Schlagwort-Archive: Aircraft

Pipistrel appoints first distributor in Mexico

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Committed to positioning itself as the top choice for aircraft sales and acquisitions in the region, Wulf Aviation will be responsible for managing sales of Pipistrel’s range of ultralight, light sport and type-certified aircraft across Mexico.

Wulf Aviation has placed an initial order for a Pipistrel Explorer, a 2-seat EASA type-certified plane, intended to serve as a demonstration aircraft. The appointment of Wulf Aviation follows Pipistrel’s expansion of its distribution network in key regions across the globe, including the appointment of four distributors in North America. Source: ‚Pipistrel‚.

Tecnam delivers 400th P2006T Twin

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Tecnam reached a significant milestone by delivering the 400th Tecnam P2006T Twin to Bartolini Air, Poland’s leading flight training organisation. The renowned Polish flying school has also taken delivery of SN/200; the handover of the keys took place during the Pilot ExpoBerlin. Designed in 2006, the Tecnam P2006T Twin has established itself as the aircraft of choice not only for the world’s most prestigious flight training organisations but also for private owners.

The P2006T enables multi-engine piston training to be provided at a cost that is unrivalled by older twin-engine aircraft. With 400 P2006T’s now in service worldwide, it consistently comes out on top in the most rigorous of competitor fly-off evaluations. As well as flight schools, Tecnam has partnered with several air forces and other niche operators who are now flying special versions of the twin, such as the P2006T SMP version for aerial operations. Source: ‚Tecnam‚.

Van’s Aircraft Business Update

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As we work through the Chapter 11 planning requirements and execute our daily operations, the staff at Van’s Aircraft have been hard at work. We’ve processed a large volume of kit reorders and continue to handle related emails and phone calls. We’re shipping kits to customers every day, and we’ve started sending replacement parts to some customers with kits that contain laser-cut parts. We’re also currently finalizing the plan for customers who have open orders for Lycoming engines, Rotax powerplant kits, propellers, and avionics kits.

Many customers have emailed and called us to offer words of encouragement, and we want to say “thank you.” Your kind words always help, and are very much appreciated! We will have more news to share in the coming week. Source: ‚VansAircraft‚.

Cirrus Aircraft Announces New Generation of SR 7 Series

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Cirrus Aircraft, the company that brought you the aircraft with the parachute and the Vision Jet that lands itself with the touch of a button, today announced the newest generation of the world’s best-selling, high-performance, single-engine piston aircraft – the SR Series G7. The SR Series G7 aircraft features touchscreen interfaces, large high-resolution displays, advanced safety systems, improved visibility, increased legroom, enhanced convenience features, and the Cirrus IQ mobile app that provides remote access to real-time health and readiness indications for your aircraft so you can travel faster, safer and smarter wherever you go.

The G7 integrates an intuitive touchscreen-controlled flight deck with a comfortable and stylish cabin to create an approachable personal aviation experience. This simplified yet incredibly powerful flight deck reduces pilot workload while offering enhanced situational awareness for both pilot and passenger. Cirrus Aircraft has defined the personal aviation category with both the SR Series and the Vision Jet and has aligned the flight deck, cabin experience, and training programs, including our Private Pilot Program, to provide a clear progression from learning to fly and owning a SR Series aircraft, all the way through piloting your own Vision Jet.

The Future of Flying
First delivered in 1999 and now memorialized in the ‘We All Fly’ exhibition at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, the SR20 altered the light aircraft industry with a 10” multi-function display and later added a complete glass flight deck with the very first primary flight display in a small, certified aircraft. These technological advancements revolutionized the industry and helped improve safety while simplifying the way pilots navigate around the world – forever changing the aviation landscape.

Today, the SR Series G7 features Cirrus Perspective Touch+™ by Garmin®, the most advanced flight deck in the industry, and is the first-ever piston aircraft to incorporate dual Garmin Touch Controllers. Perspective Touch+ offers larger, high-resolution displays with expanded systems integration, enabling a more intuitive flight deck experience, reducing pilot workload, and increasing situational awareness. The interior creates a refined inflight experience for the pilot and passengers, increasing the comfort for every occupant with easy-to-see and understandable flight details such as – current position, fuel level, destination arrival time, and more.

The Perspective Touch+ flight deck now integrates more systems including:

  • Larger, high-resolution 12” or optional 14” widescreen displays to streamline tasks.
  • Garmin Touchscreen Controllers with intuitive icons and a shallow menu structure.
  • CAS-linked checklists and Checklist Scroll Wheel to easily navigate through checklists.
  • Taxiway Routing and 3D SafeTaxi to simplify airport ground navigation.

Source: ‚Cirrus Aircraft‚.

Nasa Unveils Quiet Supersonic Aircraft X-59

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In the launch event on January 12th, the agency shared plans to test over US cities to see if it’s quiet enough by engaging ‘the people below’. NASA has unveiled a one-of-a-kind quiet supersonic aircraft as part of the US space agency’s mission to make commercial supersonic flight possible. In a ceremony with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California, on Friday, NASA revealed the X-59, an experimental aircraft that is expected to fly at 1.4 times the speed of sound – or 925 mph (1’488 km/h).

NASA postpones plans to send humans to the moon
The aircraft, which stands 99.7ft (30.4 meters) long and 29.5ft wide, has a thin, tapered nose that comprises nearly a third of the aircraft’s full length – a feature designed to disperse shock waves that would typically surround supersonic aircraft and result in sonic booms. In attempts to further enhance the aircraft’s supersonic capabilities, engineers positioned the cockpit almost halfway down the length and removed the forward-facing windows typically found in other aircraft.

The aircraft also features an engine mounted on top as well as a smooth underside to prevent shock waves from forming behind the aircraft and causing sonic booms. The X-59 is set to take its first flight later this year and then its first quiet supersonic flight, NASA said. The agency added that once test flights are completed, the X-59 will fly over several cities across the US that have yet to be selected and will collect public feedback on the sound it generates. For the last 50 years, commercial supersonic travel over land has been banned in the US because of public concerns over the explosive sonic booms that could be heard from miles away. Source: ‚NASA‚.

Road Landing – A Very Special World Premiere

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The Royal Flying Doctor Service RFDS is a name synonymous with the vast Australian outback. Seven days a week and around the clock, the RFDS is tasked with servicing Australia’s largest “waiting room”, an area spanning 7.9 million square kilometers in some of the remotest regions of the world.

The “waiting room” is divided into states and territories, each of which is serviced by a particular RFDS chapter. The two largest chapters, Western Ops (RFDSWO) and Central Ops (RFDSCO) use the medevac version of the PC-24 to reach patients as quickly as possible in an emergency. Regular training is required to ensure readiness at all times.

An exceptional rescue exercise
Last April, RFDSCO teamed up with the South Australia Police Force and State Emergency Service to conduct a training mission simulating a major road incident on the Traeger Road Strip, a section of the Stuart Highway. While simulations of this type are a regular occurrence, this one was rather special for two reasons: it was the first time a PC-24 landed on a major highway in the middle of the outback, and the RFDS is the first organization to have ordered an aeromedical PC-24.

A landing requiring total concentration
Landing on the Traeger Road Strip was anything but simple. The road had to be shut down during the exercise and the pilots had to contend with challenging conditions, including crosswinds of up to twelve knots and temperatures between 104 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The PC-24 touched down without problem to the applause of numerous bystanders. The successful outcome of this simulation further highlighted the all-terrain suitability of the PC-24, and demonstrated yet again why organizations like the RFDS rely on our aircraft for their all-important missions.

Stuart Highway
The Stuart Highway connects the Northern Territory and South Australia over 2,800 kilometers (1,740 miles) and runs through the heart of Kokatha country. Some 2.1 million people live in this vast region which extends across 2.3 million square kilometers, yet there are only 5 hospitals. In comparison, Switzerland is 56 times smaller and has approximately 276 hospitals. The RFDS plays an essential role in enabling communities to exist in such remote areas. Source: ‚Pilatus Aircraft‚. Video.

ICON Aircraft Receives Type Certification

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ICON Aircraft announced, that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Type Certification for the ICON A5 in the primary category, marking a significant milestone for the company and its visionary amphibious aircraft.

With this designation, ICON Aircraft is now one of only a few Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) manufacturers in the world to meet the certification standards of the FAA, meaning that ICON can now take advantage of reciprocal agreements between the FAA and aviation governing bodies outside of the U.S. – including those in Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America – to certify the A5 to operate in these regions.

The ICON A5 is a state-of-the-art amphibious aircraft, designed to empower adventure-seekers with a new level of freedom and versatility. Its innovative design allows it to take off and land on both water and traditional runways, providing pilots with unparalleled access to diverse landscapes and destinations.

With FAA Type Certification in hand, ICON Aircraft is poised to enter a new phase of growth and market presence. The company looks forward to delivering on the growing demand for the ICON A5 and continuing to set new standards in the general aviation industry. Source: ‚ICON Aircraft‚.

Diamond Aircraft delivers DA62 MPP Special Mission Aircraft to Nigeria

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Diamond Aircraft announces the successful delivery of four DA62 MPP Special Mission Aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The official acceptance ceremony took place at the 303 Medium Airlift Group’s base in Ilorin, Kwara State in October. The procurement process initiated approximately two years ago, reached a significant milestone with the delivery of the final two DA62 MPP aircraft, complementing the first two aircraft delivered between February and July earlier this year. The NAF showcased the aircraft during a reception ceremony, with all four aircraft equipped with cutting-edge electro-optical systems. The DA62 MPP, features the latest in tracking and sensor technology and sets the benchmark as the most cost-effective, powerful and versatile airborne platform in its class today, contributing to the NAF’s operational efficiency.

The Diamond Aircraft DA62 MPP (Multipurpose Platform) is a modern twin-engine aircraft designed for a variety of specialized missions. With a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, the DA62 MPP can stay airborne for extended periods, allowing it to conduct missions over large areas without the need for frequent refuelling. Compared to larger, more expensive aircraft, the DA62 MPP is a cost-effective solution for these operations – with a fuel burn of approximately 7.4 US gal per hour, operating costs are extremely low. Source: ‚Diamond Aircraft‚.

100th TBM 960 Turboprop-Powered Aircraft Delivered

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Daher today announced the delivery of its 100th TBM 960, which was provided to a Californian businessman who is stepping up from a piston-engine airplane to this top-of-the-line member of the high-speed, turboprop-powered TBM aircraft family. The milestone TBM 960 was received by Kevin Kaseff, the President of Titan Real Estate Investment Group, Inc. – a private commercial real estate investment firm. Kaseff acquired his TBM 960 through Camarillo, California-based Avex, which is Daher’s authorized TBM distributor for the Southwestern United States. He joins the growing community of Daher TBM aviators in North America and worldwide.

The TBM 960 is the latest evolution of Daher’s pressurized single-engine turboprop aircraft product line. Launched commercially in April 2022, it is the fifth evolution in the TBM 900 series and benefits from today’s turboprop technology and digital power. Key TBM 960 features include the PT6E-66XT turboprop engine – purpose-built by Pratt & Whitney Canada for this aircraft; and Hartzell Propeller’s five-blade composite propeller with the Raptor™ lightweight hub. Both the engine and propeller system are linked to the TBM 960’s dual-channel digital Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System (EPECS).

The EPECS optimizes powerplant performance from the engine’s startup to landing while reducing pilot workload by integrating all functions and protecting the engine’s life. It also enables the pilot to fly with more precise settings. At Daher’s recommended cruise setting of 308 kts., the TBM 960’s fuel consumption is only 57 U.S. gallons per hour – a 10 percent fuel economy compared to the maximum cruise setting for more sustainability. Daher’s use of digital power for the TBM 960 extends into the aircraft’s Prestige cabin, featuring an all-new environmental control system produced by Enviro Systems Inc. Source: ‚TBM aero‚.

Five Tips to a Speedy Aircraft Approval

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  1. Be Organized
    Aircraft financing requires documentation similar to mortgage financing. Having easy access to W2’s, tax returns, pay stubs, business tax returns and K1s will help move the process along quickly. The number one reason for the delay in approval is missing documents.
  2. Full disclosure
    Fill out the application with as much detail as possible. You will need to provide documentation in the form of tax returns, bank statements, etc to verify income and down payment.
  3. Understand your credit and financial picture
    Being aware and able to explain any past issues on your credit report will help limit additional underwriting questions. Using free credit tracking services is a good way to understand what might show up on your credit report.
  4. Calculate your ability to afford the loan
    Make sure you have added the expected monthly payment to your current debt payments. Most lenders are not only going to want to see that you can handle the monthly payment but can also afford the operational and insurance costs on top of your current obligations.
  5. Determine Ownership Structure

Having an understanding of how you want the aircraft to be registered will help the approval and closing process go smoothly. LLC or corporate ownership adds additional complexities to the closing. Establishing these entities early on in the process helps keep things moving during the final stages. Source: ‚Adam Meredith on AOPA‚.

60 Years of Life-Saving Aviation

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Out of a humble hangar at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Missouri, Wings of Hope has been saving and changing lives through the power of aviation for 60 years. Founded in 1963, the organization began as a capital campaign to send an airplane to missionaries flying around Kenya, providing medical support and relief to communities in need. Wings of Hope has grown into a global humanitarian network serving more than 40,000 people in 10 countries in 2022.

Medevac Services and Aviation-supported Medical Brigades
How does this Midwest aviation nonprofit impact so many worldwide? Through partnership. Wings of Hope works with community partners to connect people with the resources they need to live healthy and dignified lives. The ultimate goal is to help communities build sustainable solutions to determine their futures long after Wings of Hope has moved on to its next mission.

Wings of Hope’s Global Humanitarian Network provides people access to health care using two primary delivery models: medevac and brigade services. Medevac flights respond to emergency calls for help from individuals in distress, flying into remote regions to provide emergency treatment onsite or transportation to the nearest hospital. Brigades, which are scheduled with the local community and health workers in advance, use aircraft to transport medical equipment and health care providers to indigenous communities and provide services based on local needs.

Medical Air Transport in the U.S.
Wings of Hope made its first medical air transport flight in the U.S. in 2003. Since then, its Medical Relief & Air Transport (MAT) Program has flown thousands of individuals and their families to transformative health care at the country’s top hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic, M.D. Anderson and Shriners Hospitals for Children. All flights are free, removing this hefty financial burden from the stresses of managing serious health conditions. The MAT Program operates with three stretcher-capable piston twins: Two Piper Senecas and a Piper Navajo. The all-volunteer, two-pilot crews fly within an 800-mile radius of St. Louis.

Born one leg shorter than the other, 16-year-old Micah has been flying with Wings of Hope from her home in Kansas to Shriners Children’s St. Louis since she was 5. After 16 surgeries and countless follow-up appointments, Micah is close to completing her treatment. She says her last flight with Wings of Hope will be bittersweet: “You guys have watched me grow up.”

STEM and Aviation Education for Students
In 2019, Wings of Hope established SOAR into STEM to engage students in pursuing STEM and aviation careers. SOAR into STEM Education Coordinator Robert Powell believes, “the best way to get young people excited about STEM is to give them something real to work on.” The four-week education program embraces that philosophy—offering hands-on experiences working on planes in the Wings of Hope hangar, using a flight simulator, flying drones and taking a discovery flight with a certificated flight instructor. Source: ‚AOPA‘.

Pipistrel expands presence in Africa

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Already a longstanding channel partner of Textron Aviation as an authorized sales, service and parts representative for Cessna and Beechcraft in southern and central Africa, Absolute Aviation will take on responsibility for sales, service support and training for Pipistrel’s ultralight, light sport and type certified aircraft, which include the Alpha Trainer, Velis Electro, Explorer and Panthera. Absolute Aviation will also showcase demonstration aircraft across the region to promote Pipistrel’s offerings.

Absolute Aviation will serve Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. “We’re fully committed to building our network of distributors so that we can precisely meet the needs of our customers across Africa,” says Steve Mckenna, director of Sales and Marketing, Pipistrel. “As an established Textron Aviation channel partner, Absolute Aviation’s customer-centric approach is well known to us and we’re looking forward to extending this collaboration to showcase Pipistrel.”

“Extending our relationship with Textron to include Pipistrel underlines the trust we have developed and the success we have delivered,” adds Neil Howard, CEO, of Absolute Aviation. “We are committed to building on this track record for Pipistrel in the fast-growing African market.” The appointment of Absolute Aviation follows Pipistrel’s expansion of its distribution network in key regions across the globe. Most recently, Pipistrel appointed Lincoln Park Aviation (LPA) as its distributor for 15 US states and Lanier Flight Center as its distributor for five US states. Source: ‚Pipistrel Aircraft‚.

„High Wing“ – The Newest Sling Aircraft

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The new „High Wing“ combines great Sling handling characteristics with the inherent stability of the classic high-wing design. The new plane comes with modern-day design safety features including a ballistic parachute recovery system, a low workload Garmin glass cockpit, an efficient and powerful 141 hp Rotax 915 iS turbocharged powerplant and Airmaster Constant Speed Propeller.

The removable rear seats increase the generous baggage area, providing a great utility platform. The extra-large cabin features wide, easy-access doors, superb four-seat ergonomics and best-in-class comfort and quality. The plane is available in tricycle and taildragger variants. Source: ‚SlingAircraft‚.

Diamond Aircraft & Aeromot will assemble DA62 in Brazil

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Diamond Aircraft Canada announces that it has recently signed a license agreement with its sales partner Aeromot, based in Brazil, for assembling DA62 aircraft, creating significant new value for customers and the aerospace industry in one of Diamond Aircraft’s key growth markets. Aeromot will assemble DA62 aircraft in Porto Alegre, Brazil under license from Diamond Aircraft Canada, which will provide the DA62 kits and ongoing support. The Brazilian-assembled DA62 aircraft will be delivered to Aeromot’s sales territory, which now includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Depending on market development, this area might be expanded. Diamond Aircraft and Aeromot are looking at a steadily growing output to reach more than 50 units per year. The specific progress depends on the local market conditions.

“The global demand for general aviation aircraft is huge. Especially the Brazilian and South American market, in general, has seen strong growth and we believe that now is the right time to look for opportunities to expand production and sales in this region.” Said Kevin Sheng, CEO of Diamond Aircraft Canada. “The state-of-the-art luxury twin DA62 with outstanding economics and space is a great fit for the South American market. For many years Aeromot is a trusted partner of Diamond, as an authorized dealer in Brazil, having contributed to aircraft sales, and technical, and maintenance support for operations in the country. We are convinced that they are the right partner for establishing a DA62 assembly facility in Brazil and will meet our highest standards.”

“We are very proud to announce this agreement with Diamond Aircraft, strengthening our partnership that started back in 2016. The Brazilian market has the key attributes for general aviation growth and the DA62 perfectly fits the user’s needs. This partnership represents an important resumption in the assembly of certified light piston aircraft by Aeromot, contributing to a generation of jobs and strengthening the Brazilian and South American market with innovative solutions.” Said Guilherme Cunha, CEO Aeromot. Source: ‚Diamond aircraft‚.

Price Aviation chooses Tecnam

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Tecnam announced today that delivery has commenced to Serbia-based Prince Aviation of two Tecnam P2008JC MkII and one P2006T MkII multi-engine aircraft.

By selecting Tecnam to renew its training fleet, Prince Aviation can now offer the highest standards in pilot training in Western Balkans and South East Europe. Introduction of the Tecnam models will provide Prince Aviation’s student’s state of the art aircraft that will support their flight training and education, giving them their first insight into the modern aviation world. Since 1992, Prince Aviation’s flight training organization has trained more than 500 pilots, confirming to be the leading FTO in the region. By completing a Tecnam Maintenance Training Course, Prince will shortly become an Authorized Tecnam Service Center, providing certified support to their fleet and Tecnam customers in the area.

With its carbon-fibre fuselage, metal wings and stabilator, the Tecnam P2008JC MkII has many advantages over traditional aircraft. Combining composite material and metal has resulted in a more fuel-efficient and quieter aircraft, becoming a favourite of many Flight Training Organizations. The Tecnam P2008JC MkII features some significant enhancements: a new avionics suite and a new design of both the instrument panel and glare shield, enabling the introduction of Garmin’s innovative G3X Touch display with an MD302 attitude instrument. VFR Night is optional.

The P2006T MkII is a twin-engine, four-seat aircraft with the fully retractable landing gear. It offers an innovative design with a modern Garmin avionics suite which integrates all primary flight, navigation, communication, terrain and engine data on two high-definition LCDs. The P2006T is standard equipped with an advanced feature S-TEC 55x high-performance, two-axis autopilot. Fitted with two Rotax 912S3 engines, the Tecnam P2006T MkII exhibits remarkable fuel saving and can be operated either on AVGAS or MOGAS 95 octane fuel (which leads to huge operating cost reductions). Source: ‚Tecnam website‘.

Bladeless Fluidic Propulsion System Airplane Prototype

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Jetoptera, a Seattle-based propulsion system, drone, and aerial mobility startup, is working on an innovative vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft concept modelled on Dyson’s “bladeless fan” design. The current design uses a turboshaft engine which drives an air compressor, which generates high-pressure air. This jet of compressed air is spread across the outlet of the thruster

An aerodynamic mechanism known as the Coanda effect causes the fluid jet to remain attached to the surface of the thruster as it is forced out of the outlet. Jetoptera has completed several flight tests using its newly developed Fluidic Propulsion System (FPS™). Thrusters can be shaped and distributed around an airframe in ways to maximize lift augmentation and distribute propulsion at the same time. Thrusters can also be easily swivelled, allowing for VTOL operations. The result is a high-speed, compact system that can naturally hover. Source: ‚Sia Magazine‚.

What You Need to Know About Pre-Buy Inspections

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Do have a pre-buy inspection. It could save you thousands of dollars over time. People passionate about airplanes find it easy to fall in love quickly with a particular airplane. What’s more, if we don’t act quickly and say „yes“ to the buyer, then the one-and-only airplane for us will be sold to someone else. Slow down and be smart. First, have a pre-buy inspection.

Even if the airplane belongs to your best friend, and even if the airplane you want to buy is one that you have flown before, you need to know more about the total health of the airplane. A pre-buy inspection will reveal issues such as corrosion that would not readily be visible. That’s why the best advice I can give any airplane buyer is to have a licensed A&P perform an independent, non-biased inspection of the airplane. 

And now for a “don’t.” Don’t choose the existing mechanic or shop of your potential new airplane. Use another shop that has no ties to the airplane. Sure, it’s convenient to have the local shop at the airport where the airplane is based perform the inspection. It’s probably cheaper, too. However, the shop working on the airplane may be too quick to praise its work and tell you the airplane is in great shape. Even if you have to pay to have the airplane flown to another local airport, it’s a good investment. You want a mechanic who has no attachment to the airplane to give a thorough inspection using a fresh set of eyes. 

Here are a few “dos” for selecting the right mechanic or shop. Use the shop you intend to have maintained the aircraft once it’s yours unless that shop is the one that’s been doing the service. Choose a shop that specializes in the type of aircraft you’re purchasing and frequently works on an airplane like the one you’re thinking about buying. For help selecting a shop, check out the online owner’s forums. These forums have a wealth of information for potential owners of a particular type, including which shops are the best. 

Don’t rush the process. Slow down and take your time. Make sure you give yourself enough time for the pre-buy inspection and that you are not rushed as the proposed closing date approaches. Typically a pre-buy inspection takes one or two days—but we know how that works. Build in some extra time, so you don’t feel pressure.

Do use your best judgment when analyzing the results of the pre-buy inspection. Realize that there’s no such thing as a perfect airplane; you must know what you are willing to accept and what you won’t. Unlike buying a house when the buyer can often pressure the seller into paying for repairs as a condition of the sale, that’s typically not the case with airplanes unless it’s an airworthiness issue. Be reasonable with the seller and remember that perfect doesn’t exist. Have the mechanic spell out the differences between airworthiness directive (AD) items and non-AD items. Have the mechanic explain the items with high importance and urgency to fix and those that may be “nice to fix.”

As a side note, if you purchase an airplane with minimal use by its current owner, do expect that the pre-buy inspection may uncover many items that will take time and money to fix. Give yourself enough time to remedy these items. Also, aircraft that have sat for some time may often have squawks not immediately apparent or uncovered during the pre-buy.

And, finally, be willing to walk away from an airplane. That’s the toughest piece of advice to give. There may come a tipping point in your mind when the work necessary to bring the airplane legally to standard and personally to your standards becomes too high. Remember that at any given time, there are thousands of airplanes for sale. Just like the adage, “Marry in haste, repent in leisure,” you can buy an airplane in haste and repent in leisure as mounting mechanical bills makes flying inaccessible.

Great rates. Great terms. Helpful and responsive reps. Three good reasons to turn to AOPA Aviation Finance when buying an airplane. If you need a dependable financing source with people on your side, call 800.62.PLANE (75263) or click here to request a quote. Have a specific aviation finance question you would like to see in future articles? Submit it here, which may be highlighted in an upcoming content piece. Source: ‚Adam Meredith on the Website of AOPA USA‚.

Lufthansa Aviation Training orders Diamond DA42-VI

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European Flight Academy, a brand of Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT), is expanding its capacity to accommodate 300 students per year in the future. This includes investing in state-of-the-art training aircraft and flight simulators from Diamond Aircraft.

On 13th December, LAT and Diamond Aircraft signed a purchase contract for another seven DA42-VI multi-engine trainers plus three DA42 FNPT II simulators during a small ceremony at Diamond Aircraft’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The delivery will bring LAT’s fleet of Diamond training aircraft to 24 in total (14 DA42, 10 DA40) and 4 Diamond Aircraft simulators. Matthias Spohr, Managing Director at LAT: “As a leading flight training provider, this step is not only a further investment in an efficient aircraft fleet and leading-edge training equipment but ultimately also in the next generation of top-trained pilots of the Lufthansa Group.”

“This purchase again shows our good and long-standing relationship with Lufthansa Aviation Training. We are proud to be part of their continuing growth,” said Jane Wang, Sales Director at Diamond Aircraft Austria. “The DA42-VI is an excellent multi-engine training platform, popular at many leading flight schools all over the world, that burns up to 50% less fuel than conventional AvGas-powered aircraft and is exceptionally silent.” The 4-seat DA42-VI is the newest version of Diamond’s technology leading light piston twin, the first certified general aviation piston aircraft to combine modern technology airframe, avionics, and power plants. Over 1,100 DA42s have been delivered since its introduction, outselling all other certified piston twins combined. The all-composite DA42-VI’s are equipped with efficient, silent, clean and reliable 168 hp jet fuel AUSTRO engines AE300, Garmin G1000 NXi with 3-axis Automatic Flight Control System and optional electrically driven air conditioning.

Diamond Aircraft’s flight simulation devices are exact replicas of the real Diamond aircraft, built with authentic aircraft parts, with real avionics, high-end visuals and OEM flight dynamic models for fidelity that is simply unsurpassed. The instrument panel is fitted with the original Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite and standby instruments, allowing you to train in a completely realistic environment. Diamond simulators are at the cutting edge of the industry to ensure the most sophisticated simulation training in preparation for advanced flight training. Delivery of the DA42-VI training aircraft is expected for 2024, with four being placed at Grenchen, Switzerland and three at Rostock-Laage, Germany. In addition, Rostock-Laage will receive one of the brand-new DA42 Flight Navigation Procedures Trainers. The other two Diamond Aircraft FNPT II simulators are for Zurich, Switzerland. Source: ‚Diamond Aircraft‚.

The man who flies light aircraft solo across the Atlantic

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In any given year, an average of three pilots die ferrying small aircraft over the North Atlantic. It’s a seriously perilous job that’s 95 per cent terror and five per cent boredom, according to Kerry McCauley, who’s been doing it for an astonishing 32 years. He reveals the sweaty-palm-inducing scariness of the role in a riveting book – Ferry Pilot: Nine Lives Over the North Atlantic – which recounts tales of Kerry flying planes incapable of flying above storms (as jetliners can) across the Atlantic Ocean for hours on end only a compass to follow and delivering them to customers.

His first job was taking a Beechcraft Duchess – ‚[which] had two meek 180 horsepower engines that pushed it along at a blistering 150 knots [172mph] ‚- from St. Paul in Minnesota to Lisbon, Portugal, via St John’s, Newfoundland, and the Azores, the latter reached after crossing 2,530km (1,570 miles) of water. His plane had two extra fuel tanks installed behind the cockpit and an ‚HF (high frequency) radio secured to the top of one of the tanks with bungee cords and duct tape. This was a portable ham radio and was the only way to stay in contact with the controllers in Canada and Europe when dealing with the vast distances of the Atlantic‘. Kerry eventually touched down in Lisbon completely hooked on the thrilling adventure of it all. You might be wondering why there’s any need for such a risky delivery system. Why not take the plane apart and deliver it to its new owner using a cargo ship or plane?

Kerry told MailOnline Travel: ‚The main reason is that planes aren’t meant to be taken apart and put back together. It’s a complicated and expensive process that can go very wrong, very easily.‘ The 59-year-old, who lives in Menomonie, Wisconsin, explained that most of the planes that he has delivered are piston or turbine aircraft – ‚almost all of them have propellers‘. He has only ferried one jet over the years. According to Kerry, these planes have an average speed of 140 (225kph) to 200mph (322 kph), and their altitude ceilings top out at up to 25,000ft (7,620m) – though most tend to reach just 15,000 ft (4,572 m) to 18,000 ft (5,486 m). This cap on altitude is one of many factors that makes ferry flying so treacherous. Kerry said: ‚An airliner or a jet can fly much higher, so it flies over all of the bad weather. They sit up there in the nice smooth air and the sunshine and they tootle right along. Whereas, a propeller-driven aeroplane has to fly in the weather and beat itself against all the icing and the thunderstorms.‘

Kerry, who has flown over the Atlantic over 75 times and over other oceans in the world over 100 times, explained that ferry pilots often don’t have the fuel that’s required to fly around the storm. He revealed: ‚There’s nowhere else to go. You have to go through that thunderstorm, and that can be terrifying. Some of these thunderstorms go up to 40,000ft [12,192m] or 50,000ft [15,240m] and are just massive and powerful. The biggest one I ever went through was in central Africa and there were no airports anywhere that I could reach, except the one I was heading for. And there was a thunderstorm – it was a line of thunderstorms, a 100-mile [161km] line. I just didn’t have the fuel to go around it.‘

Bad weather isn’t the only nerve-jangling hurdle that ferry pilots can face. According to Kerry, the ’number one problem they encounter is the breakdown of the plane’s mechanics. He explained: ‚Jet engines are much simpler and more reliable so they rarely break. Piston engines, on the other hand, have thousands of moving parts in them. And they can wear out. And you can’t really check them very much. Once you seal up a moving engine, the inside is pretty much a mystery until you replace it, or it breaks.‘ If disaster strikes while soaring over the Atlantic, the chances of survival aren’t great, according to Kerry. He revealed: ‚If your plane breaks while you’re over the middle of the ocean, you’re going sailing in your little rubber raft – if you’re lucky enough to have one.‘ What’s happening on the ground can also pose problems for a ferry pilot. He revealed: ‚We deliver planes to all kinds of places in the world and sometimes there are conflicts going on and that can be challenging. Ferry piloting can run into almost any problem, literally, in the world.‘

With these enormous risks to consider, do many aspiring ferry pilots bottle it at the last minute? According to Kerry, it happens all the time. ‚Literally, just a couple of weeks ago I saw that they were looking for a ferry pilot to finish a trip. The pilot had got to Goose Bay, Labrador, and said „nope“ and left the plane on the ramp and went home,‘ he revealed. Kerry said that ‚very few ferry pilots do more than one or two trips across the Atlantic. He explained that the ‚realisation that you’re out over the ocean in a single-engine plane, and at any second that engine could stop and you’re going in‘ can, understandably, lead some pilots to pack it in.

Most pilots do ferry flying ‚as a stepping stone to further their aviation career‘, according to Kerry. He revealed: ‚Almost all pilots, their ultimate goal is to be an airline pilot. So, they’ll do a few ferry flights, realise that’s not a great way to build much time and make any money, and they get out of it quickly. Or they realise it’s too dangerous. ‚There’s very few of us that stick around for any length of time, mostly because it’s just too dangerous or they get killed.‘ Kerry’s book, scored with tales of plane crashes and ferry pilots who went missing over the ocean, is dedicated to his friends in the industry ‚who never made it home. He said: ‚It’s really hard. I’ve lost some very, very close friends over the years and it’s difficult sometimes to deal with that.‘ However, he admitted that it’s ‚part of the lifestyle‘ in the high-risk business of ferry piloting. He said: ‚You know you’re going to lose friends and we all accept that. If you can’t accept it, you stop doing it. And when you lose somebody you just have to take solace in [the fact] they were doing what they love. They were living the lifestyle that they chose and that was actually part of them. We just try to be thankful that we knew them, and we got to fly with them.‘ Kerry has had some extremely close calls himself. He revealed that the closest he was to an ‚imminent crash‘ was when he was ferrying a Piper Aerostar from Arizona to Larnaca, Cyprus. As he was flying over the Alps near Zurich, Switzerland, the plane’s wings, the engine cowling and propeller spinners started picking up ice. He needed to make it over the mountaintops, but the ice was weighing the plane down, making it impossible to climb.

He told us over a Zoom chat: ‚At 19,000ft [5,791m] the plane had literally stopped climbing and [it] was filling up with ice.‘ Eventually, he decided to risk making a descent. Describing the situation, he writes in the book: ‚Out of airspeed, and options, I reluctantly eased the yoke forward and started a slow one hundred foot per minute descent, trading some of our precious altitude for a few knots of equally precious airspeed. It’s a deal with the devil but it’s one I must make.‘ Thankfully, he managed to descend into warmer air and the ice started to melt away. ‚It was close,‘ he admitted.

Another chilling incident was the moment that Kerry lost his fuel in a brand new 1994 Beechcraft F-33 Bonanza on a 12-and-a-half-hour flight from Newfoundland to Paris, with no stops. In the book, he explains that there wasn’t enough pressure to move much-needed fuel between tanks because the air supply tube wasn’t secured properly to the ferry tank. He writes: ‚It was then that I realised just how truly alone I was. My course from St. John’s to Paris took me far south of the normal routes the airlines took when crossing the pond and I knew for a fact that there weren’t any other ferry flights out there. It’s not an exaggeration to say that there probably wasn’t another human being anywhere within five hundred miles of me. At that moment I was literally the loneliest man in the world. I might as well have been halfway to the moon.‘

Thankfully, he managed to pressurise the steel tank by lung power alone, blowing into the air supply hose for hours on end. ‚I had to blow on the ferry tank for eight and a half hours to keep the engine running,‘ he told MailOnline Travel. Against the odds, he landed safely at Paris Airport-Le Bourget. As nerve-wracking as these experiences sound, Kerry refuses to be fazed. He said: ‚I don’t panic or get scared, really, in those situations. I put that aside because it’s not going to help. If you’ve got time to panic, you’ve got time to do something more productive. That’s always been my motto. So, I’ll put the panic aside for later. I can have the shakes when I get down on the ground. When I have a problem in the air, I deal with the problem, and try to find a way out and try to find a solution.‘ With so many years of experience, has he ever been tempted to dip a toe in the world of commercial flying? While Kerry has never sought out a job at an airline, he does some corporate flying on the side – but finds that, after the drama of ferry piloting, it’s ‚too easy.

He said: ‚You’re in a beautiful, well-maintained business jet. You’re up at 45,000ft [13,716m] and all the thunderstorms and everything are below you, and it’s smooth and calm and quiet. It’s got internet, you can be on your Facebook page. It’s like, „this isn’t flying, I could be sitting in a hangar doing this“.‘ The daredevilry of ferry piloting seems to stir a wide range of reactions from commercial pilots. He revealed: ‚You’ll get some airline pilots that think you’re crazy. Some of them look down at you like, „ah you’re just flying that stupid little thing“. But actually, most of them look up to you. They’re like, „I could never do that, I can’t believe you do that, hats off to you, not me, no way in heck.“ ‚They’re astonished when they find out what actually goes on in ferry flying. And a lot of them are, frankly, a little jealous because they don’t… flying an airliner isn’t an adventure, it’s a job. And it’s a great job, I’ve got nothing against airline pilots, a lot of my friends are airline pilots, but they’ll be the first ones to tell you that it’s just a job.‘ He added: ‚It’s not challenging like ferry flying.‘

It’s this appetite for a challenge that has kept Kerry in the industry for so long. ‚It’s just what I’m really good at. I love the adventure, and I love being out by myself, beyond help, essentially, and having to survive by my wits,‘ he said. ‚That’s the kind of thing I was born to do, is to be out there battling the elements and mechanics and all the challenges. I hate boring flying.‘ Kerry names the Egyptian pyramids as one of the most memorable landmarks he’s flown past. ‚Buzzing the pyramids in Egypt was pretty cool. Seeing the pyramids from above and a little below – I was a little below the tops of the pyramids when I buzzed them. That was pretty stunning,‘ he said. One place he’s yet to see from the cockpit is Antarctica – but he’ll be ticking it off his bucket list soon.  He plans to fly his personal plane, a Beech Queen Air, to Antarctica via the Caribbean and South America, before returning to Wisconsin via Central America. He said: ‚I have to see Antarctica someday before I die. And I have to be the one flying the plane. It doesn’t count if you’re a passenger – anybody can do that.‘ With a career that’s defined by exhilaration, does the excitement ever fade? He admitted: ‚It does on an easy flight. But ferry flying, the thrill never goes away.‘ Source: ‚Daily Mail‚.

CubCrafters Moves Forward with Public Offering

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CubCrafters, the leading designer and manufacturer of Light-Sport, Experimental, and Part 23 Certified backcountry aircraft, announces today it has been qualified by the Securities Exchange Commission [SEC] to make a $50 million public stock offering using the Regulation A+ exemption, which allows for the first outside investment ever in the history of this iconic company.

Advised by Manhattan Street Capital, CubCrafters intends to raise up to $50 million in investment capital from its fans, customers, aviation enthusiasts, the investment community, and the general public. The offering price for first round investors is $5 per share, with a minimum investment of only $400 per investor. Those interested in this unique opportunity can learn more about the company and participate in the investment at: www.manhattanstreetcapital.com/cubcrafters

“We are humbled and excited by the overwhelming interest and investor demand our capital raise received. In just 90 days, we received reservations for more than $25 million of CubCrafters’ shares,” said Patrick Horgan, CubCrafters’ president & CEO. “This was a great first step in securing the vision of our founder, Jim Richmond, who wanted to give the public an opportunity to participate in the growth of our company. Now that we have been qualified by the SEC, we look forward to welcoming new investors to CubCrafters and working on their behalf to drive long-term shareholder value.”

The high demand for CubCrafters aircraft has resulted in a more than 2-year backlog of orders. The proceeds of the offering will be used to increase manufacturing capacity and reduce new aircraft customer delivery times. The company will also make investments in growing its customer support capabilities and accelerating product innovation. All of which will enable the company to expand its reach in the rapidly growing domestic and international markets for both adventure and utility aircraft.
While many US-based general aviation aircraft manufacturers have been sold to foreign entities, CubCrafters intends to remain American owned and operated. The entire line of CubCrafters aircraft is designed and produced in the company’s facilities in Yakima, WA. To keep it that way, CubCrafters is leveraging this Regulation A+ offering to fund growth while keeping the company US-based.

“We have invested large amounts of time, energy, and resources to qualify a Reg A+ offering with the SEC,” stated Brad Damm, CubCrafters’ vice president. “Our Brand has grown to be synonymous with an adventure lifestyle that inspires and appeals to people at all levels. We consistently hear from people across many different demographics that want to be a part of what we do, that want to join us on our journey. This offering affords that opportunity to everyone, both from within the aviation community and from the public at large.”

“The already significant response from investors and their large and loyal customer base is a strong testimonial to CubCrafters’ role as an industry leader and to the quality of its product line,” added Rod Turner, CEO and founder of Manhattan Street Capital. (*) “I am truly excited to be a part of this capital raise designed to scale up CubCrafters’ future success.”

About Cubcrafters
Founded in 1980 by Jim Richmond, CubCrafters’ roots are in the 80+ year history of classic grassroots aviation, but the company’s products and services are innovative and completely modern. CubCrafters designs and manufactures Experimental, LSA, and Part 23 Certified aircraft. The Carbon Cub family of aircraft redefined expectations for the backcountry flying experience with innovative design, modern materials, powerful engines, and breathtaking performance. The company’s flagship XCub aircraft is offered in both nosewheel and tailwheel configurations, and substantially expands the mission profile of sport utility aircraft with higher speed, longer range, and larger payload. The key to our success is our ability to create unique value in the experience of personal adventure aviation. CubCrafters has been a privately held company for the first 40 years of its existence, but is now planning to welcome new public investment. Source: ‚Cub Crafters Website‚.

Il-76 Aircraft Makes 1st Landing On Antarctic Ice Airfield

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For the first time, the Ilyushin Il-76TD-90VD aircraft has touched down on the ice airfield at Russia’s Novolazarevskaya outpost in Antarctica, the Russian Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute said. According to the institute, the runway was put into operation in November. A Volga-Dnepr Airlines Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft, outfitted with the PS-90A-76 engines, conducted the first flight from Cape Town to the Progress station on November 7.

The institute said that the aircraft travelled over 5,300 kilometres in 6.5 hours and safely landed in low visibility due to the expertise of its pilots. The testing outcomes will allow the flight manual for aircraft equipped with this engine type to be supplemented with provisions for landing on snow-covered ice airfields. The plane carried 82 passengers and more than 6.5 tons of supplies for constructing a new winter complex at the Vostok station. A joint crew led by chief pilots of the Ilyushin Aviation Complex Nikolai Kuimov and the State Research Institute of Civil Aviation Ruben Yesayan executed the landing. Source: ‚Euroasiantimes‚.

Duxford: Vintage aircraft crash caused by ‚deflated tyre‘

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A de Havilland vintage aircraft with nine people on board pitched on landing because of a deflated tyre, an investigation found. The 1943 de Havilland Dragon Rapide was being used for short commercial flights ahead of an air show display at Duxford, Cambridgeshire, on 19 June. A report by the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) found the tyre caused the plane to „decelerate rapidly and pitch onto its nose“. Eight passengers and the pilot were led to safety uninjured, the report added.

Investigators found the experienced 53-year-old pilot had recorded an earlier flight without incident as well as a normal take-off on the second flight. There had been a „significant crosswind“ on the second approach to the runway at Duxford, just before 09:30 BST. The pilot described the landing as a „not particularly heavy touchdown though with a bit of a skip“, the report said, with the tips of both propellers striking the runway. The report said: „On landing, the aircraft decelerated rapidly and unexpectedly. „It pitched onto its nose and exited the runway to the right. It was later discovered that the right main landing gear tyre had deflated either in flight or on touchdown.“ The cockpit, front fuselage and propellers were badly damaged in the crash.

All the passengers were directed to leave the aircraft by ladder through a rear cabin door which was „a significant distance above the ground“, the report said. Investigators found a tear and two puncture marks in an inner tube of a tyre. The crash outcome was „consistent with the expected effects of landing with a deflated right main tyre“, it concluded. About 20,000 people attended the two-day air show at Duxford, enjoying highlights including a fly-past by the Red Arrows. Source: ‚BBC, British Broadcasting Company‚.

Piper Announces Unpaved Field Approval for M600/SLS

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Piper Aircraft has been awarded FAA approval for its flagship product—the Piper M600/SLS single-engine turboprop aircraft—to be operated from unpaved fields. Piper has received numerous requests for unpaved field certification from several global markets and is pleased to announce kit approval has also been completed for Canada, the UK, and Europe (EASA). Brazil certification is expected in early 2023.

All 2022 M600/SLS aircraft, starting with serial number 198, are factory provisioned to operate on unpaved fields with Supplement #5 into the approved aircraft Pilot’s Operating Handbook. Fielded 2016-2021 M600 aircraft equipped with five-blade propellers also have the option to be modified by Piper Kit #88705-702 to accommodate the same unpaved field operations. The primary kit components include a slightly redesigned nose fork and scissor link to handle unpaved field surface inconsistencies, the installation of a small nose gear wheel well plate cutout allowing the nose wheel to stow correctly with the gear retracted, and a POH supplement.

“The Piper M600/SLS is known for its performance, reliability and versatility over a wide array of general aviation missions,” said John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft, Inc. “Now, with the addition of unpaved field capability, the M600’s versatility and the asset value is taken to a whole new level.” Piper Aircraft is running an introductory promotion for all M600 unpaved field kits ordered before November 30, 2022. All M600 owners are encouraged to contact their local Piper Dealer/Service Centers to learn more. Source: ‚Piper Aircraft‚.

ZeroAvia hydrogen-electric powertrain undergoes Ansys simulation

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ZeroAvia is using Ansys simulation to help address challenges linked to thermal management, safety, fatigue and lifting, along with Ansys‘ certified model-based solution to develop and certify the embedded engine controls. Ansys simulations are applied from early design stages through certification of all critical aspects of ZeroAvia’s sustainable powertrain. Hydrogen-electric propulsion technology can produce 90% fewer lifecycle emissions than jet fuel-powered turbines and ZeroAvia predicts its powertrain will result in substantially lower operating costs. ZeroAvia demonstrated the potential for zero-emission flight by flying the world’s largest hydrogen-electric powered aircraft, a Piper Malibu. ZeroAvia engineers leveraged Ansys multiphysics simulations — including structural analysis, fluid dynamics, FSI, electromagnetic, and electromechanical analysis — to help make this electric-powered plane a reality.

The ZeroAvia system uses electricity generated by a solar panel to run an air compression pump. When combined with hydrogen stored in an onboard tank, oxygen from the compressed air reacts with hydrogen in the fuel cell to produce electricity to power an electric airplane motor. Water is the only emission from this process — no carbon-based greenhouse gases. The ZeroAvia team used Ansys SCADE to automatically generate the code controlling the motor, which helps reduce human error and costly coding mistakes. ZeroAvia also leveraged Ansys medini analyse software to validate the safety of the aircraft’s hydroelectric systems – supporting and accelerating the stringent certification process.

„Without Ansys, we would still be writing code for the high-level applications, which would have increased the development and verification,“ said Youcef Abdelli, chief technology officer and chief engineer of electric propulsion systems at ZeroAvia. „For system certification, we use Ansys simulation to support the critical aspects of hydrogen-electric engine design – including thermal, safety, certification, stress, fatigue, and lifting.“

ZeroAvia will soon fly a retrofitted Dornier 228 aircraft to flight test its market-entry product – a 600kW hydrogen-electric powertrain designed for 9-19 seat aircraft to be commercialized by 2024. ZeroAvia is also already working on developing a 2-5MW powertrain capable of flying 40-80 seat aircraft by 2026. For these two certified-intent systems, ZeroAvia is working with Ansys software.

„Ansys simulation has long been used for aircraft control code, so we are excited to see that startup companies with new ideas like ZeroAvia are turning to Ansys to accelerate the development of their hydrogen fuel cell aircraft,“ said Walt Hearn, vice president of global sales and customer excellence at Ansys. „By reducing aviation emissions, their hydrogen-electric powertrains will support global efforts to halt climate change.“ Source: ‚AdvanceADS‚.

Daher deliveres 20 new TBM 960

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Daher announced that deliveries of the latest member in its TBM very fast turboprop aircraft family – the TBM 960 – have reached 20. Of this total, 17 TBM 960s have been received by customers in the United States, with these handovers initiated by Daher following the aircraft’s certification on June 23 by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness authority.

The three other TBM 960s were delivered to customers in Europe based on the previous certification approval by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). “The TBM 960’s benefits of digital power for enhanced sustainability, a superior piloting experience and increased cabin comfort have created a strong demand for our latest TBM version,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice President of Daher’s Aircraft Division. “We’re nearly fully booked for 2023, with a significant percentage of these orders coming from customers in North America and Europe.

”The recipient of the 20th-delivered TBM 960 was Johnie Weems, a businessman from South Florida, who has owned three previous-version TBMs.

Pilatus eröffnet Lackierwerk in Colorado

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Aufgrund der wachsenden Nachfrage nach dem PC-24 und dem PC-12 NGX hat Pilatus in ein hochmodernes Lackierwerk am Standort der Tochtergesellschaft in Broomfield in den USA investiert. Die Anlage erfüllt höchste Qualitäts- und neuste Umweltstandards. Anlässlich einer Zeremonie am Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) haben sich Mitarbeitende von Pilatus, Lieferanten, Industriepartner und weitere Gäste zur offiziellen Eröffnung versammelt. Die teilnehmenden Gäste genossen eine feierliche Zeremonie, gefolgt von einer Besichtigung des neuen Lackierwerks. Pilatus hat rund 15 Millionen US-Dollar investiert und 25 Arbeitsstellen geschaffen. Das Lackierwerk befindet sich am Standort der US Tochtergesellschaft von Pilatus, welche bereits seit 26 Jahren in Broomfield im US-Bundesstaat Colorado ansässig ist.

Effizientere und präzisere Produktion
Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd ist für mehr als 60 Prozent der jährlichen Verkäufe von Geschäftsflugzeugen des Schweizer Herstellers verantwortlich. Die neuste Erweiterung wird den logistischen Aufwand, die Kosten und auch die Zeit im Zusammenhang mit der Lackierung verkürzen. Die massgeschneiderte Anlage verfügt über drei separate Kabinen, in welchen die PC-24 und PC-12 NGX vorbehandelt und schliesslich lackiert werden können. Die Anlage ermöglicht den gesamten Prozess umzusetzen – von der Grundierung bis hin zu komplexen Farbschemen, die auf individuellem Kundenwunsch basieren. Bei voller Auslastung können im Lackierwerk bis zu 100 Flugzeuge pro Jahr fertiggestellt werden, das erste Flugzeug soll bereits in diesem Monat aus dem Lackierwerk rollen.

Innovatives und nachhaltiges Verfahren
Jede Kabine ist mit modernster Technologie ausgestattet, dazu gehört ein 3D-Laserprojektor, mit welchem die Farbschemas hochpräzise auf das Flugzeug appliziert werden können. Über 70 Prozent der in der Anlage verbrauchten Luft wird wiederverwendet. Durch Einsatz eines hochmodernen Lüftungssystems kann der Energieverbrauch markant gesenkt werden. Zusammen mit luftdichten Türen und einem fortschrittlichen Filtersystem wird eine sehr umweltfreundliche Produktion ermöglicht. Quelle: ‚Pilatus‚.

Van’s Unveils RV-15 High-Wing Prototype

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The cat’s out of the bag — and here’s what our team has been working on lately. Introducing the RV-15 Engineering Test Prototype aircraft. This airplane was built to evaluate and test the design, and what we’ve been learning from this engineering „tool“ test airplane will result in refinements and changes that will appear in the final „kit“ aircraft design. You’ll have a chance to learn more about the prototype airplane during our forums on Tuesday morning at AirVenture in Oshkosh, coming up in just a couple of weeks! Source: ‚Van’s on ‚Youtube‚.

The VL3 took off for the 1st time with a turbine

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JMB Aircraft is proud to announce that the very first ultralight aircraft equipped with a TurboTech turbine engine flew in France on Monday 4th April 2022. As the next step in the development of the VL3 Turbine, Jean-Baptiste Guisset, CEO of JMB Aviation, had the honour of being the test pilot for this first flight. The event took place on Valenciennes airfield under the supervision of the designers of the French turbine and the designer of the VL3 evolution, Vanessa Air. “The first tests are very promising indeed! We are continuing the tests to validate the performance, but the advantages are already visible: no vibration and a TBO multiplied by two.

Moreover, VL3 turbine is easier to fly than a traditional piston aircraft, thanks to the electronic management of the FADEC and its unique lever. We also noticed a major consumption gain, in comparison to the traditional turboprops, thanks to the heat exchanger. Kerosene price is also a good advantage compared to the fuel normally used.” reports Jean-Marie Guisset, CEO of JMB Aircraft. After 6 months of development, JMB Aircraft is proud to announce that more than 50 hours of ground tests have been performed, including 30 hours of full power testing. In the last 8 days, we successfully carried out more than 20 flight hours and simulated all possible failures. This was completed without any technical issues! We already have two aircraft equipped with the turbine, the 2nd one will start its first test flights within 2 weeks. We have elaborated an advanced flight program for the coming months in order to test all the flight domains of the turbine. Source: ‚JMB Aircraft‚. Video.

Elektroflugzeug für Sportflieger und Fluglehrer

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Die zweisitzige „Elektra Trainer“ soll Flüge von bis zu drei Stunden ermöglichen. Entwickelt wurde das Elektroflugzeug für Sportflieger und Fluglehrer. Ein kleines Elektroflugzeug mit einer Akkukapazität für Flüge von bis zu drei Stunden ist in der Flugwerft Schleißheim bei München vorgestellt worden. „Das schafft bisher kein anderes Elektroflugzeug“, sagte der Ingenieur Uwe Nordmann am Freitag in Oberschleißheim. Die zweisitzige „Elektra Trainer“ soll für Sportflieger und Fluglehrer eine klimafreundliche Alternative sein. Das von dem Unternehmen ELEKTRA SOLAR GmbH entwickelte Flugzeug hat nach Angaben der Firma eine Spannweite von 14 Metern. Es soll wegen seiner Aerodynamik kaum Verbrauch im Reiseverkehr haben. Auf der Luftfahrtmesse „Aero 2022“ soll die „Elektra Trainer“ zum ersten Mal abheben.

Elektra Solar One überquerte 2015 die Alpen
Hersteller weltweit arbeiten an Elektroflugzeugen – darunter auch die slowenische Firma Pipistrel. Mit einer angegebenen Reichweite von bis zu 1000 Kilometer stellte das Unternehmen bereits 2012 die Elektra Solar One vor. 2015 überquerte ein Testpilot mit der Elektra One Solar als erstes rein elektrobetriebenes Flugzeug erfolgreich die Alpen. Quelle: ‚Heise.de‚.

Daher launches the TBM 960 with digital power

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Daher unveiled the latest high-end version of its TBM pressurized single turboprop aircraft family – the TBM 960 – which incorporates Pratt & Whitney Canada’s advanced PT6E-66XT engine and a fully digital e-throttle, along with a digitally-controlled cabin that incorporates an all-new environmental control system, LED ambience lighting and electrically-dimmable windows.

The TBM 960 retains the rapid speed of Daher’s TBM family while enabling lower fuel consumption. At Daher’s recommended cruise setting of 308 kts., the fuel consumption is only 57 U.S. gallons per hour, which is a 10% fuel economy compared to the maximum cruise setting for more sustainability. At the heart of this latest TBM version is the intelligent PT6E-66XT powerplant and Hartzell Propeller’s five-blade Raptor™ composite propeller, both of which are linked to the dual-channel digital Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System (EPECS).

With the EPECS, the PT6E-66XT’s startup is fully automated after a single-switch activation. The cockpit’s power lever is an e-throttle, using a single forward position from takeoff to landing – with the EPECS optimizing powerplant performance throughout the flight envelope while reducing pilot workload by integrating all functions and protecting the engine’s life. Analysis of engine parameters is driven by 100-plus smart data inputs. The Raptor™ propeller is fully integrated into the propulsion system. It is specifically designed to reduce overall weight and improve the TBM 960’s takeoff distance, climb and cruise speed. Turning at 1,925 rpm during maximum power output, the Raptor contributes to limiting noise and vibration. Its sound level during takeoff is just 76.4 decibels, meeting the most stringent international noise standards.

With its G3000® integrated flight deck, the TBM 960 retains Daher’s e-copilot® concentration of technological innovation and safety systems in the TBM, which can be compared to an “electronic copilot.” This includes an icing protection system, flight envelope monitoring through the Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) and the Under-speed Protection (USP) systems, the Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) function, as well as the game-changing HomeSafe™ emergency autoland system. New to the TBM 960 is the Garmin GWX™ 8000 doppler weather radar with advanced surveillance features such as lightning and hail prediction, turbulence detection, zero blind range for close-in returns, and ground clutter suppression. The TBM 960 also is the first application of Garmin’s GDL® 60 next-generation data transmitter for automatic database upload and interconnection with mobile devices.

The TBM 960’s Prestige cabin extends Daher’s use of digital power inside the aircraft, featuring an all-new environmental control system, LED ambience strip lighting integrated into both sides of the overhead ceiling panel, and electronically-dimmable windows – all controlled by a Passenger Comfort Display (PCD). Enhancements in the cabin’s style and comfort also include new ergonomically enhanced seats, USB-A and USB-C power plugs, individual cupholders and headset hangers for each occupant. For the TBM 960, a fifth TBM paint scheme – called Sirocco, based on the creativity of French designer Alexandre Echasseriau – has been added to the aircraft’s style customization possibilities. The TBM 960 has been certified by EASA (the European Union Aviation Safety Agency); with certification by the U.S. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) currently underway. Deliveries will begin in the first half of 2022. Source: ‚Daher.com‚.