VERO BEACH, Fla., June 29, 2015 – Piper Aircraft, Inc. will deliver three new twin-engine piston-powered Piper Seminole aircraft to the University of North Dakota. The first of three Seminoles was accepted today by UND at the Piper Aircraft exhibit during EAA Air Venture in Oshkosh, Wisc. The remaining two aircraft will be delivered to UND next week at an acceptance ceremony in Vero Beach, Florida. The pilot training aircraft will join the Aerospace Program’s training fleet of more than 120 aircraft.

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 17 Avidyne equipped Seminole aircraft that UND plans to replace with the G1000 Seminoles in coming years. UND Aerospace flies over 130,000 hours of flight training annually.

“We are pleased to add these Seminoles to our training fleet. The aircraft are an exceptional multiengine training platform with the latest in Garmin G1000 avionics,” said Dr. Bruce Smith, Dean of The University of North Dakota. “These Seminoles comprise the foundation of our fleet; they are making a difference in our aviation community by improving the teaching platform for instructors, as well as the learning environment for our pilots of tomorrow.”

“The Piper Seminole is the most competitive and reliable multi-engine piston-powered trainer available on the market today,” said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott. “With almost forty years of proven service, the Seminole continues to uphold its proven performance record, as seen with advanced maneuvers and training procedures consistently executed efficiently and safely. We are honored that UND Aerospace exclusively flies Piper twin-engine piston-powered trainers to prepare students for the next level of flight training.”

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. The Seminole continues to earn the praise of both students and instructors.

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.

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. While neither party is announcing the value of the contract, a standard equipped Piper Seminole starts at $697,100.

About The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and computer science applications. With over 600 faculty and staff members, over 2,000 students from around the world, and a myriad of programs and projects, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is pacing the future of flight.

About Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Piper Aircraft, Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single-engine and twin-engine aircraft. The single-engine M-Class series – the Meridian, Mirage and Matrix – offer businesses and individuals elegant performance and value. The Twin Class Seneca V and Seminole balance proven performance, efficiency and simplicity in twin-engine aircraft. The Trainer Class Archer TX, Arrow, Seminole and Seneca V aircraft form the most complete technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. All Piper airplanes feature advanced Garmin avionics in the cockpit. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

 

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Piper Aircraft, Inc.
For further information, contact:
Jackie Carlon
Phone: (772) 299-2900
Fax: (772) 978-6585
Mail to: Jackie.Carlon@piper.com
piper.com