Soaring to new heights at the AERO 2015
Friedrichshafen – A new exhibitor record, the premiere of the Aviation and Pilots Competence Center and the return of successful special shows combine to again make the 23rd AERO, taking place April 15-18, 2015, an essential event for pilots and anyone interested in general aviation. It is the aircraft that will be at the center of attention: The spectrum on display stretches from gliders and ultralights to single and twin-engine piston-driven aircraft, turboprops and business jets to autogyros and helicopters. A second special exhibition, the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Expo, will draw attention to unmanned civilian drones and their steadily increasing relevance in aviation. In addition, the well-established Avionics Avenue, e-flight-expo and Engine Area special shows will return to the AERO 2015 in Friedrichshafen.
Project Leader Roland Bosch and Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann are looking forward to the AERO, which with more than 630 exhibitors is currently on track to see a new record. Exhibitors as well as visitors have reason to be optimistic: “The current situation of the industry is good, in my view. We can only speculate about what the effect of the current monetary policy will be. I hope that the visitors will prefer to invest their money in aircraft rather than in brokerage accounts,” said a confident Roland Bosch. The fact that many aviation fans, unsettled by current finance policy, might be convinced to invest their money in objects with material value, such as new aircraft, engines, avionics and accessories, is one of the reasons for the good mood among AERO organizers. Another reason for the exhibitors’ favorable business outlook is the drop in fuel prices, which has also been strongly felt in general aviation. General aviation includes all civilian aircraft except the airlines; in the EU this encompasses about 200,000 gliders, ultralights, powered aircraft and helicopters.
The price of the aviation fuel Avgas, which is used by most piston-driven aircraft and helicopters, has fallen significantly in the past few months, as has the price of Jet-A1, which is used by turboprops and jet aircraft. The lower fuel prices are also making the training of pilots in all areas of general aviation less expensive, increasing training’s attractiveness to young aviators.
However, the various segments of general aviation also have their differences. Demand continues to be consistently strong for entry-level aircraft like inexpensive ultralights and gyrocopters. But there is also good news at the other end of the aviation spectrum. Long range business jets are currently in very high demand - delivery times of more than two years for especially desirable top models are causing a stir. In the segments in between, that is in single and twin-engine piston-driven aircraft, turboprops and light jets, the picture is more mixed. But here too, exhibitors as well as visitors are hoping for a rapid ascent for the industry in the next few months. The fact that the AERO is continuing to expand and solidify its position as the leading aviation trade show for general aviation in Europe is demonstrated by the strong international character of both visitors and exhibitors. This year, companies from more than 35 countries will be present at the AERO, with a strong increase in the share of Chinese aircraft manufacturers.
Single and Twin-Engine Aircraft
Single and twin-engine piston-driven aircraft have effectively been the backbone of general aviation for decades. In recent years, classic US brands like Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft and Cirrus have been joined by enthusiastic challengers from Europe like Diamond and Slovenia’s Pipistrel. The trend is towards efficient propulsion - in other words towards diesel engines or motors that are approved for lead-free biofuel – but also towards more safety. The new competitors making four-seater single-engine aircraft like Pipistrel and Flight Design offer their machines with standard or optional parachute systems, something that Cirrus Design has shown to be a strong selling point in this class in the last few years. There is also movement in the market for twin-engine piston-driven aircraft: This year diamond is showing off its DA 62, which like the smaller DA 42 is expected to be a bestseller.
Ultralight, Light Sport and European Light Aircraft
Ultralight aircraft, gyrocopters and in the future even helicopters will continue their success stories at the AERO 2015. The recent relaxation of medical examination requirements, which has been in force since the beginning of the year and which represents an improvement for ultralight pilots, will further contribute to their popularity. Furthermore, in the future, anyone who does not wish to undergo a medical examination but still enjoy powered flight will find what they are looking for in the 120 kilogram class of ultralights. There are now several machines available in this class, all of them one-seaters, but with open as well as closed cockpits and in high-wing and low-wing configurations. These machines combine the joy of flying with efficient and economic motors at moderate prices.
Most of the innovations at the AERO will again be found among the classic ultralights weighing up to 472 kilograms. They continue to remain highly attractive thanks to low maintenance costs, an easy-to-obtain pilot’s license and a high level of safety thanks to standard-equipped parachute systems. This was also shown by recent figures for Germany provided by two associations, the Deutscher Aero Club (DAeC) and the Deutscher Ultraleichtflugverband (DULV). For example, in 2014 a total of 200 three-axis-controlled ultra-light aircraft were approved for operation in Germany, compared to only 168 in the year before.
The ultralights at Lake Constance are likely to get an additional boost from a future class of helicopter. Whereas short take-off and landing gyrocopters have been popular in recent years, a trial of a new ultralight helicopter class currently underway in Germany is likely to generate additional impulses, if it is brought to fruition soon and with practicable criteria. In France and Italy, ultralight helicopters have already been approved for operation and consequently several new manufacturers in the segment have established themselves in those countries. But in Germany as well, companies are currently developing or already testing ultralight helicopters, both with a coaxial rotor design as well as with a classic tail-rotor design.
Similar to the situation of ultralights in Europe, in the United States light sport aircraft (LSA) long ago established themselves as the entry level category of powered flight. They can be somewhat heavier than European ultralights and thus can carry more crew or fuel. However, their speed is limited to approximately 220 kilometers per hour, a speed that some fast European ultralights exceed by more than 80 km/h. European manufacturers are very active in the US market as LSA producers, which is why numerous LSAs, including some innovations in this class of aircraft, will be on display at the AERO.
European light aircraft (ELA) are the true European counterparts to the American LSAs. In terms of payload and complexity, they are positioned between the ultralights and the so-called very light aircraft (VLAs) weighing up to 750 kilograms. But unlike American LSAs, operational approval of ELAs is elaborate and thus expensive. The number of ELAs in European skies has therefore remained relatively modest to date. However, it will be possible to see some established ELAs at Lake Constance.
Business Aviation
The AERO is playing a more and more important role for the large business aviation producers, who will be showing their colors in Friedrichshafen. Diamond will premiere the new single turbine DA-50 JP7, which made its maiden flight just a few weeks ago. The turboprop is reportedly capable of carrying up to seven people and a tundra version is even suitable for use on unsurfaced runways. In addition to the single-engine turboprops, this field also includes single and twin-engine piston driven aircraft, multi-engine turboprops and the elite class of single and multi-engine business jets.
New challengers like Honda Jet, whose approval is imminent, the single-engine Cirrus Jet, currently in trial operation, and the twin-engine Pilatus PC-24 jet, on the verge of its maiden flight, are also generating additional competition in this segment. Helicopters, especially turbine-driven models, also usually fall within the business aviation category. Several turbine-driven helicopters will be on display at the AERO. A mockup that is likely to make an appearance at Lake Constance is certain to generate some very special interest: Bell will be showing a model of the new single-turbine 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter, true to scale. The successor to the famous Jet Ranger made its maiden flight just a few months ago.
Gliders
Gliders have been an important part of the AERO from the very beginning, not least because a large number of glider manufacturers come from Germany or neighboring countries. The whole spectrum of these silent aircraft will be presented at the AERO, stretching from ultralight single-seaters to two-seater “super orchids.” The well-known models will be complemented by special variants such as powered gliders with retractable engines, folding propellers and even retractable jets.
e-flight-expo
The wondrous visions of the future seen in Friedrichshafen just a few years ago have now become reality: some aircraft with electric engines have already made into serial production. Once again, ecologically and economically powered aircraft, drones and powered gliders with electric engines will be on display at the AERO’s sixth e-flight-expo. Many visitors are especially eager to see the WattsUp, which is expected to be presented by Pipistrel. This two-seater with electric drive is primarily redestined for use in flight schools and has been in serial production since the beginning of the year. New developments in battery technology are leading to ever-increasing range for electric aircraft, increasing their acceptance among pilots. Sustainability is a topic in China as well: two Chinese exhibitors have announced their participation in the e-flight-expo.
Engine Area
For the fourth time, engine systems of all different designs and technology levels will be front and center at this special show. Conventional and modern piston-driven diesel and gasoline engines, turbines and electric drives can be found here. An additional focus in this area will be engine management systems as well as alternative fuels, which are getting more and more attention due to the uncertain future of the leaded aviation fuel Avgas.
Avionics Avenue
The end of the transition period to switch to the 8.33 kHz channel spacing in airplanes and helicopters approved for VFR operations in about three years’ time means a lot of attention for manufacturers at the Avionics Avenue special show. The Standardised European Rules of the Air, in force since 2014, as well as the newly redefined airspaces are generating solid demand, especially for GPS producers. However, this area will also offer pilots and aircraft owners the opportunity to get information about all of the other kinds of flight control, management, navigation and communications systems. For the first time, US manufacturer Garmin will offer visitors its own lecture forum as part of Avionics Avenue.
RPAS Expo / Civilian Drones
The new RPAS Expo (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) celebrated its premiere at the AERO 2014 and this year it is already necessary to considerably expand the area. The RPAS expo will offer a comprehensive overview of the potential applications of these unmanned flying machines. Many aircraft equipped with the most modern sensor and measurement technology will be on display. There is already a wide spectrum of applications for unmanned aircraft in general aviation. These range from environmental research to observations of the earth’s surface to search and rescue work. Civilian drones can be seen at the AERO both in an indoor flying display as well as in a specially-created outdoor flight area next to the Trade Fair Lake at the West Entrance. A UAV-DACH users’ conference will round out this area.
Premiere of the Aviation and Pilots Competence Center
A new feature for 2015 will be the Aviation and Pilots Competence Center. It will serve as a resource center for pilots and anyone interested in training in the aviation industry. There will be information as well as training and continuing education offers from flying schools, organizations and interest groups, such as the Luftfahrt Bundesamt, EASA, AOPA, Germany’s National Meteorological Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst) and Germany’s air traffic control organization, Deutsche Flugsicherung. At the same time, the “Be a pilot” campaign will be taking place. It intends to show young people how they can secure a career perspective in aviation. Flight schools, air transport companies and airlines will therefore be presenting useful knowledge about all of the different types of ultralight, private and professional pilot’s licenses for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters as well as information about career opportunities in flight.
AERO Conferences
An important pillar of the AERO are the more than 100 presentations, conferences and workshops on current aviation topics that are part of the AERO Conferences. This year, Patrick Ky, Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), will visit the AERO for the first time and answer questions from pilots and manufacturers in a conference program. At the AERO Conferences, experts from pilots’ associations like the AOPA, regulatory authorities and the manufacturers’ associations GAMA and LAMA as well as many general aviation groups will discuss and provide information about legal and political frameworks, the current state of aviation, and opportunities for improvement.
Information for visitors arriving in their own aircraft
It is a familiar routine for AERO visitors arriving in their own aircraft: Like in the past, for the AERO 2015 it will only be possible to fly into the Friedrichshafen airport by booking a slot in advance. Slots can be booked at https://aero-ppr.fly-away.de starting on March 28.
There is also an alternative, at least for all pilots of ultralight aircraft or powered gliders. The Marktdorf gliderport, ten kilometers west of the Friedrichshafen airport, will also be available for takeoffs and landings during the AERO. There will be a shuttle bus connection from Marktdorf to the AERO which will run every half-hour. To ensure better planning, ultralight and powered glider pilots should register and inform themselves at www.sfg-markdorf.de.
Tent City at the exhibition grounds
The tent city is now being offered at the AERO for the fourth year. Anyone who does not want to spend a lot of time looking for accommodations can spend the night in Hall A1 for a small fee. The tents themselves will be provided by the fairgrounds; visitors need only bring a sleeping bag. Tents forr one or two people can be booked online starting in March.
Opening hours of the AERO from April 15 to 18, 2015: Wednesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information is available at www.aero-expo.com.