FAA Certification Expected Soon

EASA has certified the Piaggio Aerospace Avanti EVO after an extensive development and test program carried out under the supervision of the Italian National Civil Aviation Agency , ENAC, on behalf of EASA. US certification from the FAA is expected within the next few weeks as well as the Indian Certification as the first two Avanti EVO aircraft will be delivered to Indian customers.

“The EASA certification for our Avanti EVO marks a red letter day and demonstrates Piaggio Aerospace commitment to business aviation," said Carlo Logli, Chief Executive Officer of Piaggio Aerospace. "The Avanti, which already is an icon for safe, efficiency, and comfortable travel has evolved with improved performance, comfort, reduced emissions and has extended its range. The Avanti EVO is an intelligent solution for business travelers, blending the very best of Italian style and the most advanced aerodynamic concepts giving operators and passengers more efficiency than ever before."

The EVO has a number of significant modifications, approved by EASA , that are intended to improve the Avanti design to boost efficiency, reduce operating costs, provide greater levels of comfort for passengers, and finally be more environmentally friendly.

Among those modifications are:

• A Low Noise power plant where the PT6-66B turbines are fitted with patented exhaust stacks and Hartzell low rpm counter-rotating 5-blades scimitar propellers to reduce community noise at takeoff (minus 3dB(A)- 50%) and fly over (minus 5 dB(A) - 68% ) making the Avanti EVO a better neighbor;
• An innovative combination of Main Wing winglets coupled with new Front Wing wingtips to improve the already sophisticated Avanti aerodynamics and strengthen cruise and climb performance: max cruise range is further extended to 1770 nm (+3%) and climbing to FL 350 is faster by 10%
• The more efficient wing combination increase the service ceiling to FL410, equal to the certified ceiling, which further improves the EVO margin over the competition as the faster and higher flying turboprop on the market. This design improves low speed performance, reducing landing distance by 5% (3300 ft) and take off distance by 2% ( 3190 ft)
• A new higher comfort standard for passenger and crew with a whisper-like internal noise with further reduction of 1 dB(A) (i.e. -20%) thanks to the low noise power plant, a digitally controlled two zone environmental control system for maximum comfort and passenger control and all-new Italian style seating experience with VIP seats developed by design specialists Iacobucci HF and finished with top class leather by luxury outfitters Poltrona Frau.

The Avanti EVO design will shortly include anti-skid braking, new low-maintenance landing gear, new digital steering, to both improve performance, reliability and cut maintenance requirements.

(Image provided by Piaggio Aero)

FMI: www.piaggioaerospace.it