NBAA, Orlando, — Landmark Aviation announced today that it has been appointed by Grob Aerospace, producers of the new spn light business jet, as an Authorized Service Center (ASC) to provide aircraft maintenance and service at Landmark MRO centers at Los Angeles International Airport, Houston and Springfield, Ill.
“As a Grob Authorized Service Center, Landmark will offer all service for the new spn aircraft, including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance,” said Shawn Vick, President, Landmark Aviation. “As this new aircraft enters service, Landmark operations are fully prepared to support the operators at our maintenance centers.”
Niall Oliver, CEO, Grob Aerospace, said, “With Landmark Aviation — a leader in business aviation services in North America — we have the right partner to offer our customers an excellent product and customer support.”
Landmark will act as primary interface with aircraft operators for all support issues that may arise with the spn in the field, including parts and technical engineering support. The spn will enter service in 2007.
Landmark Aviation operates a network of MRO centers, including Los Angeles, Augusta, Houston and Springfield, Ill. Landmark FBO locations, including Leesburg, Va., Roanoke, Va., Greesboro, N.C., Norfolk, Va., and Winston-Salem, N.C., also provide aircraft maintenance and service.
Landmark Aviation, formerly known as Garrett/Piedmont Hawthorne/Associated, is one of North America´s largest providers of comprehensive services for the business aviation industry. Serving 43 locations in North America, the company offers a full range of fixed base operations; maintenance, repair and overhaul; aircraft charter, sales and management; and large aircraft completions. Landmark Aviation is headquartered in Tempe, Ariz. Landmark Aviation is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group.
About the spn
The spn, boasts an impressive range and payload for an aircraft in its class. With six passengers and single pilot, the aircraft can serve 1,800 nm (3334 km). The aircraft features a total cabin volume of 405 cu.ft (11.5m³), and a large passenger door. Early sales success for the industry’s new generation light business jet has raised market interest with its unique operating characteristics. This includes being able to operate on unimproved runways (gravel or grass), traditionally the domain of a turboprop, requiring a balanced field length of just 3,000ft (914m) at maximum take off weight. The spn will also be certificated for single pilot operation, and is equipped with an avionics suite more advanced than that of any other aircraft close to its class. Honeywell’s integrated all glass cockpit sets new standards for simplicity, reliability and technology. Two rear-mounted FADEC controlled Williams FJ44-3A engines deliver 2,800lbs (1,270kg) of thrust. Now well advanced in its flight certification phase, the aircraft, which carries a price tag of €5.8 million, is on target for European EASA certification during the third quarter of 2007 and US FAA certification during the fourth quarter of 2007. Customer deliveries commence in the fourth quarter of 2007.
About Grob Aerospace — 35 Years of Aviation History
Grob Aerospace was founded in 1971 and its history spans 35 years. The company is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland but maintains its own purpose built airfield in Mattsies-Tussenhausen, Germany that accommodates its research, development, manufacturing and assembly facilities. Grob Aerospace is one of the world’s largest and most experienced composite aircraft manufacturers. It has delivered more than 3,500 aircraft that have flown over seven million hours on five continents. www.grob-aerospace.com