New certifications for the aircraft engine CENTURION 2.0 increase market potential in the USA

The installation of the kerosene piston aircraft engine Centurion 2.0 in different models of the Cessna 172 series, has now also been certified in the USA. On March 12, 2007 Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH received the official certification document from the U.S.-American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), thereby once again significantly expanding the sales potential for modern kerosene piston aircraft engines in the U.S. market.

In Europe, the installation of the fuel-saving Centurion 2.0 in the Cessna 172, from American as well as French production, has already been certified since the fall of 2006. This has now been followed by the March 12, 2007 U.S. supplemental type certification of the Centurion 2.0 for installation in the Cessna production series 172 F to S and F 172 F to P. The Cessna 172, also known under the name "Skyhawk", is the best sold light aircraft in the General Aviation sector and has a total fleet number of 40,000 aircraft worldwide.

"The current additional certifications are contributing to a significant increase in our sales potential in the USA," explains Frank Thielert, CEO of Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH. "At approximately 75 percent, the North American market is the largest regional market," adds Thielert. Due to its robust design and good flight qualities, the Cessna 172 is deployed mainly all in the area of pilot training. "Especially flight schools and clubs can particularly benefit from the use of our state-of-the-art aircraft engines. They significantly reduce operating costs and thus the costs for flying lessons as well."

The FAA certifications are of particular importance on the world aviation market, since they are acknowledged by most countries in Africa and Asia without further intensive testing. These countries also represent important markets for Thielert. This is because the availability of leaded aviation gasoline (avgas) for conventional engines is extremely limited; the Centurion engines are fueled with kerosene, the standard aviation fuel, and are thus not affected by the scarcity of avgas.