South Korea-based AAM hybrid aircraft developer Plana is to supply MI Air with fully integrated flight simulators and seven aircraft for AAM-specific pilots. The simulators will be delivered by 2026, and MI Air plans to prioritise the introduction of Plana’s seven aircraft by 2030 and operate a professional pilot training course specialised in AAM.

Plana has signed a total of approximately $700 million in aircraft purchases from Japan, South Korea and the US from 2022, but this is even more meaningful in that it has decided on a partner to develop a pilot training protocol that can be a driving force for actual type certification and commercialisation.

Located in Chino, California, MI Air is an FAA-approved flight school operating both Part 141 and Part 61 courses, offering certifications such as private and commercial pilot licences and instrument flight rules (IFR) education. It is also authorised by the US Department of Homeland Security to accept international students, and has been recognised as an outstanding flight school by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) from 2020 to 2024.

“We are thrilled to utilise Plana’s aircraft to develop pilot protocols that will be key to expanding the AAM market,” says chairman Sebastian Han. “Hybrid aircraft, which are compatible with existing regulations and infrastructure, are the most realistic solution for replacing business jets and helicopters. We will actively support Plana’s certification path from an operational standpoint.”

Plana CEO Braden J Kim adds: “To ensure the competitiveness of our hybrid aircraft during commercialisation, we must certify the ‘Simplified Vehicle Operations’ (SVO) system and single-pilot operations.” He adds that by collaborating with MI Air from the development stage, Plana has been able to create a system that not only reflects design perspectives but also the needs of potential pilots. Kim will visit MI Air’s facility in early November to assess the technical aspects of pilot training and refine the cockpit design, control and communication systems accordingly.