France’s Elixir Aircraft Secures FAA Part 23 Certification

With European certification in hand since 2020, the FAA nod opens up the U.S. market.

Credit: Elixer Aircraft
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Key Takeaways:

  • Elixir Aircraft has received FAA Part 23 certification for its two-place trainer, a crucial step following its 2020 EASA certification, granting access to the significant US market.
  • The company plans to establish a central US facility in Sarasota, Florida, for sales, support, and training, with American flight schools already placing substantial pre-orders.
  • This FAA certification is a pivotal milestone for Elixir, enabling its ambition to become a key manufacturer in general aviation by entering the world's largest aviation market.
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The FAA granted Elixir’s Aircraft Part 23 certification for its fourth-generation two-place trainer aircraft. With European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification in place since 2020, Elixir, based in La Rochelle, France, has some 35 aircraft in operation globally.

The company said in a statement, “After a fruitful collaboration with the FAA and EASA teams, Elixir Aircraft successfully met all American requirements, including a flight test visit to La Rochelle in May 2025. FAA Part 23 certification will confirm the American market’s interest in a modern, efficient aircraft.”

Elixir plans to establish a central facility in Sarasota, Florida, for recruitment, sales, customer support, spare parts and training. Sarasota-based flight school Cirrus Aviation has signed 12 pre-orders and letters of intent, while Sierra Charlie Aviation in Scottsdale, Arizona, is expecting 100 Elixir trainers, according to the company.

Arthur Léopold-Léger, president and co-founder of Elixir Aircraft, said, “In our ambition to become a key manufacturer in general aviation, FAA certification is a crucial step. It gives Elixir Aircraft access to the world’s largest market. We thank the teams at the FAA, EASA and of course Elixir Aircraft for their involvement in this major step in the company’s development.”

Mark Phelps

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.
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