Textron Aviation announced on Monday that its Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine utility turboprop has been granted its FAA type certificate. The aircraft, which flew for the first time in May 2020, has accumulated more than 2,100 hours during the flight test program. According to the company, the first unit will enter service with launch customer FedEx Express soon.
“Achieving FAA certification for the Cessna SkyCourier demonstrates the expertise and hard work of our employees, as well as Textron Aviation’s continued investment in providing solutions for our customers,” said Textron Aviation President and CEO Ron Draper. “Our clean-sheet design brings to this segment what customers said they need: the ability to load, fly, unload and repeat with low operating costs and maximum cabin flexibility and efficiency.”
The Cessna SkyCourier can be configured for passenger or cargo operations. The 19-passenger version offers a top cruise speed of 210 knots, 920-NM range and maximum payload of 5,000 pounds while the cargo variant has a 940-NM range and a maximum payload of 6,000 pounds. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC engines and comes equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics.
Congrats.
An important new airplane, for sure.
Congratulations Textron on a job well done! It‘s also notable that this aircraft was Type Certified under FAA Part 23 Amdt 64, introduced in Aug 2017 and is possibly the first aircraft to do so. Judging by the TCDS (A00016WI), at least the use of Special Conditions and Equivalent Levels of Safety were avoided. Would be interesting to hear from Textron certification folks if the Amdt. 64 process resulted in any actual meaningful increase in certification efficiency.
Wait, where are the battery packs, fuel cells, electric motors? This cannot possibly be a new “clean sheet” airplane design. Does it run only on bio kerosene? It this where reality meets fantasy in the aircraft industry?
Just asking.
This has to be a much better approach than the Caravan II, aka 406. Are skis and floats next?
“Clean sheet design”
Step 1 – get clean sheet of paper
Step 2 – place picture of Twin Otter underneath clean sheet
Step 3 – trace Twin Otter onto clean sheet
Step 4- profit!