Fleet
Aircraft
All of the training aircraft are owned, maintained and operated exclusively by the Academy. This ensures uninterrupted airplane availability to students. The fleet is very modern; most aeroplanes were bought new by us between 2001 and 2007 and are similarly equipped. There are just two types in the fleet:
- Seven Piper Warrior IIIs, PA28-161; and
- Two Piper Seminoles, PA44-180.
PFA Piper Warrior at Progress aerodrome |
The Piper Warrior III is used for the elementary flight training fleet. The Warriors in our fleet are late model low wing four seat aircraft with 160 hp Lycoming engines. These aircraft are stable, docile, and easy to handle, and perform well with a good climb rate and cruise speed.
The fuel endurance is excellent with very safe reserves for the routes flown, and they are well equipped with modern avionics and features such as standby instrument air system and emergency locator transmitter. |
These characteristics make the Warrior III an efficient and safe basic training aircraft. At most major aerodromes you will find Piper Warriors available for hire, which is an advantage for the continued flying of Private Pilots.
The Piper Seminole (PA44-180) is Piper's newest light twin engine aircraft, designed especially for flight schools. The Seminole is a four seat, low wing aircraft with a tee tail; the two 180 hp engines give a lively performance and an economical cruise speed of 155 kt. |
Piper Warrior ELT & aux vac switch |
PFA Piper Seminole over dunes at Indian Ocean |
Handling is delightful with well-harmonised and responsive controls and good stability. It is an excellent multi-engine training aircraft. This aircraft is used for the flight training towards the multi engine rating, the Instrument Rating, and the Commercial Pilot Licence. Our 2005 model Seminole has a comprehensive avionics fit which includes dual NAV/COM/GPS, ADF, DME HSI and a coupled autopilot |
Read more about the Piper Warrior and the Piper Seminole from Wikipedia here:
Flight Simulators
The flight simulators used are modern Frasca Flight Simulator models featuring "Computer Driven Simulation" techniques, which are the most responsive and realistic simulators of their kind. They can be programmed to simulate any facility in the world, giving you the opportunity to practise instrument approaches in your own area.
A very high standard of student proficiency is achieved.
The Frasca 131 is used as an Instrument Flight Procedures Trainer for the procedural instrument flight training. It emulates a complex single engine aircraft.
The Frasca 142 is used as a Flight Procedures Trainer for the applied multi-engine instrument training. Performance and handling emulates the Piper Seminole.
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Frasca 142 simulator at Progress Flight Academy |
Maintenance
We have our own Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) that handles all routine service and maintenance.
This enables us to keep our aircraft in optimum condition and readily available. Students are also able to gain greater insight into the technical aspects of the course.
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