Embry-Riddle to replace at least 60 flight-training aircrafts

PHOENIX — Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University announced its plan to replace up to 60 of its existing aircraft fleet with new Cessna Skyhawks from Textron Aviation Inc. and four new Diamond DA42-VI aircrafts from Diamond Aircraft Industries.

University leadership confirmed the replenishment at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“In keeping with Embry-Riddle’s rigorous focus on aviation safety, new aircrafts for our fleet were selected following an exhaustive evaluation by a team of experts on both our Prescott, Arizona, and Daytona Beach, Florida, campuses,” said president of Embry-Riddle Dr. P. Barry Butler, in a press release.

Embry-Riddle’s purchase of new Skyhawk aircrafts will be completed between this year and Sept. 2022. After, the university will have the option to buy 10 Skyhwaks per year through 2030.

The Prescott campus will also be receiving two Frasca flight simulators.

With more than 100 aircrafts on campus, Embry-Riddle’s training operation is the size of a small airline.

All of the new aircrafts were selected based on high altitude performance and reliability.

“The decision to acquire the new Skyhawks resulted from a deliberate and inclusive review process,” Flight Department chair on the Prescott Campus Parker Northrup said.

“Embry-Riddle chose this particular aircraft because of our zero-defect aircraft flight policy. The maintenance record of the Skyhawk is superb, and these aircraft have a track record of reliable service in a busy flight-training environment.”

The Prescott campus is getting ready to serve about 600 students this fall.

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