Grob Aircraft

Grob Aircraft is a German manufacturer specializing in all-carbon-fiber trainers and gliders since 1971. Over 4,500 airframes delivered, accumulating 7+ million flight hours across five continents. The G115 two-seat aerobatic monoplane was the backbone of RAF training (117 aircraft). The G120TP turboprop trainer serves 15+ air forces with 500,000+ flight hours. The all-carbonfibre construction provides 26G+ crashworthiness, zero corrosion, and 15,000-hour structural life.

The G115 is available on the used market — former military trainers and civilian flight school aircraft occasionally appear. The G120TP is primarily military. Grob also has a glider heritage. Civilian G115s are proven trainers with composite durability. However, finding Grob-experienced maintenance shops outside military support networks can be challenging. Parts availability should be verified with Grob Aircraft SE in Germany before purchase.

Both are composite two-seat trainers, but the G115 is aerobatic-rated (the DA20 is not in standard configuration). The G115 has a more robust military-grade construction. The DA20 has a larger global civilian fleet and easier parts availability. For flight schools wanting aerobatic capability in a composite trainer, the G115 is excellent. For standard VFR/IFR training, the DA20 has better civilian support infrastructure.