Blog Archive
Pilatus begins PC-12 NGX deliveries in the U.S.
Piper Aircraft HALO Safety System Certified on M600/SLS
First Garmin Autoland Equipped Aircraft to Receive Type Certification
VERO BEACH, Fla., May 18, 2020 – Piper Aircraft announced today that the company’s newest flagship, the Piper M600/SLS, has received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its new HALO safety system -making it the first Garmin Autoland equipped aircraft in the world to receive certification. Deliveries begin immediately. Piper Aircraft, Inc. made the announcement today at the company’s headquarters in Vero Beach, Florida.
“We are delighted to announce the certification of the M600/SLS with the HALO Safety System by the FAA”, said Simon Caldecott, Piper Aircraft President and CEO. “This is the first aircraft to be certified with one of the most significant advancements in general aviation history. As a company that has always held safety at the forefront of our culture, we are proud to be first to market with Autoland. Additionally, it is our great honor to pave the way for others to follow with this new technology.”
“The FAA certification of Autoland is a day of celebration for the entire aviation industry as we redefine the expectations of not only the pilot, but more importantly the passenger, and what should be standard equipment on general aviation aircraft,” said Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president and managing director of aviation. “Our congratulations to Piper for certifying this safety enhancing technology on the M600 and delivering one of the industry’s most significant innovations to our respective customers.”
The HALO Safety System with Garmin Autoland is standard equipment on all M600/SLS aircraft. The Safety System includes a compilation of innovative technologies unique to the M600 SLS and the Garmin G3000 avionics suite. The system includes Auto-throttle, Emergency Descent Mode, Electronic Stability and Protection, Surface Watch, Safe Taxi, Flight Stream connectivity and more. However, of greatest significance is the addition of Garmin Autoland – digital technology that safely lands the aircraft at the nearest suitable airport in the event that the pilot is incapacitated. The M600/SLS is available for purchase now through the Piper Dealer Network.
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M600SLS, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individual’s elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Seneca V, Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100/100i, 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.
Pilatus PC-12 NGX is Revolutionizing the Turboprop Market
Piper’s Brand-New M600 SLS Can Land Itself
October 30, 2019
VERO BEACH, FL., October 30, 2019 –Piper Aircraft announced today, the next generation M Series aircraft – the M600 SLS, standard equipped with the new HALO™ Safety System – enhancing Safety, Luxury, and Support for one of the world’s leading personal use, Basic Med compliant aircraft. It is now on track to be the first general aviation aircraft in the world to be certified with Autoland capability.
SAFETY
The HALO™ Safety System is a compilation of innovative technologies unique to the M600 SLS and the Garmin G3000 avionics suite. The system includes Auto-throttle, Emergency Descent Mode, Enhanced Stability and Protection, Surface Watch, Safe Taxi, Flight Stream connectivity and more. However, of greatest significance is the addition of Garmin Autoland – digital technology that safely lands the aircraft at the nearest suitable airport in the event that the pilot is incapacitated.
The Halo system, once engaged either automatically or by a passenger, gains immediate situational awareness and assumes control of all systems necessary to bring you and your passengers safely to the best suited runway. During all phases of flight it communicates with passengers and appropriate air traffic control facilities regarding the new flight plan route and estimated time until landing.
Halo continually monitors all aircraft system parameters and real-time external inputs as if the pilot were at the controls. It takes into account runway size and orientation, wind, time, fuel range, glide path and considers weather conditions and terrain en route to the nearest suitable runway. Once Halo has landed the aircraft, the braking system will activate and will bring the aircraft to a full and complete stop. Finally, the engine will shut down and instructions will be provided on how to exit the aircraft.
LUXURY
The M600 SLS raises the bar in Luxury with the addition of the EXP interior package as standard equipment. The interior package was designed with a focus on the personal travel experience and enables the customer to select from sophisticated interior color palettes with custom materials, stitching patterns and contrasting threads. Veneer and trim finishes further enhance the sense of unmatched refinement. Additionally, thoughtfully designed interior options, like two toned leather seats and Alcantara fabric have been added to elevate the passenger experience.
SUPPORT
Ownership of a M600 SLS is backed by an exclusive service program for the first five years of ownership. The Ultimate Care Program includes all scheduled maintenance, as well as hourly and calendar-based inspections.
“The M600 SLS and its HALO™ Safety System with Autoland is the result of an unwavering commitment to safety as well as the desire to evolve our products based on market input, said President and CEO, Simon Caldecott. “The HALO System greatly enhances situational awareness and operational safety through the use of advanced technology and is one the most significant advancements in General Aviation history. The team at Piper Aircraft is proud that we continue on track to be first to market with Garmin Autoland, which will ultimately help pave the way for others.”
Certification of the M600 SLS is imminent with deliveries beginning this quarter through the global Piper Dealer network at a price point of $2.994M.
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft and is on track to be the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland The single-engine M-Class series – the M600SLS, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individual’s elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Seneca V, Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100/100i, 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. To learn more about Piper Aircraft, visit the company’s website at www.piper.com.
Pilatus Unveils Brand-New PC-12 NGX
Media Release 22.10.2019
The World’s Best Turboprop – Better Than Ever: Pilatus Reveals the PC-12 NGX
Today, at the National Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Pilatus took the wraps off the industry’s most advanced and versatile single-engine turboprop – the PC-12 NGX.
The brand-new PC-12 NGX incorporates an improved engine, smarter avionics and a completely redesigned cabin with larger windows, making this third generation of the PC-12 airframe the most advanced single-engine turboprop ever. Building on the experience gathered from the worldwide PC-12 fleet of over 1,700 aircraft with more than seven million flight hours plus Pilatus industry-leading support, the new PC-12 NGX brings the latest technology to the turboprop market.
Proven engine technology with digital control
Single-engine turboprop operation demands a proven powerplant: at the heart of the new PC-12 NGX is the PT6E-67XP turboprop engine by Pratt & Whitney Canada. This improved engine features an Electronic Propeller and Engine Control System including Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) – a worldwide first in this market segment. In addition, the new propeller low speed mode results in a significant reduction in cabin noise for great passenger comfort. The new turboprop engine enables the PC-12 NGX to achieve a maximum cruise speed of 290 KTAS (537 kilometres per hour). The PC-12 NGX also adds advanced features like Prist®-free fuel operation.
Smart cockpit environment
The PC-12 NGX boasts a range of new features for the pilot: the Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE™) System by Honeywell as inspired by the PC-24 provides enhanced avionics. In another first for the segment, Pilatus combines the power of a cursor control device with the versatility of a smart touch screen controller in a truly professional flight deck. The digital autothrottle, i.e. automatic thrust adjustment, reduces pilot workload for greater safety and ensures automatic power optimisation in every phase of flight.
New cabin with larger windows
The cabin windows have been enlarged by ten percent to enhance the PC-12 NGX’s passenger experience and deliver more natural light. The rectangular shape of the new windows, also adapted from the PC-24, and dark windshield surround trim create a distinctive ramp presence for the PC-12 NGX.
The completely redesigned cabin comes in six different BMW Designworks’ interiors. The especially developed extremely light passenger seats offer optimum ergonomics with full-recline capability if required. The seats are arranged to provide maximum freedom of movement with more headroom thanks to the redesigned headliner. The air-conditioning system delivers better and quieter air distribution.
Reduced operating cost
With the new PC-12 NGX, scheduled maintenance intervals have been extended to 600 flight hours, which provides significant cost savings. The time-between-overhaul period has also been increased from 4,000 to 5,000 hours, thereby reducing the cost of operating the PC-12 NGX even further, making it the undisputed leader in its class.
Speaking at the presentation in Las Vegas, Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, stated: “We are excited to reveal the new PC-12 NGX today. To maintain the PC-12’s leadership in the general aviation marketplace, we continuously seek innovative solutions which benefit the safety, comfort and productivity of our customers. The PC-12 NGX is a showcase for the advanced technology collaboration between Pilatus, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Honeywell. Together, we took the best, and made it even better. What’s more, our customers do not have to wait years into the future to enjoy these benefits, the PC-12 NGX is here today.”
Base price of the PC-12 NGX in 2020 is 4,390,000 US dollars, with typically equipped executive-configured aircraft priced at 5,369,000 US dollars.
The PC-12 NGX at the NBAA-BACE
Pilatus presents the first series production PC-12 NGX at the static display at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas from 22 to 24 October. The PC-12 NGX is certified, and customer deliveries will begin in the second quarter of 2020.
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KCAC Aviation Expands Piper Territory to Colorado
OLATHE, KS, June 6, 2019 – KCAC Aviation is pleased to announce their appointment as the authorized Piper Aircraft Sales and Service Center for Colorado.
KCAC has represented Piper Aircraft in the Midwest for 53 years and will now add a fifth state to its sales territory. Dave DeWalt, an industry veteran with over 20 years of aviation experience, will be responsible for new and pre-owned Piper Aircraft sales in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
“With an eye to the future we are growing our product lines, our customer services and the business opportunities for proven dealer partners,” said Ron Gunnarson, Piper Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support. “With those common goals, we are delighted to expand KCAC Aviation’s territories to service our mutual customer’s needs.”
“KCAC is excited for the opportunity to represent the Piper Aircraft product line in Colorado,” said Mark Riley, General Manager of KCAC. “We have a longstanding history of proudly supporting Piper Aircraft through aircraft sales, parts distribution and excellent customer service and support. We will bring our reputation as a trusted aviation advisor and many years of experience with Piper Aircraft to benefit new and existing Piper customers in the state of Colorado.”
For information on Piper Aircraft sales, please contact Dave DeWalt at (913) 324-1208. For service and support, contact Tom Conley at KCAC’s Authorized Piper Service Center in Olathe, KS at Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) at (913) 324-1253.
About KCAC Aviation
KCAC is a full-service aviation company with an FBO at the Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) in Olathe, KS as well as a sales office in West Chicago, IL at DuPage Airport (DPA). Specializing in new and used aircraft sales for Piper and Pilatus, KCAC offers Part 145 repair services, avionics installations and repair, charter and aircraft management. For more information about KCAC Aviation, please visit our website at www.kcac.com.
For additional information contact:
Carrie Gicante, Marketing Manager
KCAC Aviation
15325 South Pflumm, Olathe, KS 66062
Phone: 866-359-5222
E-mail: cgicante@kcac.com
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KCAC Aviation Opens Pilatus Sales Office in Chicago
KCAC Aviation Opens Pilatus Sales Office in Chicago to Serve Four-State Region
OLATHE, KS (May 16, 2019) — KCAC Aviation, an Authorized Sales and Service Center for Pilatus Aircraft, has announced the opening of a Pilatus Sales Office at DuPage Airport in West Chicago, IL. Keith Plumb, who was recently appointed to Regional Director of Pilatus Sales for KCAC, will be responsible for new and pre-owned sales in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
“Having regional representation based in this four-state area will help KCAC better serve its customers, especially with the introduction of the Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet,” said Mark Riley, General Manager of KCAC. “Keith is well versed in both the turboprop and jet markets and I am excited to have him join the KCAC team. His passion for building relationships, coupled with his relentless pursuit to go above and beyond for his customers, represents the same philosophy that has propelled KCAC forward for 53 years.”
“I am fortunate to have joined KCAC to represent Pilatus Aircraft at such an exciting and pivotal time,” said Plumb. “Both organizations are synonymous with excellent customer service and the performance and versatility of the PC-12 and PC-24 are unmatched within their respective classes, making them highly sought after products.”
According to Pilatus VP of Marketing, Tom Aniello, “KCAC’s establishment of a Chicago sales office shows their unwavering commitment to serve the general aviation community. KCAC has been an award-winning Pilatus sales and service provider for nearly twenty years and there is no doubt that Pilatus customers in this region will be the real beneficiaries of this expansion.”
Plumb, who has over twenty-five years of aviation experience, most recently served as President and CEO of Executive AirShare, a U.S. based fractional aircraft ownership company that he helped co-found. His career has spanned a variety of roles including aircraft sales, aircraft management, professional pilot and executive leadership. Plumb earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has logged over 4,400 flight hours and has multiple type ratings.
About KCAC Aviation
KCAC Aviation is a full-service aviation company with an FBO at the Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) in Olathe, Kansas (Kansas City) as well as a sales office in West Chicago, Illinois at DuPage Airport (DPA). Specializing in new and pre-owned aircraft sales for Pilatus and Piper, KCAC Aviation offers Part 145 repair services, avionics installations and repair, as well as charter and aircraft management. For more information visit www.kcac.com.
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Media Contact:
Carrie Gicante, Marketing Manager
KCAC Aviation
(913) 324-1214
cgicante@kcac.com
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The Pilatus PC-24: A “Stunning Engineering Marvel”
KCAC Aviation Delivers First Pilatus PC-24 in Midwest
September 26, 2018 (Olathe, KS) – KCAC Aviation, an Authorized Pilatus Sales and Service Center, delivered the first Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet to a customer in the Midwest. In a ceremony at their facility in Olathe, Kansas, KCAC Aviation delivered PC-24 serial number 110 to a customer based in Illinois. It is the tenth production delivery of the newly certified Super Versatile Jet worldwide.
Mark Riley, General Manager for KCAC Aviation commented: “We are excited to deliver the first Pilatus PC-24 to a customer in the Midwest. Our customer purchased the airplane primarily for its unimproved runway performance for operations on dirt or grass runways, an operation most jet aircraft cannot do. There is really nothing else like the PC-24 in the market today.”
Superior customer service has been a key part of the Pilatus service network’s achievement of 17 consecutive years of number-one ranked customer support, as rated by independent industry surveys. KCAC Aviation’s level of customer service has been an important element in achieving that ranking.
Riley continued: “Everyone’s reaction to the airplane is just how large the cabin is for a mid-size aircraft. A real game changer has arrived and demand for the airplane has been simply amazing. With the legendary performance and reliability of a Pilatus, this will be the first of many PC-24s delivered in our territory.”
KCAC Aviation pilot and maintenance personnel have been through type-specific training, and all special support tooling and spare parts for the PC-24 are already in inventory.
About KCAC Aviation:
KCAC Aviation was founded in 1966 and is a full-service business aviation partner providing charter, aircraft management, maintenance, parts, avionics, sales and service. They have been an Authorized Pilatus Sales and Service Center since 2000. KCAC’s sales territory for new Pilatus aircraft in the Midwestern United States includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. The company manages a growing fleet of charter and managed aircraft including four jets and seven Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
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