The CAA has approved the first engineering training course for the German Thielert’s Centurion 1.7 diesel aircraft engine.

The first course is to be held at Bournemouth-based Meridian Aviation’s new demonstration and technical training centre, starting on September 23. Others are scheduled for October 21 and November 18.

The company gained the UK, Ireland and Spanish distributorship for Thielert in May 2002 and is now providing parts sales and converting various aircraft to the engine that runs on JetA fuel and diesel.

The schedule of courses will enable engineers to work on the Centurions already fitted in both the Diamond DA40 and the twin DA42. The DA40 is the first production aircraft that is equipped with an engine of this type.

Said Malcolm Craft: “We anticipate demand from Cessna 172 and Piper PA28 owners and operators who will want to retrofit the engine to replace the existing expensive-to-

run Lycoming.”