Continental Motors Receives FAA STC For Diesel Powered Piper PA-28 Aircraft

The STC includes the Piper PA-28 models PA28-140, PA28-150, PA28-151, PA28-161, PA28-161 Warrior II, PA28-161 Warrior III, PA28-161 Cadet and PA28-180. The FAA validation of the European STC, completed in partnership with Piper Aircraft, Inc., will allow the direct conversion and certification of aircraft to Continental Motors' industry leading diesel power plants in the United States. The uncertainty around both avgas availability and pricing in the United States, along with the advantages of operating around a single fuel within a fleet application makes the use of a diesel powered piston aircraft especially compelling.

"Continental Motors and Piper have been working closely together on this project. We are proud to have achieved our common certification goals that will allow us to bring a great product to market," said Ken Suda, President of Continental Motors' Technify Motors GmbH division where the CD-100 is manufactured. "This validation clears the way for Piper, the first OEM to certify its training aircraft with Continental's efficient, reliable Jet-A or diesel CD-155 engine solution, to meet the needs of flight school, fleet, and recreational users."

"With this validation, we anticipate the advent of additional exciting things to come for Piper Aircraft. The Archer DX was purposed to allow Piper owners greater access to more economical and readily available fuel sources," said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott. "We look forward to a greater representation of the aviation population enjoying this unique aircraft."

Powered by the Continental Motors CD-155 diesel engine, the Archer DX cruises at a speed of 115 knots (211 km/h) at 4000 ft while burning only 5.8 gph (22 l/h) of Jet-A fuel vs. 9.5 gph (36 l/h) with the traditional AvGas engine powered version of the aircraft.

The engine, combined with the standard G1000 avionics system, provides the pilot with the latest technology available while reducing his workload through single lever FADEC control. Configured with a special flight school interior, the aircraft is perfectly suited to stand up to the rigors associated with flight training. Further, the Archer DX offers competitive operating economics with a proven airframe that is perfect for flight training organizations worldwide.

AVIC International Holding Corporation was set up in 1979, with majority shares owned by Aviation Industries of China (AVIC). Headquartered in Beijing, AVIC International delivered over 147 billion RMB in revenue in 2013. The company has over 70,000 employees across 400 subsidiaries and is located in over 50 countries. AVIC International is a well-diversified company, with holdings in International Civil Aviation, Trade & Logistics, Retail & High-end Consumables, Real Estate and Hotel Management, Electronics Manufacturing, and Natural Resource Development. More information can be found at www.avic-intl.cn.

Continental Motors Group, Ltd. of Hong Kong, China is a subsidiary of AVIC International Holding Corporation of Beijing, China. Its mission is to provide advanced gasoline and diesel (jet fuel) piston engine products, spare parts, engine and aircraft services, avionics equipment and repairs as well as pilot training for the general aviation marketplace. Continental is an international operation employing approximately 450 team members in Mobile and Baldwin counties, Alabama, USA; 200 team members in St. Egidien, Germany; and 8 team members in Beijing, China. More information can be found at www.continentalmotors.aero.

About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft. The single-engine M-Class series -- the M500, Mirage and Matrix -- offers businesses and individuals elegant performance and value. The Twin Class Seneca and Seminole balance proven performance, efficiency and simplicity in twin-engine aircraft. The Trainer Class Archer TX, Archer DX, Arrow, Seminole and Seneca aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. All Piper airplanes feature advanced Garmin avionics in the cockpit. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.