AVweb’s weekly search of the latest developments in aviation uncovered news of the all-electric Sun Flyer’s flight tests, Sporty’s new ATP training course, two new vice presidents at Cirrus and a free trial of Aspen Avionics’s synthetic vision product.SunAero Electric Aircraft Corp. has entered the next phase of development for its high tech solar-electric training aircraft called “Sun Flyer.” AEAC, in conjunction with its development partner, Bye Aerospace, is performing initial R&D flight test operations with the solar-electric technology demonstrator at Centennial Airport near Denver. Flight tests will continue for the next 6 to 9 months while the 2-seat prototype Sun Flyer is being assembled. With the FAA mandate that all pilots seeking an ATP certificate be required to complete an FAA-approved ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) prior to taking the ATP Knowledge test, Sporty’s has partnered with ABX Airlines in Wilmington, Ohio to offer this training. The ATP-CTP training requires at least 30 hours of classroom work and 10 hours of simulator training, six of which must be completed in a level C flight simulator or higher. The six-day course will include four days of classroom instruction and the remainder of time in the simulator. Cost is $4,500.
Cirrus Aircraft announcedthe appointment of two customer team executives that reinforce the company’s leadership depth and further position the enterprise for global growth. Ben Kowalski has joined Cirrus Aircraft as Vice President of Marketing, and will be responsible for developing marketing, branding, communication and distribution strategies to support the company’s strategic growth plan, including activities around the launch of the Vision SF50 jet in 2015. Cirrus has also appointed David Moser as the new Vice President of Fleet and Special Mission Sales. In this role, David will oversee the Cirrus fleet and special mission platforms sales team responsible for delivering the most innovative, capable and flexible solutions to customers around the world. Aspen Avionics, manufacturer of the Evolution Flight Display system, announced that it has received FAA approval to offer a free 10-inflight hour trialof Aspen’s Evolution Synthetic Vision (ESV). All new Aspen EFD1000 Pro PFD purchasers will receive the free ESV trial with their display. Priced at $2995, ESV is an optional software upgrade to the Evolution Flight Display System and presents a real-time, computer-generated, three-dimensional view of terrain, obstacles, and traffic.
