Photo: Michelin
You might forget that Michelin, makers of automotive tires and polarizing restaurant guides (yes, they're a part of the same company), is no stranger to the aviation side of things. For crying out loud, Michelin used to manufacture tires for the Space Shuttle. So when they say Michelin's new Pilot series general aviation tires are the best money can buy, there's a good chance they're telling the truth.
Admittedly, the intersection between automotive tires and aerospace tires isn't as broad as you might think. But at least as far as innovative design philosophies go, there is at least some resemblance. With a deeper skid depth than any Michelin general aviation tire before it, the Pilot series should last a considerable time longer than cheaper tires from bargain manufacturers. With a next-generation proprietary rubber compound blend to boot, the Pilot tire has everything it needs to stay a reliable and at least a marginally more sustainable product than the top competitors, like the Goodyear Flight Custom III.
Where MPGs and miles driven are the key metrics for car and truck tires, landings before replacement serve as the goalposts in civil aviation. With resistance to hydroplaning, ultra-violet light exposure, and repeated hard landings that lead the pack in performance, Michelin's made a statement that not only can they make the world's best av-tires, they can do it more sustainably as well. Owing to streamlined production techniques you'll also find on Micheline's automotive tires, less waste will be produced in the manufacturing of the Pilot tire than perhaps anything else in the sector.
With the cost of entry into even the most basic single-engine private piston plane rising higher and higher, spending to keep replacing lesser general aviation tires is not an expense the modern aviation enthusiast can spare in 2024. By opting for a set of Michelin Pilots, a single investment in the best rubber available saves money in the long run. In a way, constantly swapping lesser hardware only does short term. By helping the little guy in the long run, Michelin seems ready to help keep entry-level private planes in the sky longer. That's a claim even Space Shuttles tires can't attest to.
The FAA promptly rubber-stamped the achievement by updating Michelin's Supplemental Type Certificate in August of last year to include not just the Pilot tire line but the Air and Aviator series as well. With the green light from the feds secured, Michelin can now pass these profound long-term savings to their aviation enthusiast customer base.
"For Michelin to receive a Supplemental Type Certificate encompassing such a wide range of general aviation aircraft is truly revolutionary," explained Amanda Murphy, the Global Segment Lead of General Aviation at Michelin North America, Inc. "As the new flagship tire size, the 6.00-6, the Michelin Pilot tire will continue to expand the life and durability of general aviation tires, allowing pilots to spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying flying." There is no word yet on pricing, but these tires could pay for themselves with their dependability from the looks of it.
Where MPGs and miles driven are the key metrics for car and truck tires, landings before replacement serve as the goalposts in civil aviation. With resistance to hydroplaning, ultra-violet light exposure, and repeated hard landings that lead the pack in performance, Michelin's made a statement that not only can they make the world's best av-tires, they can do it more sustainably as well. Owing to streamlined production techniques you'll also find on Micheline's automotive tires, less waste will be produced in the manufacturing of the Pilot tire than perhaps anything else in the sector.
With the cost of entry into even the most basic single-engine private piston plane rising higher and higher, spending to keep replacing lesser general aviation tires is not an expense the modern aviation enthusiast can spare in 2024. By opting for a set of Michelin Pilots, a single investment in the best rubber available saves money in the long run. In a way, constantly swapping lesser hardware only does short term. By helping the little guy in the long run, Michelin seems ready to help keep entry-level private planes in the sky longer. That's a claim even Space Shuttles tires can't attest to.
The FAA promptly rubber-stamped the achievement by updating Michelin's Supplemental Type Certificate in August of last year to include not just the Pilot tire line but the Air and Aviator series as well. With the green light from the feds secured, Michelin can now pass these profound long-term savings to their aviation enthusiast customer base.
"For Michelin to receive a Supplemental Type Certificate encompassing such a wide range of general aviation aircraft is truly revolutionary," explained Amanda Murphy, the Global Segment Lead of General Aviation at Michelin North America, Inc. "As the new flagship tire size, the 6.00-6, the Michelin Pilot tire will continue to expand the life and durability of general aviation tires, allowing pilots to spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying flying." There is no word yet on pricing, but these tires could pay for themselves with their dependability from the looks of it.
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