Diamond Aircraft is very pleased to announce that it has received EASA VFR/IFR certification for its DA40 NG, powered by Austro Engine's 170 hp AE-300 turbo-diesel powerplant.

“We are committed to the future of piston powered flight, specifically by pursuing a socially responsible strategy,” said Diamond Aircraft CEO Christian Dries at AERO 2010 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. “Diamond's single and twin engine NG series aircraft are powered by the most modern piston aircraft engines in existence, operating on 100% lead-free fuel, and offering the very lowest exhaust emissions, lowest specific fuel consumption and lowest noise emissions. Not only are our airplanes the “greenest”, they also combine Diamond's industry-leading safety record with exciting performance and economy. I am very proud that my team has been able to achieve type certifications of the Austro Engine AE300, the DA42 NG and now the DA40 NG, all within the last 18 months. These programs have required extraordinary effort and financial commitment, an investment that ensures the viability of our product line, well into the future.”

The DA40 NG offers all round improved performance and increased useful load over its predecessor, the DA40 TDI. It joins the previously certified DA42 NG twin to create the only jet-fuel powered piston fleet. DA40 NGs are already in production and initial deliveries will commence in the very near future.

With well over 1500 delivered aircraft operating worldwide, the DA40 is the best selling composite light single engine piston aircraft of the last decade, popular with private pilots and commercial flight training organizations alike.

For more information about Diamond Aircraft and the DA40 NG, visit www.diamond-air.at
For more information about Austro Engine, visit www.austroengine.at

Some of the best known aircraft manufacturers will be in Oklahoma City and Tulsa to showcase their products. Piper, Pilatus, Diamond, Cirrus, Cessna, Socata, Hawker Beechcraft and Husky have already signed on to participate with a selection of their aircraft, and additional aircraft are expected. The show runs from 10am to 6pm each day. The show will start in Tulsa at Christiansen Aviation (KRVS) on May 13 and will move to Oklahoma City at Atlantic Aviation (KPWA) on May 14).

For more information, call 866.359.5222.

The Flying Physicians Association (FPA) is bringing their national convention to Kansas City the week of June 13, 2010. KCAC is serving as the host FBO (KOJC) for the event, and will be the site for their Airport Day, June 16. Airport Day will be held in conjunction with the Great Plains Air Expo which is open to the public. Aircraft on display will include Piper, Diamond, Pilatus, Cirrus, Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft, Socata, as well as several others. In addition, representatives from Wings Insurance, Aviation Tax Consultants and National Aircraft Finance Corporation will be on hand. KCAC will offer numerous educational sessions during the event with topics that include: Companion Flying Course; Maintenance Tips and Q&A; Avionics Upgrade; Aviation Tax 101; and a Flying Refresher Course.

The FPA is an organization for Physicians that are pilots, with a primary purpose to promote safety, education, research and human interest projects relating to aviation. To register for the convention or find out more about the FPA, go to fpadrs.org.

KCAC is a full service aviation company that offers aircraft sales (Pilatus, Piper and Diamond), aircraft maintenance and avionics, charter, aircraft management, flight training and FBO services. To learn more about KCAC go to kcac.com.

Pilatus is delighted to announce a record-breaking year for PC-12 deliveries. The company delivered 100 PC-12 NGs in 2009 worldwide, surpassing delivery totals for any production year since the PC-12 program began.

“Achieving 100 deliveries in a single year is a significant milestone for Pilatus and the PC-12 NG production program and reason to celebrate,” said Ignaz Gretener, Vice President General Aviation at Pilatus Aircraft, Ltd. “This would be true in any year, but the fact we did it last year is simply outstanding.”

The PC-12 has consistently been one of the top selling models of turbine powered aircraft, and Pilatus has conservatively increased production over the years, delivering 90, 92, and 97 of the type in 2006, 2007, and 2008, respectively. The company’s steady approach has allowed it to carefully grow yet stay appropriately lean.

The single-turbine powered PC-12 NG is widely recognized as a powerful yet responsible business and special mission aircraft. Its low acquisition and operating costs and large pressurized cabin offer unique capabilities that operators worldwide are using every day to travel quickly and efficiently in the new economy.

Original Press Release (PDF)

Pilatus Overview Press Releases 2010

Piper Aircraft announced today the newest addition to the Piper Aircraft fleet – the PiperSport. For those looking for an entry-level light sport aircraft (LSA) that offers superior features and performance, backed by a company deeply rooted in the aviation industry, the PiperSport is the solution you’ve been waiting for.

"Piper's heritage dates from what was one of the original 'LSA' aircraft of its time: the venerable Piper Cub," Piper CEO Kevin Gould said. "Consequently, Piper is in many ways returning to a market segment we played an integral role in inventing ... but with all the modern, state-of-the-art elements that our customers expect today, from design and manufacturing to performance, avionics and reliability.” Furthermore, the addition of the PiperSport LSA makes Piper Aircraft the only General Aviation manufacturer to offer aircraft models in every market segment.

With three PiperSport models to choose from that include the basic PiperSport, the training-oriented LT and the professionally configured LTD series, Piper’s new line-up offers something for everyone.

To learn more about the PiperSport, please visit www.piper.com.

PiperSport Specifications
Max Cruise 138 mph
T.O. /Landing Roll 200-360’
Stall Speed 27 kts
Rate of Climb 1200 fpm
Range 600 nm
Glide Ratio 16:1
Gross T.O. Weight 1300 lbs
Useful Load 600 lbs
Fuel Capacity 30 gal
Power Plant 100 hp
Service Ceiling 18,000 (10,000 max)