, Bye Aerospace has established itself as a leader with a production back log of nearly 900 aircraft. Based in Denver, Colo., Bye Aerospace was founded by George E. Bye, who is Chairman and CEO. 

Source: Crane Aerospace & Electronics Press Release
Photo Credit: Bye Aerospace

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Global Pilot Training Group, AeroGuard, Expands Fleet and Plans to Add Over 20 Aircraft in 2023

Phoenix, Arizona, United States headquartered AeroGuard has announced the acquisition of three new planes in the last few weeks, including two in the last two weeks as part of their plan to add more than 20 aircraft in 2023. These developments mark a major milestone in the groups’s expansion, enabling it to offer a wider range of pilot training programs and accommodate an increasing number of students. The additional planes will help AeroGuard increase its training capacity and meet the growing demand for skilled pilots in the aviation industry.

These aircraft are to support strong growth being seen across their programs. The domestic-focused Pathway Program is growing strongly year over year, and they are establishing a new offering with Arizona State University, training up to 250 students as part of a bachelor degree program; and with the world-renowned Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific.

These aircraft will join AeroGuard United States bases standardized fleet of 70+ aircraft comprised of Piper Archers and Piper Seminoles. Through this standardized fleet, AeroGuard aims to provide a singular learning process, so students have a structured training experience. This isolates the learning of new skills, as opposed to learning different aircraft controls and features. As such, these aircraft will first spend time with AeroGuard’s FAA Diamond Award winning team of mechanics to ensure they match the rest of the AeroGuard fleet, before hitting the flight line in the coming weeks.

With the expanding fleet and new partnerships, AeroGuard is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for skilled pilots in the industry and provide their students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

The school expects to add more than 20 aircraft to their continually growing fleet as the year goes on – representing a growth of over 25%.

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

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