Will Deliver Three Seminole Twins With G1000 Avionics

Piper has taken orders for three twin-engine, piston-powered Training Class Piper Seminole aircraft from the UND Aerospace Foundation, who provides training and aircraft for the University of North Dakota's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. The pilot training aircraft will be delivered in July of this year, due to join the Aviation Department's training fleet of more than 120 aircraft. UND Aerospace flies over 130,000 hours of flight training annually.

The announcement was made at the start of Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo, held from April 21 to 26. The Piper Seminole is the training aircraft of choice for UND's multi-engine and MEI flight courses. The new Seminoles will be fully IFR equipped with Garmin G1000 avionics and GFC 700 autopilots. This delivery will add to the 14 Avidyne-equipped Seminole aircraft that UND plans to replace with the G1000 Seminoles over coming years.
 
"We look to Piper to provide our Aviation Department with exceptional training products that facilitate a progressive learning environment for our student pilots," said Dr. Bruce Smith, Dean of the University of North Dakota John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. "The multi-engine Seminole with advanced avionics and autopilot gives our students a modern cockpit experience to accelerate their aviation skills and technical abilities, providing them with the skill set and confidence they require before entering the workforce."

"The Piper Seminole is the most competitive multi-engine, piston-powered trainer available in the industry," said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott. "For more than three decades, the Seminole has maintained an untarnished record of proven service for students and instructors. We are honored that UND Aerospace exclusively flies our twin-engine, piston-powered trainers, confidently securing the next level of flight training for our student pilot community."
 
Each Piper trainer interior is designed for maximum comfort and durability. Ergonomic seating keeps students and instructors relaxed, increasing the ability to focus on flight operations. Heavy-duty vinyl and wear-resistant leathers are hand-fitted to the seats and sidewalls to withstand repetitive use.
 
Standard Seminole equipment includes two 10.4" High Resolution XGA (PFD/MFD) displays, an Aspen Standby System (EFD-1000), an Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS), a solid state Air Data Computer (ADC), solid state 3-Axis Magnetometer, Dual IFR Enroute/Approach and WAAS Certified GPS systems. Also included is an Electronic Engine Indication System (EIS), Dual Nav/Comm (16 watt) radio, a GTX 33ES Transponder with Extended Squitter, Digital Audio Panel, Traffic Information Systems (TIS), and Terrain and Obstacle Mapping.
 
While neither party is announcing the value of the contract, a standard equipped Piper Seminole starts at $697,100. Seminoles are powered by two 180 HP Lycoming engines, have a maximum takeoff weight of 3,800 pounds a max speed of 202 kts and a maximum altitude of 15,000 feet.

(Images from file)

FMI: www.piper.com