VERO BEACH, Fla., Jan. 8, 2015 – Piper Aircraft Inc. has delivered three twin-engine piston-powered Training Class Piper Seminole aircraft to the UND Aerospace Foundation, which provides training and aircraft for the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.

The pilot training aircraft, delivered in December of 2014, are now part of the Aviation Department’s training fleet of more than 120 aircraft. Piper Seminoles are the training aircraft of choice for UND’s multi-engine and MEI flight courses.

The new Seminoles are fully IFR equipped with Garmin G1000 avionics and GFC 700 autopilots. Delivery of these three new trainers adds to the University’s fleet of 17 Avidyne-equipped Seminole aircraft–planes that UND plans to replace with Garmin G1000-equipped Seminoles over coming years.

“These Piper multi-engine trainers come equipped with modern glass cockpits and autopilots to provide our students the greatest knowledge and give them the technical abilities and most modern proficiencies available today,” said Dr. Bruce Smith, Dean of the University Of North Dakota John D. Odegard School Of Aerospace Sciences. “These new Piper Seminoles will assist our Aviation Department in graduating pilots with exceptional aviation skills and abilities.”

“The Piper Seminole is clearly the best multi-engine piston-powered trainer available,” said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott. “Its ability to perform advanced maneuvers and procedures skillfully and safely continues to earn the appreciation of students and instructors. We are flattered that UND Aerospace exclusively flies our twin-engine piston-powered trainers to prepare students for their next level of flight training.”

About the Piper Seminole
The Piper Seminole is an unpressurized, piston-powered aircraft that seats four. 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. 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.

While neither party has revealed the contract value, a standard Piper Seminole starts at $683,400. 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.

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 900 faculty and staff members, over 1,900 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
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– offers 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, Archer DX, 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) 299-2859
Fax: (772) 978-6585
Mail to: Jackie.Carlon@piper.com
piper.com