The Alpha 160A, an adaptation of the French-designed Robin R2160, has been granted FAA certification, and New Zealand-based Alpha Aviation says theres strong interest in the aerobatic two-seater among flight schools in the U.S. “Our aircraft have already proven to be of considerable interest to United States aero clubs and flying schools, said Alphas managing director, Richard Sealy. FAA certification will now enable us to actively market and sell our aircraft in this hugely significant market,” he said. Alpha bought the rights to the designs from Apex Aviation in France in 2004 and set up a manufacturing plant in Hamilton, NZ. All the plans have been translated from French and the design updated. Although only one model is certified in the U.S., the company makes two others, a basic trainer and a touring version of the 160A.
FAA Approves New Zealand Training Aircraft
Key Takeaways:
- The Alpha 160A, an aerobatic two-seater aircraft manufactured by New Zealand-based Alpha Aviation, has received FAA certification.
- This certification enables Alpha Aviation to actively market and sell the aircraft to flight schools and aero clubs in the United States.
- The company acquired the design rights to the French-designed Robin R2160 in 2004, updating and manufacturing it in Hamilton, NZ.
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