Page 16 - World Airnews Magazine June 2020 Edition

TWIN ENGINE

CESSNA SKYCOURIER

TURBOPROP TAKES FLIGHT

extron Aviation announced the suc-
Tcessful fi rst fl ight of its new twin uti lity
turboprop, the Cessna SkyCourier. The milestone

flight is a significant step toward entry into ser-

vice for the clean-sheet aircraft, and it kicks off
the important flight test program that validates

the performance of the Cessna SkyCourier.

“It was an exciting day for our employees,
our suppliers and our customers. The Cessna
SkyCourier performed exactly as we expect-

ed, which is a testament to the entire team
of men and women who worked together

to prepare for this day. I’m proud of the way tal, flight controls and avionics systems. & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines,
the team has persevered through disruptions “We were very pleased with how the Cess- will be offered in various configurations

caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic and na SkyCourier performed throughout its first including a 6,000-pound payload capable

remained focused on getting us to this point. flight. It was particularly impressive to see freighter, a 19-seat passenger version or a

The Cessna SkyCourier will be an excellent how stable the aircraft handled on takeoff mixed passenger/freight combination, all

product in its segment due to its combination and landing. The Cessna SkyCourier already based on the common platform.

of cabin flexibility, payload capability, supe- displays a high level of maturity in its flight The Cessna SkyCourier is designed for

rior performance and low operating costs. characteristics, especially for a first flight. We high utilisation and will deliver a combi-

Our customers will be very pleased with what were able to accomplish everything we want- nation of robust performance and lower

they experience from this aircraft,” said Ron ed on this flight, and that’s an excellent start operating costs. Cessna SkyCourier will

Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. to the flight test programme,” Eckhart said. feature the popular Garmin G1000 NXi

The Cessna SkyCourier took off from the The prototype aircraft, along with five addi- avionics suite and offer highlights such as

company’s east campus Beech Field Airport, tional flight and ground test articles, will contin- a maximum cruise speed of up to 200 ktas

piloted by Corey Eckhart, senior test pilot, ue to expand on performance goals, focusing on and a maximum range of 900 nm. Both
and Aaron Tobias, chief test pilot. During the testing flight controls and aerodynamics. freighter and passenger variants of the

two-hour and 15-minute flight, the team test- Cessna SkyCourier will include single-point

ed the aircraft’s performance, stability and RELENTLESS CAPABILITY pressure refuelling as standard to enable

control, as well as its propulsion, environmen- The Cessna SkyCourier, featuring Pratt faster turnarounds. Q

NEWS
BOEING NAMES DELANEY

teams who design, build and service the air- craft cleanliness procedures and identify

planes and all those who fly on them," said other areas to further reduce the risk of
oeing has announced that Mike Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun. airborne illness transmission.”

BDelaney will lead the company’s "Mike's deep technical expertise, Boeing’s effort will build on the indus-

Confident Travel Initiative, effective leadership skills, industry knowledge and try’s enhanced safety approaches - in-

cluding enhanced cleaning, temperature
great passion for our customers make him
immediately. uniquely qualified to lead this effort." checks and the use of face coverings - and

Working across the industry, Delaney’s The Confident Travel Initiative team will promote the proven systems already in

team will work to develop new solutions to work with airlines, global regulators, and place to help maintain cabin cleanliness.

help minimize air travel health risks amid industry stakeholders, flying passengers, One such system is the air filtration system

the COVID-19 pandemic and drive aware- infectious disease experts and be- present on all Boeing airplanes. The air

ness of health safeguards already in place. havioural specialists to establish indus- filtration system incorporates High Efficiency

Delaney brings 31 years of Boeing try-recognised safety recommendations. Particulate Air (HEPA) filters similar to those

experience to the role, including previous The team is also advising operators on used in hospitals and industrial clean rooms.

executive leadership positions in airplane existing, approved disinfectants that are “Air travel is coming back,” said Delaney.

development and engineering, and serves compatible with the airplane flight decks “As that happens, we want passengers and

as vice president of digital transformation and cabins and testing other sanitizers. crews to board Boeing airplanes without

at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Our commitment to ensuring the hesitation. Our goal is to provide a safe

"As air travel slowly begins to resume and health of airline passengers and crews experience from curb side to airplane and

restrictions ease around the globe, health is unwavering,” said Delaney. “We’re beyond. Common system-wide standards

and safety remain our top priorities for our working with partners to enhance air- are key to a safe experience.” Q
World Airnews | June 2020
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