The Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) marked a significant milestone with the delivery of four new Piper Pilot 100i aircraft, part of an eight-aircraft order scheduled for 2024. These state-of-the-art aircraft will enhance FIT’s already robust all-Piper training fleet, which includes Archers, Seminoles, and Warriors, solidifying the institute’s reputation as a leader in aviation education.
John Nicklow, President of Florida Tech, expressed enthusiasm for the new arrivals, stating, “At Florida Tech, our students learn by doing, and we are eager to get them into the cockpits of these cutting-edge Piper Pilots to start learning with our amazing flight instructors. What makes all of this even more meaningful is that a dozen of our alumni working at Piper helped build these planes. It’s a high-flying example of the power of a Florida Tech education in action.”
The delivery was celebrated during FIT’s recent open house, where the Piper team conducted a full day of demonstration flights with the Pilot 100i. Student pilots and certified flight instructors at FIT had the opportunity to experience the new aircraft firsthand, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many highlighted the Pilot 100i’s ease of flight, user-friendly design, and advanced avionics as key benefits that will enhance their training experience.
Ron Gunnarson, VP of Marketing, Sales & Customer Support at Piper Aircraft, echoed the sentiment, stating, “It’s an honor to continue supplying planes to our long-term Flight School Alliance member, FIT. Their program is one of the best, and we know from firsthand experience as we have multiple FIT graduates working at the Piper factory. We are proud that Piper trainers are known for their ease of use and reliability, and we know that is what makes us the top choice for flight school’s training needs, in addition to our outstanding customer support.”
### About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., based in Vero Beach, Florida, is a leading manufacturer of efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft. Piper was the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The company offers a diverse range of aircraft, including the M-Class series for business and personal use, and the Trainer Class, which features the Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole, recognized as the most advanced line of pilot training aircraft globally.
For more information about Piper Aircraft, visit [www.piper.com](http://www.piper.com).
