Piper Aircraft Delivers Seminole to Inter American University in Puerto Rico

Community Submission

2 years ago

LAKELAND, FL. March 28th, 2023 – Piper Aircraft shared the recent landmark delivery of a Seminole to Inter American University in Puerto Rico. The purchase agreement for this aircraft was signed at last year’s Sun ‘n Fun event, and now has been delivered to Puerto Rico less than one year later. This is the first new Seminole to be delivered to Puerto Rico in twenty-five years.

Currently, the aviation department at IAU offers three academic programs at their Bayamón campus: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Commercial Pilot, Bachelor’s Degree in Aircraft System Administration (Professional Pilot), and Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Science Management (administrative positions in airlines, airports). The IAU School of Aeronautics is the only college in the Caribbean that offers two baccalaureates in different areas of aviation sciences, accredited by the esteemed Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI). They will be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.

Inter American University is a longtime Piper fleet customer and Flight School Alliance member, with their most recent delivery in 2021 consisting of four Archer TX aircraft. This new Seminole brings IAU’s all-Piper fleet total to 11 aircraft and is part of IAU’s long term fleet modernization plan.

“The arrival of the Piper Seminole is tangible evidence that reaffirms our commitment to offer our students the best so that they acquire the skills and knowledge of excellence that they deserve” said the interim president of the university, Dr. Rafael Ramírez Rivera. “For Inter, the Bayamón Campus, the School of Aeronautics and its Aviation programs, [this aircraft] represents pride and distinction, which positions us as a unique institution of its kind. The achievements of our students, alumni, and faculty are our best letters of introduction, so we hope that this year we can reap more success and celebrate as a university community that serves the country and the entire world.”

“At Piper, we value our fleet partners globally and join Inter American University in celebrating this milestone delivery,” said Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Support Ron Gunnarson. “We take pride in helping programs like IAU accomplish their flight training goals and provide their students an industry-leading aviation education in a platform like the Seminole.”

About Piper Aircraft, Inc.

Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, FL, offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series–the M600/SLS, M500, and M350–offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. To learn more about Piper Aircraft, visit the company’s website at www.piper.com.

About the Piper Seminole

The Seminole exceeds expectations with its reliability, durability and value. Generations of pilots have trained in the Seminole, but this Seminole is generations ahead with its tried-and-true construction, reliable Lycoming engines, stable handling capabilities, and standard Garmin G1000® NXi flight deck. Training on a Seminole eases students in the transition from single to multi-engine flying. Each Piper trainer interior is designed with maximum comfort and durability in mind. The ergonomic seating keeps both student and instructor relaxed, making their ability to focus on the flight and lesson easier. Heavy-duty vinyl and wear-resistant leathers are hand-fitted to the seats and sidewalls, proven to withstand repetitive use. The Seminole is designed specifically for efficient, comfortable and safe multi-engine flight training.

Specifications: 162 knots (300 km/h) 75% range maximum cruise speed, range 700 nm (1,296 km), 2,200 feet (671 m) take-off distance, 1,490 feet (454 m) landing distance over a 50-foot obstacle. Engines: two Lycoming IO-360-A1H6 rated at 180 hp each driving Hartzell two-blade propellers, constant speed and full feathering. Air conditioning is available as an option.

About Inter American University of Puerto Rico

Inter American University of Puerto Rico was founded in 1912 when reverend John Will Harris established the Polytechnic Institute. Since then, the private non-profit institution has been dedicated to preparing students from Puerto Rico and various countries in the Americas and the Caribbean in a variety of careers. In 1944, it was the first institution of higher education outside the continental U.S. to be accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition to local campuses, Inter American University currently has a physical presence in Orlando, Florida, Panama and Philadelphia. It also has more than 20 programs offered entirely in English, and approximately 90 that are offered online, reaching students from all over the world.