Piper launches low-cost trainer Pilot 100

Piper Aircraft has announced two new low-cost training aircraft at this year’s Sun ‘n Fun fly-in and expo. They are the Piper Pilot 100 and Pilot 100i.

Piper boss Simon Caldecott said the new Pilot 100 series features several new components including a 180hp Continental Prime IO-370-D3A engine offering 128ktas max cruise speed and 522nm range with 45 minute reserve.

Avionics are the latest Garmin G3X Touch Certified and the cabin is said to be ‘simple but functional’ with just two seats as standard.

The prices are keen: $259,000 for the VFR-equipped 100 and $285,000 for the IFR equipped 100i. Both aircraft will be available in limited quantities beginning in 2020.

Caldecott said, “With the unprecedented demand for professional pilots, our team worked closely with several key suppliers to deliver an aggressively priced, proven trainer that offers the advanced systems and performance that flight schools and airline programs of all sizes desire.

“We are excited to add the Pilot 100 series to our training product line at a price point that provides optimal economics for all operators.”

The new Piper Pilot 100/100i is in addition to existing PA-28 models, the Archer TX and DX, and Arrow. Since 2014, sales of single engine Piper Archer have grown more than 93%, rising by nearly 50% year-on-year in 2018 alone.

STOP PRESS: Hours after the above announcement, L3 Commercial Aviation confirmed it had signed a deal for 240 Piper aircraft, the biggest ever order in Piper’s history. More here.

Piper Aircraft