On opening day of SUN ‘n FUN, Piper Aircraft unveiled the Piper Pilot 100 and Pilot 100i training aircraft.
The VFR equipped Piper Pilot 100 starts at $259,000, while the IFR equipped Pilot 100i is $285,000.
The idea for the new trainers came about three years, according to Simon Caldecott, Piper’s president and CEO.
“We realized we weren’t supporting the aircraft equipment needs of all flight schools,” he said. “We needed a more affordable trainer that can support flight schools of all sizes.”
He noted the company’s engineers worked closely with officials from Continental and Garmin to come up with configurations that would save money for the customer.
The new two-seaters are powered by the 180-hp Continental Prime IO-370-D3A, which offers 128 ktas max cruise speed and 522 nm range with 45 minute reserve.
The Pilot 100 boasts Garmin G3X Touch Certified avionics.
The Pilot 100i adds an IFR capable upgrade package that includes the Garmin G3X Touch, GFC500 autopilot, the new GNX 375.
Both aircraft will be available in limited quantities beginning in 2020.
As usual Poker’s a day late & a dollar short.
180 hp sound like a great idea here in AZ! On hot days the DA in the PHX area can be 3000 to 4000ft on the ground. Having the extra power HP opens up tons of safe training in the north of the state in the summer at high elevation mountain airports for new pilots
Along with the unnecessary amount of power, the use of the Continental IO-370 that requires 100 avgas is a poor choice as well. They could have kept Lycoming power with O-320/IO-320 150/160 hp or IO-360 180hp and had an engine certified for 94UL allowing the use of ANY available avgas as well as a likely simple add on to the EAA or Peterson autogas STCs. If lower cost is a goal, then the total cost must be considered.
180 hp for a trainer???too much, in my opinion, a trainer with 120 hp, is plentiful.
A lot of schools have improved the training experience by having students sit in the backseat and observe a lesson before they have to perform that lesson
It improves learning and saves a lot of money
You can’t fly 3 fat guys with less than 180 hp
180 horsepower for a 2-place trainer?? Hmmm. You can buy a Diamond DA-20 with a more fuel-efficient engine for substantially less money. It’s hard to believe Piper is really serious with this.
How’s about some pics of the interior and panel, Ben
I’m especially interested in seeing the 100i panel with the new Garmin stuff.