Piper News

Piper Aircraft, Inc. announced recently the expansion of its brand ambassador program to include Minnesota State University at Mankato (MNSU). Piper Brand Ambassadors leverage their social media channels to promote their individual pilot training journey and act as advocates for the aviation industry. The program is designed to increase awareness of the aviation degree paths offered by Minnesota State University as well as showcase the Piper training product line in use at a collegiate flight school. The collaborative initiative is expected to create a community of like-minded aviation enthusiasts with a career interest in aviation.

Together, Piper and the team at Minnesota State University recruited and selected the new ambassador. The selection was based on the individual’s enthusiasm, versatility and passion. Minnesota State University freshman, Elle Taylor, will be the first Ambassador from the school and will join a team of five ambassadors from other collegiate flight programs throughout the United States. She will have the opportunity to share her personal training journey story using social media channels like Instagram as well as speak about the aerospace program and campus life experience. Most importantly, she will be able to provide a glimpse into the exciting life of a pilot in training and will help inspire future aviators. “Elle is currently training to obtain her Private Pilot’s license and is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Aviation in Professional Flight. She is very involved at Minnesota State University and currently serves as the event coordinator for her residence hall and is a member of the Aviation Learning Community organization at MNSU,” said Jackie Carlon, Senior Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications. “Elle’s outgoing personality and passion for aviation make her the ideal Brand Ambassador for Piper Aircraft and MNSU. We look forward to following her aviation journey.”

Earlier this month Piper said it resumed tours. Piper Aircraft announced that factory tours have resumed at their Vero Beach, FL headquarters. Tours have been postponed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now Piper is excited to once again welcome the local community back for an in-depth look at their production line.

Piper Aircraft currently manufactures nine different aircraft models, including the flagship M600/SLS, turboprop M500, pressurized piston M350, multi engine Seminole, venerable Archer family (TX, LX, DX, DLX), and value trainer Pilot 100i. Each of these models are engineered, manufactured, and certified at Piper’s Vero Beach headquarters, where Piper has built aircraft since the late 1950s. "It’s rare for a production facility like ours to open their doors to the public, but as one of the largest employers in Indian River County, we believe it’s important for our community to see what we do here each day," said Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Support Ron Gunnarson. "With over 85 years of stellar manufacturing experience, we hope our community will take the opportunity to see what we offer not only locally, but to the aviation industry at large."

Piper Aircraft is proud to announce the delivery of Skyborne Airline Academy’s first Pilot 100i. Skyborne recently signed a multiyear fleet agreement for eleven (11) new Pilot 100i aircraft, building upon their existing all-Piper fleet at their Vero Beach, Florida campus. The Pilot 100i has successfully made its mark in the flight training space since production began over three years ago and is popular amongst flight schools of all sizes. With a full Garmin suite of avionics, including the GFC 500 digital autopilot, GNX 375 transponder, G5 standby display, and G3X touch screen PFD/MEFD, the Pilot 100i is a technically advanced platform that optimizes the venerable PA-28-181 for the flight school market.

"Piper Aircraft is proud to partner with Skyborne, our neighbors just down the taxiway from Piper headquarters," said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Support. "Skyborne has an impressive history of training professional and competent pilots using Piper fleet products, and now with the addition of the Pilot 100i, we look forward to continuing to support that legacy."

Piper Aircraft has received type certification from the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) for the M700 FURY, including approval for Flight into Known Icing (FIKI). This paves the way for deliveries to the UK, with the first delivery scheduled for this month.

The M700 FURY, Piper’s fastest single-engine aircraft to date, boasts a maximum cruise speed of 301 knots and a maximum range of 1,424 nautical miles. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 engine, the cabin-class turboprop offers exceptional performance paired with advanced safety features, including the HALO Safety System with Garmin Emergency Autoland. “We are proud to achieve UK CAA certification for the M700 FURY,” said Ron Gunnarson, VP of Sales, Marketing & Customer Support at Piper Aircraft. “This milestone reinforces Piper’s dedication to meeting the needs of global markets with innovative and capable aircraft like the FURY.”

Piper Aircraft, Inc. is proud to announce today a historic new fleet agreement for up to 188 aircraft, valued at approximately $155M, with the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences (UND Aerospace). This contract solidifies a partnership of nearly four decades that will continue to shape the future of pilot training for the next eight-to-ten years, positioning both organizations at the forefront of aviation training and innovation.

The contract includes an initial order of 145 aircraft, comprised of both the Archer TX and Seminole, over an eight-year term beginning in 2027, with the potential for up to 188 total aircraft through an optional two-year extension into 2036. This agreement surpasses UND’s 2016 order for 112 aircraft, concluding in 2026. “Piper remains a vital collaborator in the continued success of flight training at UND,” said Robert J. Kraus, PhD, PfMP, Dean of UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. “We look forward to strengthening our relationship as we prepare the next generation of pilots for careers in the airlines, business aviation, and the U.S. military. The entire Piper team has been outstanding—responsive to our needs and collaborative in enhancing the components and capabilities of the Archer TX and Seminole.”