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Aviation History
1989
1989 - 0779.PDF
Although Millar has halted Piper's decline, it is evident that he has a long way to go to recover the position attained during the late 1970s. Current output is half the 1985 level, and one-twentieth of output ten years ago. Piper has achieved some of its success by aggressive pricing. The big Cadet orderbook, quips Millar, "proves we can give aircraft away". "Now let's see if we can sell them." The liability problem Product liability remains an expense for all general-aviation manufacturers. Late last year Piper lost a $4-5 million lawsuit that arose from an accident for which Piper claims it was cleared of blame. Meanwhile, the industry tries in vain to change the law, which it sees as unfairly biased against it. Piper is tackling this last issue, as Lear Siegler had done, by self-insuring, because insurance would now cost at least twice as much as Piper ever paid out in a single year. Officials dismiss suggestions that this is a risky policy, given that no rich parent company now exists to cover a run of bad luck, arguing that the possession of insur ance generally attracts meritless and exploitative lawsuits. If demand grows as predicted, Piper may acquire new capacity through licence deals. Cheyenne production in India had been discussed. China and Brazil already deliver many Pipers, and the firm has a factory at Cubs are offered complete or in kit form. The new aircraft features many improvements on its famous Second World War predecessor Lakeland, Florida. One lesson to be learned from Piper's experience, argues Millar, is that personal aircraft companies should not be owned by a big corporation. Some corporate parents, he says (without naming names), look too hard at return on investment, disregarding whether the product is a light aircraft or a hula hoop. On safety, he says, "you have to take personal responsibility. Decisions need to be taken that are not always economically best for a company." Millar has earned respect. "In this business there are managers and leaders," says LoPresti. "Millar is a leader, and I would follow him anyplace." Will he get his investment back? Pausing, Millar says, "I never thought of it that way." C First Class From an economical fully equipped Special Edition package to high flying turbo-charged performance, the Beech Bonanza range meets your every need. Ihe Bonanza has now been in production longer than any other high performance piston engined aeroplane - a credit to Beech's design expertise and legendary reliability. Today the Bonanza flies more satisfied owners for business and pleas ure in unequalled Beechcraft comfort, an achievement reflected by Its dominance as sales leader In Its class. As the appointed Beech aircraft distributor serving the United King dom and Ireland we take pride in offering you this special aircraft and in providing the quality service that accompanies it. ^eechcraft U.K. and Ireland appointed distributor BONANZA F33A.A36.B36TC Air Hanson BUSINESS AVIATION CENTRE Air Hanson Limited, Business Aviation Centre, Blackbushe Airport, Camberley, Surrey GU17 9LG. Tel. 0252 890089 Fax Sales (0252) 876447 Fax Eng. (0252) 876439 Tx. 858329 FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL, 25 March 1989 49
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