For Release: September, 2016
Yingling Aviation Names First Two Members to Ascend 172 Dealer Network
Experienced Sales and Service Organizations Will Share Knowledge, Standards, and Provide Localized Support
Wichita, KS—After unveiling an upgraded version of its comprehensively remanufactured Ascend 172 light single engine aircraft at this year’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Yingling Aviation has announced it is creating a dealer network for the airplane. Air Orlando Aircraft Sales, Inc at Orlando Executive Airport in Orlando, Florida and Suburban Aviation, Inc. at Suburban Toledo Airport in northwest Ohio will sell the Ascend 172 and provide localized, rapid and responsive support to its customers, based on the same standards and procedures established at Yingling.
“Among the things we have learned during the past year, as AOPA toured the first Ascend 172 around the country, is that potential customers, especially flight schools and flying clubs, are looking for quick, responsive and local service providers and maintenance expertise that will keep their re-manufactured airplanes performing at peak efficiency,” explained Lynn Nichols, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yingling. “They want easy access to, and a familiarity with the people who sold them the airplanes. The answer for that is, of course, to create a network of experienced and motivated professionals who share our same knowledge, training and standards, so we made that a priority, too.”
Air Orlando Aircraft Sales, Inc., located at Orlando Executive Airport (KORL) in Orlando, Florida was founded in 1984 and currently operates a Cessna 172 Skyhawk, a Cessna 182 Skylane, a T-206 Turbo Stationair and a Cessna Corvallis TTX. With more than 30 years of experience in new and pre-owned aircraft sales ranging from light single and twin engine piston models to turboprops and light jets, Air Orlando has earned a solid reputation for both sales and service. Its Cessna Factory Authorized Service Center offers a full range of parts and service for all Cessna piston aircraft and the turboprop Caravan. It is also approved to provide service for Piper aircraft, including the Meridian and has recently expanded its service offerings to include Beechcraft Bonanza and Baron models, as well. “Trying to deliver a top quality product at a price point desired by the customer is a struggle all industries face. We feel the Ascend 172 meets that challenge, providing a thoroughly inspected, tested and upgraded aircraft suitable for flight training and private ownership. We are pleased to be representing the Ascend 172 and look forward to presenting it to our customers and friends in the Southeast,” said Air Orlando President Mike Long.
Suburban Aviation which serves the greater Toledo, Ohio area as well as Southeast Michigan is a family-owned business that was also founded in 1984. The firm operates a Cessna Factory Authorized Service Station and, like Air Orlando, enjoys a solid reputation for aircraft maintenance specializing in Cessna single and twin engine aircraft. Suburban also offers on-site flight training, sales and service and, through its sister company, Eagle Flight Center at Willow Run Airport (KYIP) provides all of the flight instruction for Eastern Michigan University. Having enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Cessna, Tom Trumbull, Suburban’s president and Scott Trumbull, vice president, were “pretty excited about being part of the Ascend 172 network,” Tom explained. “First of all, flight schools want to have airplanes that have the technology—the glass panels and the latest avionics—but in recent years they haven’t been able to afford them. We used to have great success identifying individuals who wanted to have the ownership experience and who were willing to lease back their airplanes for flight instruction, but the numbers just don’t add up when you’re talking about today’s $400,000 purchase prices for a new trainer. The Ascend 172 is making lease back possible again. It’s affordable. It’s like finding an old friend with a slightly new look. It will allow flight schools to re-tool with the new technology and have the economic benefit of lease back partners again. We’re looking forward to being part of this organization, because we’re all on the same page. We’re doing this to help our customers and our industry and that’s why Yingling and AOPA and the other dealers are involved in it, too,” he added.
“As we showed off the Ascend 172 at events around the country, we saw a lot of interest from individuals, flight schools, and flying clubs,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “These potential owners were excited about the opportunity to add the enhancements introduced at AirVenture 2016, and told us how important having local maintenance and support relationships is to them when buying an aircraft.”
“Since the program was announced last year, we’ve learned more about what potential owners are looking for in an airplane,” Baker added. “Holding down costs is important, but different operators have different needs and they appreciate having options. We’re very serious about making flying more affordable and accessible, and remanufactured aircraft are one way to help do that. Getting people flying and keeping them flying is essential to overall health of general aviation.”
About Yingling
Yingling Aviation was founded in 1946 and was named the first Cessna dealer that same year. Its approximately 100 Wichita-based employees are dedicated to serving customers. A full general aviation services provider at Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in Wichita, Kansas, Yingling is a Beechcraft, Cessna and McCauley Propeller Authorized Service Center servicing a broad spectrum of piston, turbine and jet aircraft. It has long been the largest independent Cessna parts supplier in the world, as well. It provides comprehensive support to new and legacy Textron aircraft, offering the experience and expertise of top-notch FlightSafety trained technicians, proximity to the both Cessna and Beech factories, and familiarity with local vendors. Providing avionics, interiors and a variety of aircraft sales, charter, and management services, Yingling Aviation can be reached by calling (316) 943-3246 or on the web at www.yinglingaviation.com.