Page 17 - World Airnews Magazine June 2020 Edition

TWIN ENGINE TURBO PROPS

CESSNA SKYCOURIER TALKING TURBO PROPS

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 in popular demand. Some other contend- batteries charged, running the engines

ed the aircraft’s performance, stability and RELENTLESS CAPABILITY pressure refuelling as standard to enable ers of this market share would definitely periodically and rotating the tyres would

control, as well as its propulsion, environmen- The Cessna SkyCourier, featuring Pratt faster turnarounds. Q orld Airnews editor Heidi include the Kodiak Quest and Daher TBM to probably be the bare minimum required in

WGibson got a chance to inter- a smaller extent. our dry highveld climate.
view ExecuJet vice president Gavin Kiggen QUESTION: WORLD AIRNEWS IS QUESTION: DO YOU KNOW OF ANY
NEWS about these reliable, rugged but amazing THE LONGEST SERVING - 47 YEARS NEW MODELS THAT ARE? /WERE

aircraft work horses and little bit more. - ACROSS AFRICA. WHICH TURBO TO BE LAUNCHED THIS YEAR OR

Here are his answers. PROP IS BEST SUITED TO OUR INDEED EARLY NEXT YEAR?
BOEING NAMES DELANEY model and type of single engine turbo prop CLIMATE AND ACROSS THE Answer: Textron unveiled their plans in
Question: In your opinion today which

CONTINENT?
November 2017 for the Cessna 408 Sky

teams who design, build and service the air- craft cleanliness procedures and identify do you prefer and why? Taking into account Answer: Since the 1970’s and 1980’s, the Courier to be launched mid 2020 with their

all the different factors: performance:

planes and all those who fly on them," said other areas to further reduce the risk of speed: payload: range? Please give your top then Beechcraft King Air 200 and 300 series launch customer FedEx Express. This twin
turbo-prop’s characteristics would include

have definitely proven to be extremely
oeing has announced that Mike Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun. airborne illness transmission.” three and reasons. popular, come rain or shine, day or night 19 passengers or 6000lbs payload powered

BDelaney will lead the company’s "Mike's deep technical expertise, Boeing’s effort will build on the indus- Answer: Although single engine tur- with the additional reassurance of the by two PT6A-65SC turbo-prop engines.

Confident Travel Initiative, effective leadership skills, industry knowledge and try’s enhanced safety approaches - in- bo-props have some limitations, the two second engine. Adding the Beech 1900

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 most popular aircraft that jump to mind are series since the mid-90’s there are still QUESTION: WHEN PURCHASING A

SECOND HAND AIRCRAFT IN THIS

Working across the industry, Delaney’s The Confident Travel Initiative team will promote the proven systems already in the Pilatus PC-12 and the Textron Cessna around 350 of these aircraft operating in CATEGORY – WHAT IS THE ONE

team will work to develop new solutions to work with airlines, global regulators, and place to help maintain cabin cleanliness. Caravan that has been around 10 years lon- Africa which speaks for itself. POINT THAT OWNERS SHOULD

help minimize air travel health risks amid industry stakeholders, flying passengers, One such system is the air filtration system ger. Applications for the two aircraft types QUESTION: CURRENTLY IN THIS LOOK OUT FOR?

the COVID-19 pandemic and drive aware- infectious disease experts and be- present on all Boeing airplanes. The air are somewhat different with the PC-12 COVID -19 CLIMATE - I DO BELIEVE

ness of health safeguards already in place. havioural specialists to establish indus- filtration system incorporates High Efficiency being much faster and pressurized, with an RECENTLY THERE HAS BEEN A Answer: Besides the normal pre-purchase

Delaney brings 31 years of Boeing try-recognised safety recommendations. Particulate Air (HEPA) filters similar to those impressive range, but it still offers the same LIFTING BY THE CAA FOR MAINTE- inspection items, I would suggest

experience to the role, including previous The team is also advising operators on used in hospitals and industrial clean rooms. short field performance as a Caravan, if not NANCE FLIGHTS. WHAT WOULD BE making sure that life limited parts or major

better. The comfort of the PC-12’s interior

executive leadership positions in airplane existing, approved disinfectants that are “Air travel is coming back,” said Delaney. offers executives and travellers a spacious, YOUR ADVICE TO OWNERS ON HOW periodical inspections due, are considered

development and engineering, and serves compatible with the airplane flight decks “As that happens, we want passengers and comfortable flight. The aircraft also boasts TO MAINTAIN THEIR AIRCRAFT in the negotiations. Secondly, making sure

as vice president of digital transformation and cabins and testing other sanitizers. crews to board Boeing airplanes without a huge aft cargo door with ample space NOW AND GOING FORWARD? one is buying the right type of turbo-prop

at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Our commitment to ensuring the hesitation. Our goal is to provide a safe for luggage and equipment as well as a Answer: Unlike piston engine aeroplanes, aircraft to suit your operations the best,

with proper maintenance support and
"As air travel slowly begins to resume and health of airline passengers and crews experience from curb side to airplane and forward lavatory. These two aircraft have

restrictions ease around the globe, health is unwavering,” said Delaney. “We’re beyond. Common system-wide standards proven themselves time and time again in turbo-props present far less effort in crew training at hand, with a professional,

maintaining and storing them with
caring organisation managing and utilizing
and safety remain our top priorities for our working with partners to enhance air- are key to a safe experience.” Q the African environment as being depend- clearly defined procedures published by this asset to its best potential like ExecuJet

able, rugged, and cost effective and always the various OEMs. Mainly keeping the Africa. Q

World Airnews | June 2020 World Airnews | June 2020
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