GREENVILLE, S.C., Oct. 23, 2019 — Michelin North America, Inc., has added three additional sizes to the MICHELIN® PILOT®, portfolio for the United States, Canada and Europe.

The Pilot is an ultra-high-performance bias tire for piston and turboprop aircraft, designed to provide extra-long tire life, exceptional tread life and all-weather protection. The new sizes include:

  • 6.50-8/8/160
  • 7.00-6/8/160
  • 8.50-10/10/160

The Michelin Pilot tire, crafted with highly durable rubber compounds, has up to 21% deeper skid depth. A natural contour carcass line reduces ply stresses. The tubeless tire design reduces the combined tire-wheel weight and helps eliminate the tire’s tendency to move around the wheel hub at touchdown. This tire can also be used with a tube, delivering the same enhanced performance to pilots who use tube-type rims.

“Our Pilot tires are providing a softer ride than our previous tires and have additional tread,” said Bruce Waldecker, owner of a Bonanza aircraft and member of the American Bonanza Society. “We have not had any issues with the mounting or balancing. They tracked straight and true for takeoffs and landings. They are fantastic!”

The Michelin Pilot has improved durability and resistance to foreign object damage. The tire incorporates the latest high-tech ozone-resistant compounds into the sidewall rubber. The natural contour-mold profile promotes casing equilibrium for improved footprint-pressure distribution in the contact patch. By significantly improving overall tire life, pilots may achieve more takeoffs and landings while purchasing fewer tires.  

The Michelin Pilot is designed with additional belt plies that strengthen the crown area. The tire’s exclusive manufacturing process creates built-in balance for smooth taxiing and even tire wear, helping to provide true-track taxi, takeoffs and landings for propeller-driven aircraft.

“Our customers requested additional sizes for this deep-tread solution so that they could achieve more landings in a lighter tire to improve fuel efficiency and increase range,” said Robert Sevener, global lead for Michelin general aviation. “The ultra-high-performance Pilot tire provides both in this aircraft sector.”

Long-term ozone and UV light protections within the tire provide all-weather protection. The two wide grooves in the tire tread evacuate water efficiently and resist hydroplaning on wet runways.

To learn more about aviation tires, visit aircraft.michelin.com

About MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. Michelin also offers a full range of innovative services and solutions that help make mobility safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly. To create unique mobility experiences, Michelin publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America, Inc. employs more than 20,000 people and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Canada.

* Based on actual sidewall indications for skid depth of 15.00 x 6-6 6 ply tire size (required by FAA regulations) comparing a MICHELIN® PILOT® bias tire and a Goodyear Flight Custom III bias tire. Comparison made in May 2018.

For more information, contact:

Mary Ann Kotlarich

Michelin North America                                                                         

864.458.4884

Email: Mary-ann.kotlarich@michelin.comwww.michelinmedia.com