Piper sales up

July 22, 2019 By Dave Hirschman

A surge in demand for flight training around the world boosted sales of Piper trainers during the first half of 2019.

Piper Aircraft introduced the Piper 100 and 100i aircraft models, training versions of the Piper PA-28 Archer, in April. Photo courtesy of Piper Aircraft.

The company, based in Vero Beach, Florida, saw sales of its PA–28 Archer, Pilot 100, and Pilot 100i models surge 40 percent over the same period last year.

The Pilot 100 and Pilot 100i models are training versions of the venerable PA–28. The 100 has two seats (instead of four) and VFR avionics, and the 100i has three seats and an IFR panel.

The company delivered 94 PA–28s in the first half of 2019 compared to 56 in the same period last year.

“We’re seeing substantial growth in all segments of our product line,” said Piper CEO Simon Caldecott at a news conference at EAA AirVenture.

The company intends to maintain a “leadership position” in the training market.

Piper also plans to vastly expand its ability to produce FAA-approved, 3-D-printed parts and says doing so has helped it achieve major cost savings on some nonstructural parts. The company has identified hundreds of parts it intends to shift to 3-D printing.

Piper said it’s also investing in its manufacturing plant at Vero Beach and now has dedicated facilities for Archer and Seminole production. Piper has sold more than 100 Pilot 100 and Pilot 100i trainers since announcing the new models in April.

Dave Hirschman

AOPA Pilot Editor at Large

AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Dave Hirschman joined AOPA in 2008. He has an airline transport pilot certificate and instrument and multiengine flight instructor certificates. Dave flies vintage, historical, and Experimental airplanes and specializes in tailwheel and aerobatic instruction.

Go to Dave Hirschman's Profile

Topics: EAA AirVenture, Aviation Industry

Piper sales up

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