Fleet News
Vertical Vision Flight Academy Adds Three Piper Archer TX Aircraft to Its Des Moines Fleet
Three 2020 Piper Archer TX trainers with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics have joined our fleet at Des Moines International Airport (KDSM), completing our return to an all-Piper training fleet.
Quick answer: Vertical Vision Flight Academy in Des Moines, Iowa has added three 2020 Piper Archer TX aircraft (N860AC, N874AC and N893AC), each equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpits. The Archers replace the academy's former Tecnam P-Mentor fleet, giving students one consistent airframe from their first lesson through every single-engine rating, and a cockpit that closely matches the Piper Seminole they'll fly for their multi-engine rating.
Meet the Newest Archers on the Ramp at KDSM
Our fleet is growing. Vertical Vision Flight Academy recently picked up three additional Piper Archer TX aircraft, and they're already on the schedule for students training in Des Moines. All three are 2020 models built for flight training and equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight deck.
The aircraft were picked up at Piper's home in Vero Beach, Florida and ferried back to Des Moines by our staff and students, turning delivery day into a real-world cross-country training trip.
The New Additions
N860AC | N874AC | N893AC
- Model: 2020 Piper Archer TX
- Avionics: Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit
- Role: Private, instrument, commercial and instructor training
- Base: Des Moines International Airport (KDSM)
Why We Chose an All-Piper Fleet
These Archers replace the Tecnam P-Mentors we recently sold. Moving back to a sole Piper fleet was a deliberate decision, and it came down to two things: the product and the people behind it.
- A proven trainer. The Piper Archer is one of the most widely used training aircraft in the world. It's stable, forgiving and predictable, which is exactly what new pilots need while they build skill and confidence.
- Reliability that keeps students flying. A tried-and-true airframe means fewer surprises in maintenance and more consistent availability on the schedule.
- Outstanding customer support. Piper's support for flight schools helps us keep our aircraft in top condition and our students in the air.
What a Consistent Fleet Means for Our Students
When every training aircraft is the same make, model and avionics package, students spend their time learning to fly instead of relearning a new cockpit. At Vertical Vision, a student can start training in an Archer and finish all of their single-engine ratings in the same airframe:
- Private Pilot – learn the fundamentals in the Archer TX.
- Instrument Rating – master instrument flying on the same G1000 NXi you already know.
- Commercial Pilot – refine precision and build experience without switching aircraft.
- Flight Instructor Ratings – teach from the right seat of the airplane you trained in.
That consistency pays off in several ways:
- Less time spent on transitions. No checkouts in unfamiliar aircraft between ratings.
- Deeper systems knowledge. Students learn one airplane thoroughly, which builds stronger habits and better decision-making.
- Standardized procedures. Checklists, flows and callouts stay the same from lesson to lesson and instructor to instructor.
- Easier scheduling. With multiple identical Archers, students can fly whichever aircraft is available without missing a beat.
A Smoother Transition to Multi-Engine Training
The biggest advantage shows up when students move to their multi-engine rating. Our 2025 Piper Seminole flies with the same Garmin G1000 NXi avionics as the Archers, and Piper designed both cockpits with a very similar layout.
By the time a student climbs into the Seminole, they've already logged their private, instrument and commercial training on the G1000 NXi platform. Most of the controls, displays and procedures are already second nature, so they can focus on what's actually new: managing two engines, engine-out procedures and multi-engine performance.
Growing With Our Students in Des Moines
Adding three aircraft is a direct response to growing demand for flight training in central Iowa. More aircraft means more availability for students working toward their goals, whether that's flying for fun, building a career with the airlines or becoming a flight instructor. See the full lineup on our fleet page, and certificated pilots looking to log time in the Archer can check out our time building packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What aircraft does Vertical Vision Flight Academy use for training?
Vertical Vision Flight Academy operates an all-Piper fleet at Des Moines International Airport (KDSM): Piper Archer TX aircraft for single-engine training and a 2025 Piper Seminole for multi-engine training, all equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics.
What are the tail numbers of the new Piper Archers?
The three new aircraft are N860AC, N874AC and N893AC. All three are 2020 Piper Archer TX models with Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpits.
Why did Vertical Vision switch from Tecnam to Piper?
Vertical Vision returned to an all-Piper fleet because the Piper Archer is a proven, reliable training aircraft and Piper provides excellent customer support. A single-manufacturer fleet also gives students a consistent training experience.
Can I complete all of my single-engine ratings in the same aircraft?
Yes. Students at Vertical Vision can begin training in the Piper Archer TX and complete all of their single-engine ratings in the same airframe, from Private Pilot through Instrument, Commercial and instructor ratings.
How does training in the Archer prepare me for multi-engine?
The Archer and the Piper Seminole share the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and a very similar cockpit layout. Students arrive at multi-engine training already familiar with most of the controls and displays, so they can focus on multi-engine skills and procedures.
Where is Vertical Vision Flight Academy located?
Vertical Vision Flight Academy is based at Des Moines International Airport (KDSM), 6214 SW 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50321. Call (515) 337-2159 to learn more.
