Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

US Flight School, Epic Flight Academy, Places Order for 15 Cessna 172 Aircraft

Textron Aviation announced an agreement with long-term customer Epic Flight Academy at the 2023 Sun n’ Fun Aerospace Expo for the order of 15 new Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft. As a Cessna Pilot Center, Epic Flight Academy has been training pilots since 1999 and thousands of students from over 80 countries have graduated from the flight school. The Cessna Skyhawk is Epic’s exclusive single-engine aircraft, with a total fleet of 43 ordered since 2016. The new aircraft will supplement and expand Epic Flight Academy’s current fleet based at New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport in Florida.

The Cessna Skyhawk is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company.

“The Cessna Skyhawk has been one of the world’s top training aircraft for over six decades,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Textron Aviation Piston Sales. “We are thrilled to see these aircraft continue to inspire the next generation of professional pilots through this agreement with Epic Flight Academy.”

The stable flight characteristics, advanced avionics, and proven dispatch reliability of the Skyhawk have made it a dependable training platform for Epic. The new airplanes will be used exclusively by students to put them in the pilot’s seat of the best training aircraft in the industry.

“At Epic, our motto has always been ‘Safety first!’ This is why we train our pilots in the Cessna Skyhawk,” said Danny Perna, founder and CEO, Epic Flight Academy. “This aircraft proves itself with every flight and prepares our students for a successful career. We can’t wait to take delivery and expand our fleet.”

Since the aircraft first took to the sky, more than 45,000 Skyhawks have been delivered to customers worldwide—more than any other aircraft in the industry.

About the Cessna Skyhawk

The Cessna Skyhawk is considered the aircraft of choice for pilot training, and it is the most popular single-engine aircraft in aviation history. Since the aircraft first took flight in 1955, over 45,000 Skyhawks have been delivered to customers around the world – more than any other aircraft in the industry. The single-engine four-seat, high-wing Skyhawk is renowned for offering the best combination of modern features, including the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics with wireless connectivity, a standard angle-of-attack display system, and proven dependability. The aircraft also features McCauley’s aluminum fixed pitch propeller, providing greater reliability and operating time.

About Textron Aviation

Textron Aviation inspires the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation  has empowered their collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for their customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special missions, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on their legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with their trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive and flexible flight.

About Textron Inc.

Textron  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 Aviation Press Release
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation

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New Training Aircraft Manufacturer in Australia Reveals E22 Spark Aircraft and Flight School Order

Bader Aero, an Adelaide, Australia-based company founded by a group of aviation industry professionals for the introduction to the market of innovative aircraft designs based on electric propulsion systems, unveiled the E22 Spark aircraft at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival on March 25 and 26, 2023. The two-seater aircraft could be a game-changer for flight training according to Bader Aero’s CCO Barrie Rogers as the aircraft can do up to 90 minute of flight time and has a range of over 300 kilometers.

Bader Aero has an agreement with Australian flight school Hartwig Air for 6 E22 Spark and has indicated another order from New Zealand.

Source: Bader Aero
Photo Credit: Bader Aero (shown as meta image)

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Italian Aircraft Manufacturer Tecnam Aircraft Debuts Super Luxury Version of the Popular P2010

Italian Manufacturer Tecnam Aircraft Debuts Super Luxury Version of the Popular P2010 four-seater powered with Continental  CD-170.

The Gran Lusso is a super-luxury version of the four-seat P2010. It features refined Italian leather upholstery, carbon fiber inserts, an all-new center FADEC power quadrant with standard FMS to accompany the Garmin NXi avionics suite. Powered by Continental’s 170 hp turbocharged CD-170 Jet/A engine, the Gran Lusso features enhanced cabin ergonomics for an unprecedented, ultimate luxury flying experience.

Designed by Tecnam “Centro Stile”, the P2010 Gran Lusso is a concentration of details that offer the highest level of pilot and passenger comfort in its class. The innate Italian characteristics are combined with virtuoso craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology, unparalleled operational value and sophisticated design. The highly bespoke interior is unrivalled in the aviation industry, with uniquely detailed trim and stylish colour finishes and choices.

The Gran Lusso includes the following list of standard equipment to make the flying experience unlike any other aircraft available today.

  • New Smart Design cockpit panel
  • AFCS control unit GMC 707 autopilot with ESP
  • Flight Management System keyboard and buttons (GCU475)
  • Custom trim control wheel in center console
  • New center console parking brake access
  • Dual mobile device jacks for pilot and passenger
  • Enhanced USB ports
  • Electric trim for rudder control
  • New wingtip design with integrated LED lighting
  • Total Metallic paint exclusive to Gran Lusso
  • Additional choice of super premium leather interior combinations

Burning just 5.2 US gallons per hour, the Gran Lusso features a spacious Italian-style cabin interior while taking advantage of the high wing configuration with 3 access doors plus a separate door for the baggage compartment. With a full 63 US gallon fuel tank, the Gran Lusso can fly 1,000 nm or more than 12 hours.

The P2010 TDI Gran Lusso is part of the P2010 series. The P2010 platforms offer different engines and three different fuel options; automotive unleaded (approved on the 180hp version), avgas on the 215hp variant and, the TDI is powered by Jet A or diesel.

“Flying is a private experience. With the Gran Lusso, this experience becomes even more intimate, where you can find all the luxury you deserve and express the owner’s personality at its best. No other aircraft manufacturer offers this level of certification, value, performance, comfort and economy. We are honoured to present this model to all discerning US private pilots,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer.

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

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European Air Force to Take Delivery of its First Batch of Grob G120TP Training Aircraft and Simulator

The Swedish Flygvapnet (Air Force) announced it will soon take delivery of its first batch of Grob G120TP training aircraft, designated as the SK 40 which will be stationed in Malmen. The delivery includes seven aircraft and a simulator. The official ceremony and reception will be held on the 3rd of April. Swedish Air Force Pilots and Instructors have already completed training on the new Grob G120TP aircraft.

In March 2020, the Swedish government announced the purchase of said aircraft which will replace the existing SK 60 jet trainers.

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

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