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Alpi Aviation’s Pioneer Twin Makes First Flight

Company based engine design on well-established Pioneer 400 four-place single.

Jonathan Welsh
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Jonathan Welsh

Alpi Aviation Pioneer 800 [Credit: Alpi Aviation]
Alpi Aviation Pioneer 800 [Credit: Alpi Aviation]

Italian aircraft manufacturer Alpi Aviation said the Pioneer Twin, its first twin-engine airplane, completed its first flight Thursday, following years of development.

The aircraft is based on the company’s long-running Pioneer 400, a four-place retractable piston single in the experimental category. The twin, also known as the Pioneer 800, is powered by Rotax 916iS engines, each rated at 161 hp.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot and lifelong aviation enthusiast who has been a reporter, writer and columnist for 35 years. His career includes stints with the Wall Street Journal, Flying Magazine and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He recently returned to Firecrown to lead Aviation Consumer.