News
05/21/07 - Comprehensive worldwide support pledged for spn program
When the spn all composite light jet enters service in the second quarter of 2008 its worldwide support will be assured through a network of experienced and reliable partners in around the world.
The spn has been designed for easy maintenance and low operating costs. Easy handling through large access panels and significantly less exposure to corrosion and structural fatigue than metal airframes, results in low maintenance requirements.
Maintenance and technical support
In Europe, service center representation will be the responsibility of ExecuJet Aviation Group from its aviation maintenance facilities in Copenhagen (Denmark), and Northern Executive Aviation with its facility in Manchester in North West UK. Grob Aerospace itself will support the service center network and be able to perform maintenance work from its facility in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany. Outside of Europe, ExecuJet will also take responsibility for Dubai (UAE), Johannesburg (South Africa) and Sydney (Australia). Further service centers will be added depending on the customer base.
In North America, selected service partner Landmark Aviation will provide support from its facilities in Houston, Los Angeles and Springfield, while Stevens Aviation will offer support out of its Denver and Greenville facilities. Landmark and Stevens will work in close co-operation with Grob Aerospace’s newly established US entity; Grob Aerospace Inc. The American local support infrastructure will enable best-in-class customer support by handling the spare parts inventory and distribution within North America, local field support representatives and customer account management.
Experienced field service representatives will support the entry in service and service phase of the spn worldwide, being on site from the first aircraft delivery in their territory. They will work closely with field representatives from Honeywell, Williams and other suppliers. Technical support will also be available via a hotline opened 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Maintenance Program
Grob Aerospace will offer a maintenance cost assurance plan, a complete service package for the spn. This assurance plan will be a comprehensive hourly program that guarantees the cost of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance conducted on an aircraft’s airframe, engines and avionics. Grob will guarantee a competitive fixed rate for parts per flight hour whereas the maintenance labour can optionally be included. The maintenance cost assurance plan will be backed up by Williams (TAP) and Honeywell (HAPP). The details of this plan will be announced at NBAA 2007.
Spare parts
The manufacturer will also be able to offer direct access to spare parts through an on-site inventory. Two central warehouses near Munich, Germany and in the USA, both near shipping hubs, will hold factory stock. The authorized service centers will also have a comprehensive stock of spare parts at their facilities.
Pilot and maintenance training
Grob Aerospace is very close to selecting its flight training provider, a decision it hopes to finalize within a couple of month. It will be with an industry leader and the facility will be located in North America within easy reach from Europe and the rest of the world. Training will cover ground school, PC-based tool for avionics and web-based training, as well as procedures & integrated avionics training in a modern Flight Training Device. A full flight simulator (level D) will be available for the training. Furthermore, a transitional training school for pilots with limited or no experience in similar aircraft categories or technologies will be offered.
Maintenance training will also be provided by the manufacturer on-site at an EASA / FAA approved maintenance training organization. Grob will offer a three-week aircraft familiarization training course for maintenance technician; and an optional composite repair training course.
About the spn
The spn boasts an impressive range and payload for an aircraft in its class. With six passengers and single pilot, the aircraft can serve 1,800 nm (3334 km). The aircraft features a total cabin volume of 405 cu.ft (11.5 m³) – the largest in the light business jet class by a fair margin, and a large passenger door.
Early sales success for the industry’s new generation light business jet has raised market interest with its unique operating characteristics. For example, it can operate on unimproved runways (gravel or grass), traditionally the domain of a turboprop, requiring a balanced field length of just 3,000 ft (914 m) at maximum take off weight.
The spn will also be certified for single pilot operation, and is equipped with an avionics suite more advanced than that of any other aircraft close to its class. Honeywell’s integrated all glass cockpit sets new standards for simplicity, reliability and technology. Two rear-mounted FADEC controlled Williams FJ44-3A engines deliver 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) of thrust. The aircraft carries a price tag of € 5.8 million.
Grob Aerospace – 35 Years of Aviation History
Since 35 years Grob Aerospace is one of the world’s largest and most experienced composite aircraft manufacturers. 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. It has delivered more than 3,500 aircraft that have flown over seven million hours on five continents.
For further information contact:
Elisabeth Palander
Grob Aerospace AG
+41 (0)44 876 56 82
elisabeth.palander@grob-aerospace.ch
Celia Turner/Alison Chambers
Emerald Media
+44 (0) 1962 736600
Alison@emeraldmedia.co.uk