News

03/28/08 - Grob Aerospace delivers additional two G 120A Trainers for Canadian Air

Force Grob Aerospace has delivered two additional G 120A-C primary training aircraft to Kelowna Flightcraft Leasing Ltd of Canada, who through subsidiary company Allied Wings, provide the Canadian Air Force with primary pilot training from its aviation centre in Southport Manitoba.

The repeat order for an additional two trainers was placed in June 2007, just one year after the original nine-strong aircraft fleet entered service. In placing a follow on order, the Canadian Air Force applauded the G120A’s exceptional versatility, allowing it to handle more advanced tasks `downloaded` from more expensive
aircraft.
The new aircraft incorporate two new systems which will be retrofitted on the original fleet in the very near future. The first is an electric trim system to allow the pilot to trim both roll and pitch from the joy- stick. The second is a modification enhancing flying capability at sustained low power setting in temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius. The G 120A-C has been modified to meet the demanding Canadian Air Force specifications and is certified to deliver the full range of primary flying training tasks, including instrument flying with part-glass cockpit, navigation, full aerobatics and
formation flying.
“This follow on order emphasizes the ability of the G 120 to effectively download training modules from more expensive aircraft, enhancing the efficiency and cost effectiveness of air force pilot training,” said Denzil White, Director Special Mission and Training Aircraft.
“The G 120A exceeded our performance expectations and we realized that by expanding the fleet we can further improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the Canadian Air Force’s training program,” said Barry Lapointe, CEO, Kelowna Flightcraft.
“The versatility of the fully aerobatic Grob G 120, which is also certified for instrument rating training, means we can “down-load” training modules previously undertaken on more expensive advanced training aircraft, on to the economical Grob. Furthermore, we will shortly be upgrading the Grob fleet with the option of Electric Roll and Pitch Trim, controlled from the joy stick, along the lines of the HOTAS concept. Grob Aerospace has also introduced a Cold Weather Kit , due to be incorporated on our fleet, which will offer more enhanced flexibility in operating at sustained low power settings during the very cold conditions encountered in Southport during the long winter season.”

Grob Aerospace is a leader in aerobatic training aircraft with numerous Air Forces using its aircraft for pilot training, including the Royal Air Force, French Air Force, German Air Force, Israeli Air Force, Canadian Air Force, Egyptian Air Force and United Arab Emirates Air Force. Over 400 G 115 and G 120 trainers have been delivered since 1987 and current training fleets, operating mainly in private- military co operations, are producing more than 60,000 flight hours each year.
The Grob Customer and Product Support Organization provides professional manufacturer service to customers for spare parts and technical assistance, ensuring the very high availability rates required for this type of high volume flight training operation.

About the G 120A

First flown in 1999, the G 120A is a cost effective and versatile light aircraft, specifically designed to meet the most challenging forms of primary pilot training. Fully aerobatic the G 120 is certified by both the EASA and the FAA to +6/-4 g. The aircraft is fitted with the powerful and economical 260 hp Lycoming engine. It provides the ideal training platform for the full range of conventional high- performance aerobatic maneuvers, including spins, inverted spins, loops, rolls, stall turns, outside turns and recovery from unusual attitudes. This versatile aircraft also offers excellent handling at both high and low airspeeds, making it ideal to tackle the full spectrum of primary training requirements, including pilot screening, instrument flying, navigation and mission oriented tasks which previously required two different aircraft types.
The G 120A airframe is manufactured entirely from carbon fiber composite, which gives it a competitive advantage by offering high strength and low life cycle costs through long structural service life, lightweight construction and associated low fuel consumption and low maintenance costs.


Grob Aerospace – Over 37 Years of Aviation History

In business for over 37 years, Grob Aerospace is one of the world’s largest and most experienced composite aircraft manufacturers. It has delivered more than3,500 aircraft which have flown over seven million hours on five continents.
The company is headquartered in Switzerland but maintains its own purpose built airfield in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, that accommodates its manufacturing and assembly facilities. In 2007 Grob Aerospace established a wholly-owned US subsidiary to provide a complete, world-class ownership experience to North American customers. Grob Aerospace‘s central base in the United States is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with several regional sales offices throughout the USA.

For further information contact:
Celia Turner
Emerald Media 
+44 (0) 770 334 4425
celia@ctpr.demon.co.uk 

Juliane von Heimendahl Grob Aerospace AG+41 (0) 44 876 56 89 juliane.von.heimendahl@grob-aerospace.ch