EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

King Schools announces maintenance curriculum, test prep app

King Schools announced its new Cleared for Aviation Maintenance home-study course, designed to meet FAR Part 147 requirements for aviation maintenance technician schools and integrate with high school and college programs: “King Schools has a long history of preparing learning mechanics for their General, Airframe and Powerplant written exams," said co-owner and CEO Barry Knuttila. "In this new program, that test prep has been extended to include a complete mechanics training curriculum including all the knowledge and skills required in a Part 147 training program.” The new material will be showcased, along with a new test prep app, at an Aviation Education Symposium King Schools will host September 21 and 22 in San Diego.

ERAU chooses Diamond DA42-VI for fleet refresh

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will take delivery of 12 new Diamond DA42-VI twins in 2024, Diamond Aircraft announced. The four-seat aircraft are powered by a pair of piston Austro Engines that burn jet fuel, and feature Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. "We are excited to extend our long-term use of Diamond DA42 Aircraft,” said Ken Byrnes, Embry-Riddle’s assistant dean and flight chair of Aeronautical Science. “Diamond’s commitment to the safety, quality and technological advancement of their aircraft aligns perfectly with our core values."

Tecnam launches P-Mentor in US

Tecnam’s two-seat P-Mentor was on display at EAA AirVenture 2023, marking the first U.S. appearance of the aircraft expected to be certified in the fourth quarter of this year. The aircraft, which will be featured in the September issue of AOPA Pilot, was certified in Europe in 2022, and Tecnam has already logged several fleet orders in the United States. Tecnam also recently announced the Continental GTSIO-520-S as a new engine option for the P2012 twin.

Daher, RAF keep the backcountry accessible

Daher announced that in order to sustain the Recreational Aviation Foundation’s goal of creating and preserving backcountry airstrips for recreational use, it actively supported the U.S. Forest Service in maintaining two difficult-to-reach airstrips in Idaho: Moose Creek and Shearer. Taking advantage of the Daher Kodiak 900’s spacious cabin and payload, as well as its short takeoff and landing capability, company crews used the prototype to deliver building materials and support equipment to these isolated grass strips that no longer have rangers based there. Daher is a longtime supporter of the RAF.

Sierra Charlie Aviation orders 50 Piper Archers

Arizona flight school Sierra Charlie Aviation is well on the way to refreshing a very large fleet, with an order for 50 Piper Archer TX aircraft announced July 26. The Piper deal followed weeks after the same school announced another order of 50 aircraft, with options for an additional 50, from Elixir Aircraft of France. Archer deliveries to the Scottsdale school will begin in 2026, and the school’s Piper Seminole Twin was on display at the Piper booth at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

Diamond Aircraft marks milestone delivery of DA50 RG

Diamond Aircraft announced FAA certification of the DA50 RG and first U.S. delivery to the many pilots lined up for their new piston single with retractable gear. Jordan Cram, the first U.S. customer, explained his decision in a company press release: “The excellent fuel economy combined with jet fuel made me feel better about carbon impact, and the balance of function and form is just unparalleled. We’re going to be up in the air a lot.”

Florida flight school joins Alsim fold

Sarasota, Florida-based Cirrus Aviation and Alsim Simulators of France announced a partnership that will establish a new location for Alsim to expand its customer base in the Southeast.

Denali’s AirVenture debut

The single-engine turboprop Beechcraft Denali landed in Wisconsin for its EAA AirVenture Oshkosh debut, giving attendees their first close look at the latest design from Textron Aviation. Like the Beechcraft King Air, the Denali is outfitted with Garmin’s award-winning autonomous emergency landing system. The aircraft will be at the show through July 30.

Daher celebrates TBM 960 milestone

Daher announced the eightieth delivery of its TBM 960 turboprop, just over a year after the new flagship model’s launch. The company demonstrator is on display, with a “Sirocco” paint scheme, at the Daher exhibit (booth 387-392) at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

Garmin PlaneSync available

Garmin’s PlaneSync aircraft management system is now available for retrofit installations, the company announced at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The wireless system automatically updates avionics databases via Wi-Fi or LTE, logs flight and engine data, and allows aircraft owners and operators to check fuel and systems status remotely via the Garmin Pilot app. Installations start at $3,995; an LTE subscription is required for remote aircraft status checks.

Avionics update for Cessna Caravan

Textron Aviation announced July 24 that the Cessna Caravan line of turboprops will get updated Garmin avionics for 2024. The Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan EX will feature the G1000 NXi avionics suite, with additional standard features including the GDL 60 datalink, the GTX 345DR diversity transponder, and the GI 275 electronic standby.