At the Paris Air Show, Elixir Aircraft announced that Scottsdale Arizona USA based Sierra Charlie Aviation has ordered more than 100 Elixir Full Glass Cockpit 100HP, part 23 aircraft, 50 on option.

Both Elixir Aircraft and Sierra Charlie Aviation are driving the charge in changing the flight training industry.

With the high demand for Airline pilots, the Elixir Aircraft will be integrated into Sierra Charlie’s popular Aviator Career Program. The program is designed and focused on training the very best pilots, taking students with no past flying experience through all certifications and ratings. However, while other programs focus on speed and rushing students through a nonstandard curriculum, Sierra Charlie’s Aviator Program follows a structured syllabus that considers different learning styles.

“Like Elixir Aircraft, we pride ourselves on innovation and safety, and being ahead of the curve. This means providing our students with best and safest tools out there to ensure the highest quality education and training. The 4th generation Elixir is definitely one of these tools,” says Scott Campbell owner of Sierra Charlie.

“The simplicity, yet strength of the airplane like the components built with the OneShot technology is a game changer. Less than 1000 references in the whole plane and half a day 100hr maintenance checks means my Elixirs will be flying a lot. And my students already fly a lot!” adds Scott Campbell.

“Speaking with Sierra Charlie, it’s clear both our businesses are focused on commercial and industrial development. We know the demand for the global aviation market, training aircraft and pilot shortage. We aim to work together to do whatever we need to do to meet that demand,” states Arthur Leopold Leger, CEO of Elixir Aircraft.

Mike Tonkin, Elixir’s Head of Worldwide Sales explains “Sierra Charlie’s order comes off the back of recent Elixir orders by several large flight training organizations around the world including the Airbus Flight Academy and the Mermoz Academy. There are more orders to come and our new 12,000m² factory at La Rochelle airport and an assembly facility in Florida, USA is a key part of this growth.”

“Knowing Scott [Campbell] and his team for years and their professionalism when it comes to flight training, we are thrilled about their large fleet order. It will have a positive impact on their students, but also help feed the US part 121 and 135 operators. It’s full throttle for Elixir in America.” says Dr Scott Firsing, Elixir Aircraft’s North America Sales and Business Development Director.

The Elixir 912iS was originally certified Part 23 by EASA in early 2020. FAA certification is pending expected in the near future.

About Sierra Charlie Aviation 

Sierra Charlie is a part 161 flight school located in Scottsdale Arizona with over 60+ instructors. We have two bases: Scottsdale Airport and Chandler Municipal Airport.

We at Sierra Charlie have a passion for aviation and it shows. We have grown to become a national award-winning flight school, supporting students at every stage in their career. Airlines partner with Sierra Charlie Aviation because they know we aim high in our industry. Our training creates well-equipped pilots ready to take on challenges whether in the sky or in the industry. Moreover, a superb track record for training the safest, most competent pilots in the country, and a commitment to providing a fun family atmosphere that energizes every student and contributes to his or her success. 

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.

About Elixir Aircraft

Elixir Aircraft, a company headquartered in La Rochelle, France, with nearly 100 employees, was founded in 2015 to meet the challenges of global light aviation.

The French company’s objective: to manufacture safer, more economical and more versatile aircraft. Complexity is the reason why today’s aircraft suffer from failures (technical or human), and are costly to operate (fuel consumption and maintenance).

Elixir Aircraft uses a technology from the world of competitive sailing, the Carbon Oneshot, to simplify structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, so greater safety, but also less maintenance, and lower costs (estimates of €40/h fuel and maintenance).

At the end of 2021, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in Périgny, Charente Maritime, to internalize all carbon parts production.

Elixir Aircraft in Numbers

• 4th-generation two-seater aircraft EASA CS-23 certified since 2020
• 100 employees, including more than 70 new hires since the first quarter of 2021
• Two production sites in France, one of 2300m², the other of 2000m².
• +70 aircraft on firm order
• +140 aircraft on pre-order and letters of intent in the U.S. and Europe

Source: Elixir Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft