Top 4 Aviation News Stories for September
Fly Provence is expanding its training fleet with a Pipistrel Explorer; RTX is implementing digital tools to streamline inspections and anticipate maintenance needs; Textron Aviation is celebrating the production of the 500th Citation Latitude; and Pratt & Whitney is moving forward with the modernization of the F135 engine to meet the future demands of the F-35.
1. Fly Provence is expanding its training fleet with a new Pipistrel Explorer
In September 2026, the French flight school Fly Provence will add a new Pipistrel Virus SW121A Explorer to its fleet, based at the Aix-les-Milles Aerodrome. The delivery took place with the assistance of Finesse Max, Pipistrel’s official distributor in France.
The Explorer will join the Velis Electro aircraft already in use at the academy. The combination of electric and conventionally powered aircraft will allow the academy to cover different stages of training, from first flights to advanced navigation training and recovery from unusual situations.
The aircraft is equipped with a 100-horsepower Rotax 912 S3 engine, two Garmin G3X displays, an autopilot, a constant-speed propeller, and a safety parachute. It can reach a cruising speed of 133 knots, fly up to 646 nautical miles, and operate at a maximum altitude of 18,000 feet.
Thanks to its capabilities, the Pipistrel Explorer is designed for training private and commercial pilots, as well as for daytime and nighttime visual operations. It is also certified for performing intentional spins and advanced UPRT (Uncontrolled Pitch Recovery Training) exercises, aimed at preventing and recovering from a loss of aircraft control.
Fly Provence also operates Diamond DA42 and Piper PA28 aircraft, along with certified simulators for training on single- and multi-engine aircraft and programs related to the Airbus A320.
The flight school operates under French approval FR.ATO.0306 and offers training programs for PPL and CPL licenses, instrument and multi-engine ratings, night training, instructor courses, and preparation for airline operations.
2. RTX is introducing new digital tools to aircraft maintenance
An engine overhaul can generate thousands of images and require several hours of work for technicians. To streamline this process, RTX is implementing artificial intelligence solutions capable of organising the information, identifying potential anomalies and supporting decision-making during inspections.
At Pratt & Whitney, maintenance centres, specialists use cameras to examine the interior of engines and check the condition of turbines, compressors and other components. Whilst this procedure is underway, software analyses the images, recognises each blade and highlights areas requiring closer attention.
The final decision remains with the inspector. The technology acts as a complementary tool that facilitates the inspection and enables the technical report to be generated automatically, reducing an administrative task that previously could take several hours.
The system has already been used on V2500 engines and was recently evaluated on the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ and F135 engines. Its development is based on nearly ten years of data collected during actual inspections carried out on different types of engines and under various operating conditions.
Collins Aerospace, also part of RTX, applies the data from a different perspective. Its Ascentia® platform analyses the information generated during flights and compares it with maintenance history. This makes it possible to identify changes in the behaviour of certain components before an alert is triggered or an obvious fault occurs.
Based on these results, FlightSense™ helps prepare the response: it coordinates the availability of spare parts, workshop capacity and the support required by each operator. As a result, many maintenance tasks can be scheduled during planned downtime rather than as a result of an unexpected issue.
RTX plans to integrate these solutions into an ecosystem that brings together information gathered during the design, manufacture, operation and maintenance of aircraft. The aim is to move towards a model that not only warns of potential wear and tear, but also helps to determine when and how it should be addressed.
3. Textron Aviation celebrates the production of the 500th Citation Latitude
Textron Aviation has reached a new milestone with the roll-out of the 500th Cessna Citation Latitude, produced at its facility in Wichita, Kansas. This figure confirms the positive reception this model has received from operators across different regions of the world.
Since its launch, the Latitude has established itself as one of the best-selling medium-sized business jets. Its key features include a spacious cabin, a flat floor and sufficient headroom to walk upright, as well as efficient performance and the ability to operate on short runways.
Eric Cardinali , Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Textron Aviation, emphasised that this achievement is the result of the experience and dedication of the employees who are involved in the construction of each aircraft on a daily basis. He also highlighted the trust that customers place in the company’s products.
For his part,, Lannie O´Bannion, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, noted that operators continue to choose the Citation Latitude for its comfort, versatility and ability to handle a wide variety of missions.
With the production of the 500th aircraft, Textron Aviation is strengthening the global presence of this model and reaffirming its commitment to developing business jets that combine performance, productivity and innovation.
4. The F135 engine is set to undergo a new phase of modernisation
The upgrade programme for the engine powering the F-35 Lightning II has reached a new milestone. Pratt & Whitney has completed a technical assessment of the future F135 core, a necessary step to mitigate risks before commencing production.
The review enabled the team to verify the status of the design and analyse its integration with the three versions of the F-35. It also covered test preparation, supplier availability and the conditions required to manufacture and install the upgrade.
This upgrade, known as the ECU, addresses the increased power and temperature control requirements that the F-35’s future capabilities will demand. Its incorporation will support the sensors, weapon systems and electronic equipment planned for the Block 4 modernisation and subsequent developments.
One of the most important aspects of the project is that it utilises the current structure of the F135. As a result, the upgrade can be fitted to new aircraft or adapted to those already in service, without the need to completely replace the engine. The work can be carried out within the existing maintenance network.
For Pratt & Whitney, this approach will enable the fleet to be modernised more efficiently, maintain a common configuration and facilitate technical support over the coming years.
To date, more than 1,500 F135 engines have been delivered to operators in 20 allied countries. The upgrade aims to maintain their operational capability and prepare the F-35 for the new technological and military requirements of the coming decades.
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