Global Training Aircraft Manufacturer Delivers First Electric Training Aircraft to Canada

Pipistrel announced its first delivery to Canada of its all-electric, two-seater aircraft the Velis Electro.

The Canadian customer, the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) at the University of Waterloo and its partner Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC), will use the Velis Electro to increase their research and collaborative capacity to evaluate battery-powered electric flight in Canada. Pipistrel continues its work with Transport Canada towards certification of the Velis Electro.

Gabriel Massey, president and managing director at Pipistrel, says: “We are privileged to have the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics as our first Canadian customer for the Velis Electro. This delivery is not only an exciting milestone for Pipistrel and the global presence of the Velis Electro, but also represents a steppingstone for Canada’s strategic investments to promote a greener aerospace industry and economy.”

The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the world’s first and currently only in service, commercially available, type-certified electric aircraft, having achieved EASA type-certification in 2020 and UK CAA certification in 2022. Pipistrel is currently pursuing a FAA airworthiness certificate for the Velis Electro. The two-seat, fixed-wing aircraft produces noise levels of only 60 decibels and no exhaust gases, while cruising at an average speed of 90 knots and covering a range of 108 nautical miles at a payload weight of 172 kg (378 lb).

Massey spoke at the Sustainable Aeronautics Summit this month at the Waterloo International Airport (YKF) Operations Centre on an economic sustainability panel exploring the opportunities and challenges of future sustainability initiatives.

Source: Pipistrel Press Release
Photo Credit: Pipistrel

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Textron Aviation, Breaks Ground on Distribution Center Expansion

Textron Aviation recently broke ground on its 180,000 square foot expansion to its parts distribution facility. As announced during NBAA-BACE last week, the project will allow the company to better support customers who own and operate Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker products.

“This is an exciting day for Textron Aviation as we break ground on this expansion to our parts distribution facility,” said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Global Parts and Distribution. “The additional space and capabilities this expansion provides will enable us to continue to invest in inventory to support not only new models like the Cessna SkyCourier and Beechcraft Denali but to continue to bolster our stock levels for other product lines as well.”

This expansion will provide additional space for warehouse storage, customer support analysts and offices. The expansion will also enable Textron Aviation to make it easier for customers to conduct business with the company, including a dedicated lane for customers to drop-off or pick-up parts in person and opportunities for consolidated shipments. The expanded operations will also provide expedited support to the company’s own Wichita Service Center.

“As we continue to invest in our product lineup, it is important that we also invest in our aftermarket business,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO. “We remain dedicated to our customers beyond their delivery, we support them throughout the life of their aircraft.”

Professional Engineering Consultants, GLMV Architecture and CONCO Construction are teaming up on the expansion project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. All companies are local to Textron Aviation’s headquarters and the expanded facility in Wichita, Kansas.

Source: Textron Aviation Press Release
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation

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Sling Aircraft Now Approved in New Zealand

South African popular training aircraft Sling Aircraft is now approved in New Zealand as shared by Sling Aircraft New Zealand.

“Leroy, our test pilot managed to complete the 40 hour test flight period in an incredible three and a half weeks. This was an impressive feet which saw him flying in all kinds of weather including strong cross winds, rain and everything else Spring in the Manawatu could throw at him and needless to say the plane performed amazingly. With the paperwork summited to the CAA late on Tuesday night we held our breath hoping to get it back in time for us to go to the Tiger Moth fly in weekend at Taumarunui on Friday! The CAA pulled one out of the bag and we got our CofA back late Thursday,” said Sling Aircraft New Zealand.

Source: Sling Aircraft New Zealand
Photo Credit: Sling Aircraft New Zealand

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Implements Latest Evolution of Garmin Software

Piper Aircraft announces it has implemented the latest evolution of Garmin software at NBAA-BACE in Orlando, FL. Piper Aircraft is committed to providing innovative safety enhancing technologies throughout its fleet. Previously, Piper Aircraft was first to market with Garmin’s Collier award-winning Autoland technology, a standard feature included on the M600/SLS.

The latest in Garmin software innovations designed for the G3000 avionics suite, which Piper Aircraft uses in their flagship turboprop, the M600/SLS will be on display in the convention center at NBAA. The updated software includes enhancements to the synthetic vision system, weather radar, navigation, flight planning, checklists, and Safetaxi. Additionally, the system will provide advanced database management with automation. One of the most significant additions is the new 3D SafeTaxi, which expands ground situational awareness with an advanced 3D depiction of the ground environment, including airport markers, buildings, and other position markings. The aircraft view displayed on the avionics can depict a 3D model of the aircraft, showing its position from above and behind. New to the system is taxiway routing guidance which further increases pilot awareness by providing both graphical and textual information, supporting the pilot at even the most complex airports. A taxiway route is entered through the taxiway selection screen, and then the system will use the aircraft position to depict the route on the display.

“Bringing the latest avionics innovations to the G3000 equipped M600/SLS reaffirms our commitment to safety and remaining at the forefront of general aviation technology for all of our customers,” said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support at Piper Aircraft. “We look forward to watching our customers utilize this technology and appreciate our ongoing partnership with Garmin.”

Piper Aircraft will have a demonstration kiosk at NBAA-BACE this year, located at Booth #4886 in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. In addition, Piper Aircraft will exhibit the M600/SLS, M350, and Archer LX at the NBAA-BACE outdoor displays, located at Orlando Executive Airport, Booth #AD-409.

About the Piper M600/SLS

The Piper M600/SLS with HALO Safety System is the first general aviation aircraft certified with Garmin Autoland. The revolutionary system supports digital technology that safely lands the aircraft at the nearest suitable airport in the event that the pilot is incapacitated. Additionally, the Garmin G3000 avionics suite includes Autothrottle, Autoland, Emergency Descent Mode, Electronic Stability Protection, Surface Watch, SafeTaxi, and Connectivity, all of which are designed to enhance safe operation of the aircraft. Beyond the flight deck, the six-seat M600/SLS is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A 600 SHP engine. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 274 ktas/507 km/h, a max range of 1,658 nm/2,748 km, and a standard useful load of 2,400 lbs/1,089 kg.

About Piper Aircraft

Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, FL, offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series–the M600SLS, M500, and M350–offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. 

Source: Piper Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

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