Piper Aircraft Inc. has chosen two aircraft interior specialists for the PiperJet, DeCrane Aerospace and Propel Designs. Both organizations will integrate passenger cabin interior improvements verified by the company’s proof of concept flight-testing regimen and customers, according to company officials.
“Numerous meetings and conversations with PiperJet buyers have reaffirmed many of our design parameters for the interior and even led us to make some additional improvements that reflect the valuable input from both our current customers and future customers,” said Randy Groom, Piper executive vice president. “In addition, test flights being flown by the PiperJet proof-of-concept vehicle have verified our expectations and helped us decide on further enhancements.” Piper is scheduled to announce specific aircraft interior improvements during the National Business Aviation Association annual meeting and convention this fall in Atlanta.
DeCrane Aerospace will supply engineering and PiperJet interior soft goods, including carpeting, headliners and interior panels. David Shumate of Propel Designs, Seattle, Wash., is providing the overall design and the styling philosophy behind the PiperJet flight deck and advancements to the passenger cabin. Shumate, who has worked with Piper for a number of years, has also provided design concepts for a number of turboprops, business jets, high-end automobiles and boats. Shumate, previously with BMW Group DesignworksUSA, has industrial design and transportation design degrees, including one from the Art Center College of Design, where he studied in California and Switzerland.
For more information: Piper.com.
