Elixir aircraft FAA-certified

The French company was founded in 2015 and uses a technology derived from competition sailing, called Carbon OneShot, to simplify structures and maintenance. The airframe comprises just nine parts, which the company says enhances safety by reducing failures and simplifies maintenance, contributing to lower operating costs.

Elixir Head of Worldwide Sales Mike Tonkin said more than 40 aircraft have been delivered in Europe since the 100-horsepower aircraft earned European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) CS-23 certification in 2020. Customers include Airbus Flight Academy Europe and Greek flight school Egnatia Aviation.

“The aircraft is destined for professional flight training,” said Tonkin.

The trainer has oleo strut landing gear and double-slotted electric flaps. Safety features include an anti-explosion fuel tank with foam that stops fuel dispersion in the event of a crash and an airframe parachute. The U.S. version has a wing fence and vortex generators on the outboard wing for spin resistance.

Fuel efficiency and simplified maintenance contribute to operating costs of what Elixir estimates are $50 per hour: The Rotax engine burns 4.9 gph at 125 knots in cruise, and the 100-hour inspection can be completed in seven hours by one person, according to Tonkin.

The company says it has more than 300 preorders and letters of intent in the United States, and U.S. deliveries are expected to begin in 2026. U.S. pricing for the aircraft has not yet been determined, but the Elixir sells in Europe for about 400,000 euros. Elixir also is pursuing EASA certification for a 140-horsepower version powered by a Rotax 915 iS.