Top Trainer Aircraft for a New Breed of Pilots
To help achieve either a Commercial Pilot License or a Private Pilot License, trainees have a range of aircraft to choose from
The Universe of flight training is ever expanding. People take up flying for a myriad of reasons ranging from realising a lifelong self-enrichment goal to making their passion for flying as their profession. A deep rooted passion for “flying high and touching the skies” is what is required to become a pilot. To help achieve either a Commercial Pilot License or a Private Pilot License, trainees have a range of aircraft to choose from - traditional trainer aircraft and new arrivals to old favorites with 21st-century upgrades.
There are six types of pilot certifications. Therefore, goals of the trainee play an important role in the choice of the aircraft to train on. To become a sport pilot, a candidate might steer one way while an aspiration to achieve a private pilot certificate requires a different plan of action. A trainer aircraft is specifically designed to facilitate flight training of aspiring pilots. It has built-in features like tandem flight controls and a simplified cockpit arrangement. These characteristics allow trainees to safely advance their piloting and navigation skills. Which are the most famous types of trainer aircraft with flight schools around the globe? Here is a list of the most popular trainer aircraft, along with their features and specifications, which are being used by leading flight training academies.
Note: Aircraft specifications sourced from official websites. Exact specifications may vary as per the aircraft model.
DIAMOND – DA42-VI
The DA42-VI, the latest DA42 version, is easy to fly and burns fuel like a single, but with the added safety of a second engine. IT offers the ultimate in handling, stability and control, ease of operation and structural, system and propulsion redundancies, all coupled with a high degree of crashworthiness.
The interior of the DA42-VI is designed with the pilot and passengers in mind. Enjoy ergonomically designed and climate-controlled seats with variable lordosis support and adjustable backrest. Diamond’s industryleading safety record is the result of a long list of active and passive safety features on the plane.
The sleek all carbon composite airframe incorporates advanced aerodynamics with the latest in passive safety technology for high performance, great efficiency and superior occupant protection. The composite airframe is durable, easily maintained and will keep looking great for many years to come.
POWER PLANT
| Engine | 2x Austro Engine AE 300 turbocharged common-rail injected 2.0 liter diesel engine with 168 HP and EECU single lever control system |
| Propeller | 2x MT propeller MTV-6-R-C-F/CF 190-69 3-blade constant speed propeller |
| Fuel grades | Jet A-1, Jet A, TS-1 (Russia, Ukraine), RT (Russia, Ukraine), No. 3 Jet Fuel (China), JP-8 |
DIMENSIONS / MASS / LOADING
| Length | 8.56 m | 28 ft 1 in |
| Height | 2.49 m | 8 ft 2 in |
| Wingspan | 13.55 m | 44 ft 4 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Empty weight | 1,410 kg | 3,109 lbs |
| Useful load | 589 kg | 1,299 lbs |
| Max. take off mass | 1,999 kg | 4,407 lbs |
| Fuel capacity total | 289 lt / 231 kg | 76.4 US gal / 512 lbs |
| main tank | 189 lt / 151 kg | 50.0 US gal / 335 lbs |
| auxiliary tank | 100 lt / 80 kg | 26.4 US gal / 177 lbs |
PERFORMANCE (MAX. MASS )
| Max. speed (16,000 ft, MCP) 1,760 kg TOW | 365 km/h TAS | 197 kts TAS |
| Cruise speed at 75% (16,000 ft) | 326 km/h TAS | 176 kts TAS |
| Stall speed, landing configuration | 113 km/h CAS | 61 kts CAS |
| Rate of climb (ISA SL) 1,760 kg TOW | 7.9 m/s | 1,550 ft/min |
| Single Engine Service Ceiling | 5,486 m | 18,000 ft |
| Range at 60% (12,000 ft, incl. auxiliary tank) | 2,250 km | 1,215 nm |
| Consumption at 60% in total | 39.4 lt/hr | 10.4 US gal/hr |
| Take-off ground roll (ISA SL), 1,760 kg TOW | 280 m | 919 ft |
| Landing ground roll (ISA SL) | 340 m | 1,115 ft |
| Max. operating altitude | 5,486 m | 18,000 ft |
| Max. demonstrated crosswind | 46 km/h | 25 kts |
PILATUS – PC-7 MKII
Since its introduction in 1994, the PC-7 MkII has come with an exceptional standard of equipment, performance and cost-effectiveness in this class of training aircraft.
Offering a reliable and economic training platform, the docile behaviour of the PC-7 MkII in the hands of a beginner provides a confidence building environment for inexperienced cadets. With its highly costefficient PT6A-25C engine, it provides the lowest engine operating costs of all turboprop trainer aircraft. The use of airframe and avionics systems common with the PC-9 M enables owners and operators to profit from the benefits of a combined infrastructure established at Pilatus to support both these aircraft types.
The PC-7 MkII, in the aerobatic configuration, at MTOW, 5,180 lbs (2,350 kg) has the following performance under international standard atmospheric (ISA) conditions.
PERFORMANCE
| Take-off distance over 50 ft (15 m) obstacle at sea level | 1,500 ft | 457 m |
| Landing distance over 50 ft (15 m) obstacle at sea level | 2,255 ft | 687 m |
| Max. rate of climb, sea level | 2,675 ft/min | 13.59 m/sec |
| Max. operating speed (Vmo) | 300 KEAS | 556 km/h |
MAXIMUM CRUISE SPEED (VH)
| – at sea level | 242 KTAS | 448 km/h |
| – at 10,000 ft | 250 KTAS | 463 km/h |
STALL SPEED
| – flaps and gear up (Vs) | 77 KCAS | 143 km/h |
| – flaps and gear down (Vso) | 69 KCAS | 128 km/h |
| g loads | Aerobatic | Utility |
| – max. positive | + 7.0 g | + 4.5 g |
| – max. negative | – 3.5 g | - 2.25 g |
| Max. range | 800 nm | 1,482 km |
WEIGHTS
| Basic empty weight (depending on configuration) | 3,792 lb | 1,720 kg |
MAXIMUM TAKE-OFF WEIGHT
| – aerobatic | 5,180 lb | 2,350 kg |
| – utility | 6,283 lb | 2,850 kg |
CIRRUS – SR20
The Cirrus SR20 is an American piston-engine, four-or-five-seat aircraft composite monoplane built by Cirrus Aircraft. The SR20 is popular with many flight schools and is also operated by private individuals and companies. The SR20 was one of the first aircraft to offer "advanced technology" avionics, and this was a whole new effort in-flight instructor training and awareness for students.
The SR20 was the first aviation aircraft equipped with a parachute to lower the airplane safely to the ground after a loss of control, structural failure or mid-air collision. Cirrus SR22 is a development of the Cirrus SR20, with a larger wing, higher fuel capacity, and a more powerful engine and became one of the best selling trainer aircraft of the 21st century.
SR20
WEIGHT
| Base Weight | 2122 lbs (960 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1028 lbs (469kg) |
| Cabin payload with 3 hr trip fuel and 45 min reserve | 774 lbs (354 kg) |
ENGINE
| Manufacturer | Lycoming |
| Model | IO-390-C3B6 |
| Horsepower | 215 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wingspan | 38 ft 4 in (11.68 m) |
| Length | 26 ft (7.92 m) |
| Height | 8 ft 11 in (2.7 m) |
| Cabin Width | 49 in (124 cm) |
| Cabin Height | 50 in (127 cm) |
PERFORMANCE
| Takeoff | 1,685 ft (514 m) |
| Climb Rate | 781 ft/min (3.97 m/sec) |
| Max operating Altitude | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Stall Speed with Flaps | 57 KCAS |
| Max Cruise Speed | 155 KTAS |
| Landing Groundroll | 853 ft (260 m) |
CESSNA – SKYHAWK
The CESSNA SKYHAWK model is the world’s leading flight trainer and the most produced single-engine piston aircraft. The Skyhawk delivers an intuitive but sophisticated cockpit experience in a platform ideally suited for learning the skills needed to become a true pilot.
- GARMIN G1000 NXi avionics with enhanced graphics, faster hardware, new features and optional wireless connectivity.
- Optional digital autopilot is equipped with Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) and Under Speed Protection (USP).
- Optional satellite-based weather graphics, text messaging and voice calls.
- Proven rugged airframe with forgiving flying characteristics.
- Advanced interior with added soundproofing and LED lighting for night training.
- High-wing design for superior views.
- Optional three-seat crew training configuration.
DIMENSIONS
| Wingspan | 36 ft 1 in | (11.00 m) |
| Length | 27 ft 2 in | (8.28 m) |
| Height | 8 ft 11 in | (2.72 m) |
ENGINE
| Manufacturer | Lycoming |
| Model | IO-360-L2A |
| Power Output | 180 hp |
WEIGHT
| Max Takeoff Weight | 2,550 lb | (1,157 kg) |
| Basic Empty Weight | 1,680 lb | (762 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lb | (398 kg) |
PERFORMANCE
| Takeoff Ground Roll | 960 ft | (293 m) |
| Max Climb Rate | 730 fpm | (223 mpm) |
| Max Cruise Speed | 124 ktas | (230 km/h) |
| Max Range | 640 nm | (1,185 km) |
| Max Occupants | 4 |
PIPER – ARROW
The perfect combination of durability, reliability, comfort and technology – the Arrow is the ideal training platform. Students, instructors, and passengers alike welcome the comfortable, 200 HP Arrow with the Garmin G500 TXi cockpit.
A high-performance transition trainer, this aircraft is a proven platform for safety and comfort. Coupled with onboard weather, traffic, and terrain, situational awareness is exponentially increased. Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology creates a visual topographic landscape resulting in a 3-D display — all shown in relative proximity to the aircraft.
Piper’s engineering and design teams are known for designing aircraft. Ergonomic controls, seats built for comfort, avionics placement and design, coupled with built-in durability and components chosen for reliability. Students and instructors, both appreciate the quality design and care in their Arrow.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Max Range | 880 nm | 1,630 km |
| Max Cruise Speed | 137 ktas | 254 km/h (75% power) |
| Takeoff Distance | 1,600 ft | 487 m |
| Landing Distance Propeller | 1,520 ft | 463 m McCauley 2-Blade |
| Constant Speed | |
| Fuel Capacity | Usable: 72 US Gal | 273 Liters |
| Engine | Lycoming IO-360-C1C6 |
| Horsepower: 200 hp |
DIMENSIONS
| Wingspan | 35 ft 5 in | 10.8 m |
| Length | 24 ft 8 in | 7.5 m |
| Height | 7 ft 10 in | 2.4 m |
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