First enhanced Grob G109B Able showcase in Europe - Aerobility at AERO 2022

Aerobility will be exhibiting at AERO 2022 in Friedrichshafen as it celebrates the first public display in Europe of its new aircraft type, the Grob G109B Able. The charity will be both operating the aircraft within its fleet, as well as marketing and selling this enhanced model commercially, in collaboration with Grob Aircraft SE and Southern Sailplanes in the UK.  Grob Aircraft SE will be supporting the aircraft’s debut in Germany.

Aerobility will be fielding a strong team at AERO, led by CEO Mike Miller-Smith MBE. “We look forward to presenting this impressive and versatile motorglider to prospective European buyers at AERO. With a proven design and the latest propulsion and avionics technology, not only is this a reliable fun aircraft, it is also sustainable and cost-effective – perfect for leisure owner pilots but also for gliding clubs and training organisations” said Mike Miller-Smith. 

Sustainable Grob G109B – the ultimate aircraft recycling project

The Grob G109B is the ultimate repurposing project - bringing grounded military training Grob G109B motorgliders back to life for society’s benefit. With a complete airframe overhaul, state-of-the-art Garmin avionics and options, new Rotax engine and MT Propeller, the ‘Able’s’ performance and handling is radically enhanced, whilst the fuel consumption is significantly reduced. 

The latest fuel injected Rotax 912 iSc fuel efficient engine is certified to run on sustainable vehicle fuel such as E10 resulting in lower carbon emissions. The glider design and MT hydraulic constant speed propeller also brings highly efficient operations. 

“This updated and re-certified variant of the tried, tested and much loved Grob G109B and its military derivative The Vigilant makes for an exciting and sustainable way to take to the skies,” adds Mike Miller-Smith. 

David Pilkington, the first independent customer of the G109B, took delivery of the first aircraft last month and is now flying the aircraft out of Blackpool Airport in the UK.  “The G109B is a fantastic aeroplane for my needs, a competent comfortable touring aircraft with the engine on, and an easy to fly sailplane with good performance with the engine off.”

Aubrey Waugh, Head of Customer Support and Services, Grob Aircraft SE, adds: “We are pleased to support and collaborate with Aerobility to return these iconic Grob aircraft to flight for the next generation to enjoy”

Supporting the aircraft’s debut at the show, Mike adds: “The Honor Roll of organisations which have facilitated and enabled this unique project is incredible, and many of these organisations are participating or visiting at Aero themselves including Rotax, MT-Propeller, Garmin, Kanardia, Hayward Aviation, and Close Brothers. AERO themselves have also been hugely supportive, donating our exhibition participation at the show”

“Aerobility exists to change lives through the magic of flight. We are very proud to present this new aircraft type which will deliver magic to its owners whilst also supporting disabled aviation. We only have a fixed amount of these aircraft to sell and we hope interest at AERO will be high.” He concludes.

“We are delighted to welcome Aerobility at AERO Friedrichshafen 2022 and to present this very important topic of giving disabled people the opportunity to fly with such a innovative aircraft project.” says Roland Bosch Head of AERO. “The aircraft fits perfectly to our main topic of the 2022 edition which is sustainable aviation and our new AERO sustainable aviation trail.” adds Tobias Bretzel, Show Director AERO.

The aircraft flew directly from Aerobility’s HQ in Blackbushe, Surrey, UK by Aerobility Chief Instructor Mike Owen before positioning on display at AERO in Hall A5.