Step In Modernizing EADS Pilot Training For French Air Force

It was a cause for celebration last Friday, with the arrival of the first of two Grob Aerospace G 120A-F training aircraft at the French Air Force's Flight Training School at its Cognac Air Base.

The aircraft's arrival included a ceremony marking a significant step in the EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) program to modernize the "ab initio" (the initial phase of flight training) pilot training for the French Air Force (FAF).

In attendance were French Air Force Chief of Staff and the CEO of Military Air Systems at EADS Defence Security.

"The selection of the G 120A-F to meet the FAF's challenging training requirements is a significant endorsement of the aircraft as the most versatile and cost effective trainer in its class, said Niall Olver, chief executive, Grob Aerospace. 

The G 120A-F, a variant of the G 120A, was modified to meet the exacting specifications set by the FAF for its pilot training program.

The first flight of the G 120A-F was February 20, 2007, from the company's airfield and production facility at Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany. Certification of the modifications was completed by the LBA for the European Aviation Safety Agency on March 22, 2007. 

Grob Aerospace has a contract with EADS Military Air Systems to supply 18 aircraft, with options for more. Delivery is expected at two aircraft per month, with the entire fleet in place by the end of 2007. Additionally, Grob Aerospace is providing a comprehensive "spares" package and long-term support services for the aircraft.

First flown in 1999, the G 120A is  a cost-effective and versatile training aircraft that meets the most challenging forms of military primary flying training; it is certified for full aerobatics and for flying under IFR.

The G120A was specifically designed to meet the most challenging forms of primary pilot training. It is certified by both the EASA and the FAA to +6/-4 g. The aircraft is fitted with its powerful 260 hp Lycoming engine and provides the ideal training platform for the full range of conventional high-performance aerobatic maneuvers.

It also offers excellent handling at both high and low airspeeds, making it ideal to tackle the full spectrum of primary training requirements, including pilot screening, instrument flying, navigation and mission- oriented tasks which previously required two different aircraft types.

The airframe is manufactured entirely from carbon fibre composite, which, according to the company, gives it a competitive advantage by offering high strength and long fuselage life, lightweight construction, and associated low fuel consumption and low maintenance costs.

Grob Aerospace is recognized for its military training aircraft, with numerous NATO Air Forces using its aircraft for pilot training, including the Royal Air Force, German Air Force, Canadian Air Force, Israeli Air Force and United Arab Emirates Air Force. It has sold over 400 G 115 and G 120 trainers since 1987.  

Founded in 1971, Grob Aerospace is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, but maintains its own purpose-built airfield in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, ideally co-locating there its research, development, manufacturing, assembly and product support facilities. Grob Aerospace is one of the world's largest composite aircraft manufacturer, having delivered more than 3,500 aircraft that have flown more than seven million hours on five continents.

FMI: www.grob-aerospace.com www.defense.gouv.fr/air