5 August 2021
Aerobility gave its new project, the Grob G109B Able aircraft, its debut at Private Flyer on Friday 6 August at Leeds East Airport.
Aerobility will be both operating the aircraft within its fleet, as well as marketing and selling the aircraft commercially, in collaboration Grob Aircraft SE and Southern Sailplanes in the UK.
The Grob G109B Able has had a complete airframe overhaul, and fitted with state-of-the-art Garmin avionics, a new Rotax engine and MT Propeller.
These combine to improve the Able’s performance and handling while fuel consumption is significantly reduced.
Aerobility CEO, Mike Miller-Smith said, “This updated and re-certified variant of the tried, tested and much loved Grob G109B and its military derivative The Vigilant makes for an exciting and environmentally friendly way to take to the skies.”
Mike added, “Aerobility exists to change lives through the magic of flight. We are very proud to present this new aircraft type which will deliver magic to its owners whilst the proceeds will support disabled aviation. We only have a fixed amount of these aircraft to sell and we hope interest will be high.”
Updated avionics of the Aerobility Grob 109B Able
Project Able is a government-backed programme to upgrade 60 former military training aircraft and repurpose them for civilian use, including disabled flying.
Project Able was formally launched last year. Aerobility’s CEO Mike Miller-Smith proposed Aerobility could take on these aircraft and modify them working alongside aerospace partners.
Aerobility plans to take eight itself and adapt them for disabled flyers. The remaining 52 will be put up for sale via the commercial market. The first private buyer was confirmed just a few weeks ago.
Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps, a private pilot himself, backed the initiative, highlighting the life changing opportunities and unrivalled confidence boost Aerobility offers disabled pilots.
Project Able is supported by a team of advisors and sponsors including:
