London's Diamond Aircraft manufactures one of the top 10 training aircraft in aviation history, a prestigious U.S. flight magazine says. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Flight Training magazine, in its June edition, ranked the 10 top trainers and Diamond's Katana made the list for its design and for shaking up the industry when it needed it most, said Mike Collins, magazine editor.
"The article showcases the training aircraft we think are the most significant in contemporary aviation history," said Collins. "The Katana has a much more contemporary design than what traditionally existed in the market. It was also their timing; they introduced their first model in North America (in 1995) during a fairly slow time in the industry. It was much-needed inspiration for flight training."
He also credited the plane's flight ability, saying it is easy to fly.
"The fact it is a pleasure to fly certainly contributed," he said.
In the review, Marc Cook writes: "The Katana opened a new chapter in basic training, with a sleek, efficient new trainer that packed some new technology in with good, old-fashioned fine flying qualities."
Diamond also won credit for offering the first all-composite plane for training, added Collins.
Diamond president Peter Maurer said the honour came as little surprise, adding the Katana has forged a reputation for innovation.
"It's a very nice accolade; this is what we set out to achieve. But it would have been a big disappointment had we not been in," said Maurer. "It's not a surprise because it is a good aircraft and we are doing very well."
In its latest deal, Diamond has sold six two-seater trainers to the Moncton Flight Training College in New Brunswick. Empire Aviation at the London International Airport has ordered two more two-seater trainers, bringing its total complement of Diamond planes to nine, including one four-seater.
Diamond will be at the Canadian Aviation Expo in Oshawa this week exhibiting planes, said Maurer.
At a Florida aviation show in March, Diamond landed 10 new orders.
In February, Diamond sold 20 planes -- 11 four-seaters and nine two-seaters -- to Middle Tennessee State University, a $5-million deal. Last summer, Diamond landed a $4.9-million US deal with Embrey-Riddle Aeronautical University, which will train U.S. Air Force Academy recruits on Diamond's two-seater. Two more trainers were sold to the U.S. Naval Academy and 10 four-seaters to Embrey Riddle.
The first delivery to Embrey-Riddle will be in July.
Diamond makes two versions of its two-seater trainer and a four-seater in London. A twin-engine four-seater is made at its Austrian plant and sold here. Diamond is also planning on manufacturing a private jet, called the D-Jet.
Sales in London this year are projected to top last year's revenue of about $18 million US. In 2001, Diamond earned about $10 million US. Diamond sold 108 planes last year and this year at least 160 will be sold, Maurer added.
