https://www.marketwatch.com/press-relea ... iteid=nbsh

Could be really interesting to see with Textron's resources in the eaviation front. Maybe it will be more than just the announcement without certified products that we see everywhere. Textron knows how to build airplanes.

They also know how to not build airplanes. The Columbia/Corvalis/400, for example.

And if they do continue to build the planes, I expect they will become a lot more expensive.

RIP Pip

They also know how to not build airplanes. The Columbia/Corvalis/400, for example.

And if they do continue to build the planes, I expect they will become a lot more expensive.

Do you think they are interested in the electric? The Alpha Electro?

--paul

It certainly could be about electric trainers. Electric Bonanzas are a long way off -- maybe infinitely far -- but no matter what else happens, it looks like there might be electric trainers relatively soon.

It's kind of like homebuilts; you can buy an RV-7 that's already flying for less than it would cost to build one yourself. Textron probably finds it cheaper to buy a flying electric airplane than to build one from scratch.

I think so. From the press release:
"Textron plans to form a new business segment, Textron eAviation........"
They can certainly bring resources to the table.

I think so. From the press release:
"Textron plans to form a new business segment, Textron eAviation........"
They can certainly bring resources to the table.

I'm concerned about that too. I'm afraid it may go way.

I suspect this is more of a play into the UAM/eVTOL space, not traditional GA. Think of their Bell unit... Lots of knowledge there to combine with the electric and composite experience of Pipistrel.

Having said that, it doesn't seem like a good thing for GA fans like us. I wouldn't hold my breath for the Panthera, unfortunately. They got the finished and awesome Columbia for pennies on the dollar and we know what happened with it. I doubt they'll put any effort into getting it out over here.

I was starting to look seriously at the Sinus Flex as a replacement for the 210 as I get into my later years. Hopefully the Sinus will survive the acquisition. I am also in a long drawn out process of constructing a Glastar, which I am planning to put on floats.

I too hope this does not end the Panthera even though there is no way I could afford one it is nice to see some progress in our industry.

Piper too had a relationship with Pipistrel and marketed the Piper Sport made by Pipistrel, that fell apart reportedly because of build quality issues. Will assume Pipistrel could not come down to Piper standards. (ran out of green font).

Correction, the Piper Sport was manufactured by Czech Sport Aircraft not Pipistrel.

I’ve owned a Pipistrel. Great company. I can’t imagine this is going to be a good thing for the typical Pipistrel customer. Textron is a great company but totally different segments and cultures. It’s going to be an integration nightmare.

Electric trainers have quite a future with people needing 1500 hours to get a regional job

An electric flying motorcycle with DOC of $5/hr would be very popular

There already are electric trainers, flying right now. ENAC trains the future Air France pilots on the Velis, and they have been for a year. Initially to train the instructors.

https://www.enac.fr/fr/lenac-accueille- ... e-certifie

The FFA (sort of like EAA in the US) is helping clubs rent those electric planes as well.

Hey, that Velis, isn't that Pipistrel as well...
It's not the future. It's already the past