AERO AT-3 - Quality By Design - FEATURED AIRCRAFT
Category: GA Buyer Europe Magazine
Author: Featured Aircraft
FEATURED AIRCRAFT - AERO AT-3
Quality By Design
Introduction
We are pleased to introduce to you the Aero AT-3…..the optimal basic trainer and 2-seat touring aircraft. Today’s trainer for tomorrow’s pilots!
The AT-3 is a purpose-built, all-metal 2-seat training and touring aircraft fully certified in the EASA VLA (Very Light Aircraft) category. It has been specifically designed as robust, low-cost, low maintenance aircraft, especially suited to the basic pilot training environment. Yet, due to its superior performance, range and comfortable, spacious cockpit, it is also ideal as an economical 2-seat touring aircraft.
The Company
The AT-3 is designed and built by the company AERO Sp.z o.o., founded in 1994 in Warsaw, Poland by CEO and President Tomasz Antoniewski. The design and production team is made up of seasoned professionals and leading specialists in their particular fields who together possess many years’ experience and expertise in the Polish and International Aviation Industries. The result is a compact aircraft designed and manufactured with “big aviation” know-how and techniques normally only associated with larger commercial aircraft.
Development History
The first AT-3 prototypes appeared in 1997 with Polish type approval according to JAR-VLA being granted in 1999. In 2003 the first version with the 100 HP Rotax 912S engine was certified and designated the “AT-3 R100”. The first type certification outside Poland was issued in October 2004 in the UK and Europe-wide EASA CS-VLA certification followed in January 2005. AERO also developed a new 3-blade aero-elastic composite propeller for the aircraft. The “Elprop” received EASA type certification in September 2005 and is now fitted as standard. It provides a notable improvement in performance, without the need for an expensive variable pitch mechanism. AERO has embarked on a major expansion program, having recently doubled production capacity and with a new factory in Mielec due to begin operations in January 2008.
The Aero AT-3’s Features
The AT-3 has an all-metal semi-stressed skin, developable surface construction with fairings and cowlings made of carbon-fibre/Kevlar composite. Anodizing and cadmium plating provide life-long anti-corrosion protection. Structural parts use solid rivets for strength and durability.
Engine, systems and controls are easily accessible for inspection and servicing, which leads to an overall reduction in maintenance costs and down-time.
The AT-3 employs the reliable and economical 100 HP Rotax 912S engine which can be operated on both unleaded mogas and avgas. Fuel consumption in a training sortie can be as low as 13 litres/hour, with approx. 16 litres/hour in the cruise, drastically reducing operating costs for both flying schools and private owners alike. The useful load allows for 2 average pilots and a full fuel load of 70 litres to be carried, with ample space for luggage in the compartments in the rear of the cabin.
Its benign stall and stable, yet manoeuvrable flight characteristics make it ideal for training, yet also great fun to fly. The all round view from the fully glazed cockpit is without equal in its class.
Market Developments
Since EASA certification was received approx. 30 aircraft have been sold to flying clubs, schools and private individuals across Europe and beyond.
Brooklands Flying Club, based at Sywell Aerodrome, near Northampton, U.K. was one of the first customers outside Poland and now operates a fleet of 4 Aero AT-3s.
Recently, London Transport Flying Club took delivery of their new AT-3 at Fairoaks. There are also several aircraft owned by private operators. The UK and Ireland agent is S2T Aero Ltd., based at North Weald, Essex.
Their sister company, S2T Aviation of Aichwald, near Stuttgart look after the German market where a number of clubs and commercial flying schools operate the AT-3, most recently MG Flyers of Mönchengladbach. S2T have also just delivered an AT-3 to the first customer in Switzerland.
The AT-3 was introduced into France by Thibaut Aero, based in Calais and the numbers operating there are now entering double figures. Customers include Aeroclub de Bastia-Saint-Exupery on Corsica and other schools and clubs at Pontoise, Nimes and Sarreguemines with further deliveries in the pipeline.
A new Spanish agent, AEROVLAS S.L. based in the Madrid area, has recently been established. Operating from Robledillo de Mohernando. They are presenting the AT-3 all over Spain and Portugal and will take part in the International Air Meeting in Sabadell from 4-7th October 2007 with their brand new demonstrator aircraft. Further events in Madrid and Robledillo are planned in the autumn.
Furthermore, an LSA version of the AT-3 was launched at Oshkosh in July, together with the US importer, Gobosh Aviation of Illinois, who are already establishing a nationwide dealer network.
As clearly already recognised by an increasing number of clubs, flight schools and private owners in Europe and beyond, the AT-3 represents the future of light aviation and, in particular, the future of PPL flight training.
Combining economy, strength, durability, high performance, excellent aerodynamics and handling, the AT-3 is the optimal training aircraft and represents the best in its class.
With a glider towing option being added to the range in the near future, the AT-3 is set to become a major player in the flight training and sport aviation markets around the world. Isn’t it time you also took a closer look?
Contact your Aero or you national AT-3 dealer for more information or to arrange a test flight.
AT-3 Specifications
Powered by
Engine Rotax 912 S Power 100 hp
Propeller: 3-blade aero-elastic composite ELPROP 3-1-1P
TBO 1500h
Weights
Max allowable weight-MTOW 582 kg / 1282 lb
Empty weight 350 kg / 771 lb
Useful load 232 kg / 511 lb
Fuel capacity 70l / 18.5 gal
Dimensions
Wing area 9.3 m2 / 100.1 ft2
Wing span 7.552 m / 24.78 ft
Length 6.250 m / 20.51 ft
Height 2.230 m / 7.32 ft
AT-3 Performance Figures
Performance
Cruising speed 200km/h / 108 KIAS
Max cruising speed 220 km/h / 119 KIAS
VNE never exceed speed 236 km/h / 127 KIAS
VA manoeuvring speed 208 km/h / 112 KIAS
VS stall speed 82 km/h / 44 KIAS
Take-off/ landing distance 145/200 m / 476/656 feet
Take-off/ landing distance (over 50'/15m) 275/445 m / 902/1460 feet
Rate of climb 4.6 m/s / 906 fpm
Range 717 km / 387 nm
Service ceiling 4,000 m / 13,123 ft
Designed load factor +3.8/-1.5 g
Power loading 5.82 kg/hp / 12.82 lb/hp
Pricing
- “Basic” model from EUR 82,950.00
- “Club” model from EUR 93,500.00 (equipped for clubs and schools)
- “Tourer” model from EUR 102,590.00 (top of the range with navcom, GPS, strobes, nav and landing lights)
All prices are ex works Poland, excluding vat.
O More information visit – www.at-3.com
Manufacturer
Aero Sp. z o.o.
Wa³ Miedzeszyñski 844 PL - 03-942 Warsaw POLAND
Tel. +48 (0)22 616 2087 Fax +48 (0)22 617 8528
Email: info@at-3.com
Website: www.at-3.com
Germany
S2T Aviation
Im Holderbett 31 D-73773 Aichwald
Tel. +49 (0)711 3650 252 Fax +49 (0)711 3650 253
Email: info@s2taviation.com
Website: www.s2taviation.com
United Kingdom & Ireland
S2T Aero Ltd.
125 High Road North Weald, Epping Essex, CM16 6EA, U.K.
Tel. +44 (0)1992 522 797 Fax +44 (0)1992 610 725
Email: info@s2taero.com
Website: www.s2taero.com
France
Thibaut Aero
AEROPORT de CALAIS-MARCK
F-62730 Marck
Tel. +33 321 46 51 31 Fax +33 321 46 51 39
Email: rthibaut@nordnet.fr
Website: www.thibaut-aero.com
Spain
Aerovlas S.L.
C/Deneb 7 Guadalix de la Sierra E-28794 Madrid
Tel. +34 (0)629 647 732
Email: info@aerovlas.com
Website: www.aerovlas.com
USA
Gobosh Aviation
P.O. Box 1164, Moline, IL 61266
Tel.: +1 563 529 2044 Fax +1 815 346 5233
Email: info@gobosh.aero
Website: www.gobosh.aero
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