South Australian flight school Adelaide Aviation has selected the Tecnam P-Mentor as its primary training aircraft and will take immediate delivery of two aircraft, in a deal facilitated by Tecnam's Australian representative, Hallmarc Aviation.
The P-Mentor is a two-seat, low-wing, single-engine aircraft certified to CS-23 EASA and FAA IFR standards, offering a single platform for ab initio, private, commercial and instrument training. Powered by the 100hp Rotax 912iSc, the aircraft features a Garmin G3X Touch glass cockpit, constant-speed propeller and optional ballistic parachute recovery system.
Adelaide Aviation CEO Sherman Anthoney said the P-Mentor stood out after evaluating multiple training platforms.
"Our goal is to produce safe, capable, and adaptable pilots, efficiently," he said. "The Garmin G3X Touch flight deck, constant-speed propeller, modern systems architecture, and optional ballistic parachute recovery system expose students to industry relevant, contemporary technology, while maintaining the important safe handling qualities of a primary trainer."
Anthoney also cited the support provided by Hallmarc Aviation as a key factor in the decision.
Hallmarc Aviation CEO Michael Loccisano said the acquisition would position Adelaide Aviation as the flight school of choice in South Australia. "From our first contact with Adelaide Aviation, several years ago, we have been impressed by their thoroughness, professionalism, safety, focus on a modern, forward looking fleet solution, and determination to succeed," he said.
Founded in 2020 and based at Parafield Airport, Adelaide Aviation is a CASA Part 141 approved flight training organisation. With the two P-Mentors, the school will operate a total of 13 aircraft with nine instructors, serving domestic and international students for private, commercial and airline careers.
Tecnam claims the greenest training fleet in the world, with flight schools using its single and twin-engine aircraft able to save up to 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions per student completing a Commercial Pilot Licence—a 60 per cent reduction compared to a 100LL fleet.
For more information, visit www.tecnam.com.