Cessna SkyCourier Type Certification Issued By FAA
The Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine turboprop is now a type-certificated aircraft. Textron Aviation announced the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the approval on 14 March 2022. The milestone is a key hurdle on the way to commercial operations of the new design.
Cessna SkyCourier
Image courtesy Textron Aviation
According to the manufacturer, the cargo version of the aircraft has attracted a 50 unit order with options for an additional 50 from FedEx Express. This configuration can carry up to three LD3 shipping containers or a total of 6,000 pounds of payload.
Cessna also claims that a passenger variant of the SkyCourier can accommodate up to 19 passengers.
Note: This is a promotional Cessna SkyCourier video via YouTube produced by Textron Aviation.
The Cessna SkyCourier is a civil airplane designed around the need to load, carry and unload shipping industry-standard LD3 shipping containers with high reliability at the lowest cost. Speed was also a priority but more so on the ground during loading and unloading than in the air. This has resulted in a relatively simple configuration with few exotic technologies. For the pilots who fly the SkyCourier, however, a suite of Garmin G1000 NXi avionics offers a modern glass cockpit.
Cessna SkyCourier Cargo Version
Image courtesy: Textron Aviation
The aircraft features a large cargo door, strut-braced high wing and two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines for power. Textron Aviation claims it can achieve a maximum cruise speed of 200 knots true and 900 nautical-mile maximum range.
Craig has decades of experience contributing to Flight International, Aviation Week, KCRW, NPR, and appearances on the Discovery, Military and History Channels.
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