Tecnam and Universal Helicopters (UHI) have signed a purchase agreement for a fleet of 10 initial aircraft to be based at two fixed-wing flight training locations. The purchase consists of four P2008 LSA, four P2010 standard category four place, and two P2006T twins.

UHI is one of the largest FAA Part 141 training companies in the world and operates up to 58 helicopters for flight training. It now has its sights set on the fixed-wing training market. “As we watched the shortage of fixed wing pilots increase and the hiring requirements change, I felt compelled to assist the fixed wing industry as we have done for decades with regards to the helicopter industry,” states director Gordon A Jiroux.

Universal Fixed Wing will utilise the high wing P2008 LSA for initial through to IFR introduction training. Students will then move to the FAA standard category P2010 single with G1000Nxi and GFC700 for completion of IFR, commercial and CFI certificates. Finally, students will fly the P2006T light twin with Garmin G1000Nxi to complete their Multi-Commercial and Multi-Instructor certificates.

“The Tecnam line of aircraft that we chose as our primary training aircraft offered the perfect progression of high wing ab-initio trainers, the P2008 and P2010, culminating with their light multi-engine P2006 model,” continues Jiroux.

“Desiring to bring the same level of quality and safety to the fixed-wing community that our helicopter students and training partners have enjoyed, we knew from our experience with Robinson that having three different model aircraft from the same manufacturer was a priority. We know from our extensive helicopter training experience that the uniformity and consistency that will exist by operating the one brand of state-of-the-art airplanes that Tecnam offers will help us deliver quality training with that extra element of safety we are always looking for.”

Tecnam director for North America Shannon Yeager adds: “Our aircraft being selected by UHI as its next generation training fleet is a high honour, especially when considering Universal's operational experience in the flight training industry. The Tecnam fleet solution offers easy transition to more complexity while leveraging an LSA, a Rotax powered twin and US based AOG support to keep the acquisition and operational costs down. This will allow Universal to continue providing a safe and cost attainable pathway for students.”

President of Tecnam US and CEO of Tecnam Italy Paolo Pascale is also delighted at the selection: “Our expanded commitment to and direct factory involvement in the US market is showing the results we hoped for. We care a lot for our North American customers and training organisations, and we are proud to be a partner on their path to success. With the widest line of aircraft in our portfolio, post-sales support and services, Tecnam is providing not only aircraft but a solid fleet solution.”