Dallas-based IndUS Aviation reported at the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Fla., that progress is being made with Chinese partner IPI Technologies and private investors in China to move production of the Thorpedo Light Sport Aircraft to the new LuYangHu General Aviation Development Zone in Weinan, China.
Dr. Ram Pattisapu reports, “I just returned from China this week. While there, we continued the development plans to begin building aircraft in Weinan, Shaanxi Province, China later this year. These facilities are being designed to enable us to build large numbers of aircraft, anticipating 100 units per year capacity within 18 months or so. It was great to see the ground at the new site. It’s exciting to finally be moving forward!”
IndUS and IPI hope to have production on line by end of 2011, and increase steadily throughout 2012 to maximum capacity, he added.
Hayden Malone, president of Sterling Flight Training of Jacksonville, Fla., and IndUS have begun discussions to open flight training schools in different locations in China. With IndUS’ production of aircraft in China, and flight training avenues, the plan is to deliver some of the produced aircraft in China to these training institutions, while also exporting aircraft to the US and other locations around the world.
“We will focus on building primary entry level aircraft in large numbers to meet the expected demand for such aircraft in India and China,” Pattisapu said. “With our new Chinese partners, we will develop the LSA market in Asia, and continue to oversee final assembly of Thorpedos in Dallas to support sales in North America.”
Under the new agreement, IndUS will be responsible for all research and development, modifications and technical updates in the USA, with requisite FAA and international aviation agency approvals.
Sterling Flight Training by Malone Air, Inc. is a family owned and operated flight training company, doing business at Craig Airport (CRG). It also offers a degreed flight training program, in conjunction with Florida Community College at Jacksonville.
The Thorpedo SLSA is a variant of the FAR 23-certified Thorp T-211, type certified in 1946.. IndUS Aviation manufactures the Thorpedo Light Sport Aircraft at their corporate headquarters at Dallas Executive Airport (RBD) in Dallas.
For more information: IndUSAv.com
