Puerto Rico's Inter American University Adds 2 Piper Pilot 100i Aircraft in 2026

Puerto Rico, USA – Inter American University of Puerto Rico has taken delivery of two Piper Pilot 100i aircraft, marking the model’s first delivery to a customer outside the continental United States.

• The two Pilot 100i aircraft increase the School of Aeronautics fleet to 11 aircraft and form part of the university’s fleet-modernization plan. One of the aircraft was displayed at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh before delivery to Puerto Rico.
• The Pilot 100i is based on the PA-28-181 airframe and is powered by a 180 hp Lycoming IO-360 engine. Its standard equipment includes Garmin G3X Touch avionics, a Garmin G5 standby display, a GFC 500 autopilot and electronic stability protection.
• Piper publishes a maximum cruise speed of 128 knots and a range of 522 nautical miles with a 45-minute reserve for the three-seat aircraft. The model is classified as a Technically Advanced Aircraft for training purposes.
• Inter American University operates an all-Piper training fleet and recently added a factory-new Piper Seminole for multi-engine instruction. The Seminole was acquired and entered the university’s fleet in 2023.
• The Bayamón School of Aeronautics offers an Associate of Applied Science in Commercial Pilot, a bachelor’s degree in Aircraft Systems Management with a Professional Pilot concentration and a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Science Management.
• The university is a member of the Piper Flight School Alliance, a manufacturer-supported network for flight-training operators using Piper aircraft. 

Statements

• “The arrival of two Piper Pilot 100i aircraft is tangible evidence that reaffirms our commitment to offer our students the best, helping them acquire the skills and knowledge required for a career in today’s modern aviation industry. With these two airplanes, our fleet increases to 11 aircraft. These purchases continue to position Inter American University, the Bayamón Campus, and the School of Aeronautics, as a truly unique institution, and the leader in aviation education in Latin America,” said Dr. Jonathan Velazquez, Dean of the School of Aeronautics at Inter American University.
• “Expanding our flight training fleet through the acquisition of two new Piper 100i aircraft reflects Inter American University’s commitment to continually enhancing the education and training of pilots who will play a pivotal role in the future of international air transport, leveraging Puerto Rico’s island geography as a strategic starting point. As an island, air transport is our fastest and most efficient means of physically connecting with the rest of the world. That reality has been a key driver behind the ongoing development of our School of Aeronautics through the use of modern and emerging technology,” stated Dr. Rafael Ramírez-Rivera, President of IAU.
• “At Piper, we value our fleet partners globally and join Inter American University in celebrating this milestone delivery. We take pride in helping programs like IAU accomplish their flight training goals and provide their students an industry-leading aviation education. Delivering the first Pilot 100i outside the continental U.S. is a proud moment for our team, and AirVenture is the perfect venue to showcase this achievement,” said Piper’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Support, and Quality, Ron Gunnarson.

Source: Piper Aircraft