According to aircraft sales executive Grant Donaldson, it was perfect flying weather for the delivery of the new Piper PA 44-180 Seminole from Piper distributor Meridian Aviation, to Coventry-based Atlantic Flying Training. A new twin-engined Seminole has not been placed on the UK register since 1982.

Pete Humphrys, principal of Atlantic, says that the Seminole’s economic operating costs and relatively low purchase price, combined with the options available for the factory avionics (navigation and communication equipment) fit, were key factors for the choice.

“A fleet of Seminoles are also operated by our Florida-based training partners so it makes sense for our pilots training for their commercial pilots licences to fly the same aircraft from both training centres,” says Pete Humphrys. “The avionics have been carefully chosen so that it is well equipped for instrument flight training.”

The option has included dual Garmin 430 global positioning systems, with colour moving maps. Meridian says that the Seminole is the first of nine new piper aircraft that are already on order for delivery this year.

Meridian has not just been involved in Seminole deliveries of late. The Bournemouth-based company has also gained the USA’s FAA air agency certification.

This allows the UK Piper, Pilatus and Thielert Diesel aircraft engine distributor to be a repair station

for N-registered aircraft operating in the UK.

The FAA approval covers airframe, powerplant and a selection of avionic equipment testing for a wide range of aircraft including those manufactured by Cessna, Beech, Commander and Bitten-Norman. The certification mirrors Meridian’s full approved schedule granted by the UK’s CAA.

Engineering director Malcolm Craft says that the FAA certification is an important step in the company’s long-term plans. “We are investing heavily in technical and engineering personnel and are making major structural changes to the facilities this year to give our customers a major advantage in service above that of our competitors.”