Biggest Single Sale Yet Of Glass-Cockpit Warriors

The New Piper Aircraft Inc. has made its largest single sale of advanced, glass-panel equipped trainers to Ohio University, which has purchased seven new Piper Warrior III aircraft equipped with the Avidyne FlightMax Entegra Integrated Flight Deck.
 
Ohio University's purchase of the Entegra-equipped Piper Warriors makes it one of the first universities to provide its students with state-of-the-art avionics, complete with full glass-panel cockpit displays similar to what commercial airline pilots use.

"We have a tradition of bringing advanced technology to market quickly," said New Piper President and CEO Chuck Suma, "and that tradition played a big role in the sale of these aircraft to Ohio University. "Generally speaking, it takes some ramp-up time before customers - especially fleet customers - sign up for advanced technology, but we have seen excellent acceptance of the Entegra system and strong demand for its cutting-edge capabilities from the time we launched it in our 4-place singles this summer."

Juan Merkt, chairperson of Ohio University's Department of Aviation, located in Athens, Ohio, said the purchase makes Ohio University a front-runner in one of the most significant revolutions in aviation training. "For the first time, computerized flight decks with multi-function displays, moving maps and integrated flight instruments are available in basic trainers," Merkt said. "We will be a leader in providing all basic flight training in airplanes equipped with this state-of-the-art technology."

The Ohio University sale -- made in partnership with long time dealer, Muncie Aviation Company -- is one of many trainer sales made by New Piper recently. New Piper has been making solid inroads in the vastly competitive trainer market by providing state-of-the-art technology combined with cost-effective, reliable aircraft that enjoy one of the finest safety records in general aviation. The Ohio University sale is an excellent example, as the university's purchase of the Entegra-equipped Piper Warriors continues to distinguish the school as an industry leader among the nation's premier aerospace programs.

Molly Martin Pearce, New Piper's Director of Dealer Relations & Sales, said the combination of the Piper Warriors - part of the PA-28 family of aircraft manufactured by New Piper - and the Avidyne Entegra system provides pilots with a package that is hard to resist.

 "The Warriors - and all the PA-28 aircraft, for that matter - are known for their reliability as capable, cost-effective trainers," she said. "The Entegra Integrated Flight Deck speaks directly to safety and value and meets the needs of our Flight School partners and personal aircraft owners. It's simple to use and intuitive, while providing powerful capabilities and uncompromised functionality. As a result, it's the perfect combination for both the new and experienced pilot. In addition, the Entegra System addresses the needs of our flight school and university customers who need to train their students on advanced flight deck technology required for careers in the commercial airline industry without sacrificing the efficiencies, reliability, functionality and safety found in Piper's tried-and-true fleet."

Avidyne's FlightMax Entegra Integrated Flight Deck recently debuted as optional equipment on all of New Piper's entry-level PA-28 family of aircraft - the Piper Warrior III, Piper Archer III and Piper Arrow. In addition to its entry-level aircraft, New Piper offers the system on the Piper Saratoga II HP, the Piper Saratoga II TC, the Piper 6X and the Piper 6XT.

Dennis Irwin, dean of Ohio University's Russ College of Engineering and Technology, said the technology makes the aircraft all the more valuable as trainers. "Because this is the technology found in modern jets that students will fly in their careers, it makes sense, from both a teaching and economical standpoint, to acquire aircraft with this advanced avionics system," Irwin said.

Merkt echoed that sentiment, pointing out that flight programs must keep up with the times. "The new cockpit technology is changing everything," Merkt said. "It not only changes the way pilots fly airplanes but also the way we train pilots. Students in classes from basic flight training to commercial pilot and flight instructor training will use these aircraft."

FMI: www.newpiper.com