OSHKOSH, Wisc.Jul. 23, 2018 –Piper Aircraft, Inc. announced today that sales of Piper trainers in the second quarter of the year increased 126% when compared to the same period in 2017.  Both their single and multi-engine trainers have a solid order book backlog into Q3 of 2019.  The twin-engine Piper Seminole lead the increase with 150% growth in deliveries followed by both the Arrow and Archer, which showed a combined growth of 85%.

Piper Aircraft continues to fill its 2019 and beyond order book with new aircraft sales to Auburn University, Epic Flight Academy, as well as Utah Valley University.  Additionally, existing customers like Aims Community College, ATP, and Central Washington have expanded their original orders to help support their growing pilot training programs.  The increase in demand for Piper trainers can be directly attributed to the looming pilot shortage and the resulting demand for pilots.

“Flight training organizations are selecting the Piper brand not only because we are the only OEM to provide a full trainer product line up, but because of our demonstrated commitment to the trainer market.  It is our desire to develop long term relationships with our customers that reach far beyond the sale of the aircraft,” said Piper Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support, Ron Gunnarson.

For 2018 Piper is on track to deliver more than 100 PA-28s – a combination of single-engine Archers and single-engine, complex trainer, Arrows.  In addition to the success with Piper’s PA-28 products, sales for the twin-engine Seminole will reach their highest level in more than 15 years.

 

About the Archer TX

The Archer TX includes the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics package which incorporates modern processing power that supports faster map rendering and smoother panning throughout the displays. Saving valuable time in the cockpit, the displays initialize within seconds after start-up, providing immediate access to frequencies, flight plan data and more. The Archer TX comes standard equipped with a 180 hp Lycoming engine, offers 128 ktas / 237 km/h cruise speed. The aircraft is offered with multiple engine configurations designed to meet the operational and regional needs of the training provider.  In addition to the standard Lycoming O-360-A4M, an optional fuel-injected LycomingIO-360-B4A engine is available as well as a diesel option utilizing the Continental CD-155 engine.

 

About the Arrow

The Piper Arrow is the only complex single-engine training aircraft built today. With familiar controls and handling characteristics as other Piper trainers, it provides an easy transition for students moving up to a complex aircraft. It also impresses with its 200 hp Lycoming engine that propels it off runways and cruises at speeds up to 137 ktas / 254 km/h.

 

About the Seminole

The Seminole is configured with the latest in Garmin technology – G1000 NXi and comes equipped with two 180 hp Lycoming engines, has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,800 pounds, a cruise speed of 162 ktas/300 km/h and a ceiling of 15,000 feet. With the rigors of flight training in mind, the proven and venerable Seminole is durable, reliable and offers exceptional operating economics.

 

About Piper Aircraft

Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft. The single-engine M-Class series – the M600, M500, and M350 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 Warrior, Archer TX, Archer DX, Arrow, Seminole and Seneca V aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

 

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Piper Aircraft

For further information, contact:
Jackie Carlon
Phone: (772) 299-2900
Fax: (772) 978-6585