ATP purchases Piper Seminole advanced training aircraft with Garmin G500 glass cockpit avionics

Posted by Courtney E. Howard

LAS VEGAS, 12 Oct. 2011. Airline Transport Professionals (ATP) signed an agreement with Piper Aircraft Inc. for up to 30 Piper Seminoles, valued at $18 million. Piper and ATP jointly announced the transaction at the 2011 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention. ATP, specializing in airline pilot training and pilot career development, will initially purchase a fleet of 10 Piper Seminole multi-engine, piston-powered advanced training aircraft for delivery in 2012.

ATP’s agreement also includes an option for 20 additional Seminole aircraft for delivery in 2013 and 2014. The companies are not disclosing the fleet purchase price; however, the retail value of 30 Piper Seminoles for delivery in 2012 through 2014 is more than $18 million.

All the airplanes under the agreement will be equipped with Garmin G500 glass cockpit avionics suites. The G500 PFD/MFD dual-screen electronic flight display features dual 6.5-inch LCDs, mounted side-by-side in the bezel. Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multifunction Display (MFD) capabilities are directly in instructor and student field of view to streamline instrument scanning and enhance situational awareness.

"Students in training appreciate the Seminole's ability to help them learn advanced flight maneuvers and procedures while ATP instructors appreciate the airplane's ability to teach these lessons in a safe and forgiving manner,” says Geoffrey Berger, Piper president and CEO.

"ATP chose the Piper Seminole because of its dispatch reliability, compatibility with our existing fleet, and ATP's continuing commitment to providing high-quality multi-engine flight training and experience to pilots of all certification levels," explains Jim Koziarski, ATP vice president. "This large fleet purchase will enable ATP to provide students with the latest in technology and high quality training aircraft."