New Twin Turboprop Sees Acceptance Abroad

Cessna's brand-new regional turboprop, the SkyCourier, has received type certification from the Australia Certification & Accreditation Service Agency (ACASA). "The SkyCourier's incredible performance makes it a reliable business tool for customers all over the world," said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. "This certification marks yet another milestone in the SkyCourier program. With the ability to load, fly, unload and repeat -- along with low operating costs and maximum cabin flexibility -- the SkyCourier is a game-changer in reaching remote destinations."

A Fun Name for a Run-of-the-Mill Project

Bell Textron showed off its new Bell 429 testbed aircraft for the ALFA project, showing the way forward for an industry eager to advance. The program, 'Aircraft Laboratory for Future Autonomy', seems more like a nice-sounding backronym, but the end result should be the same: Advanced, self-flying aircraft that can be trusted to operate with minimal human oversight. The ALFA platform will be dedicated to performing flight maneuvers with an aircraft safety system and executing autonomous fly-by-wire flights. That integration is a critical aspect of its development, Bell says.

This Will Facilitate Maintenance For The French Piper Fleet From The Archer Up To The New M700 FURY

Piper Aircraft, Inc. and Authorized Piper Dealer, Flying Smart Aero, have announced the appointment of Troyes Aviation as the Approved Piper Service Center in France. Founded in 1973 by Françoise Horiot and transferred to new ownership in 2023, Troyes Aviation is a fully-owned subsidiary of JGH SAS and the sister Company of JG AVIATION, the Authorized Pilatus Service Centre for France. “Flying Smart is proud to add Troyes Aviation to our established network of approved service centers, covering France,” stated David Fabry, Dealer Principal at Flying Smart.

Aviation Education Efforts Capitalize on National Teacher Day

Oklahoman kids got to have a little fun for National Teacher Appreciation Day, in the sense that "fun" means "mandatory after-school education activities". The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics embarked on its first-ever partnership with the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Star Program, introducing an after-school activity for 6th and 7th grade students across the state. 

Pilot Started The Engines, He Noticed The Fuel Gauge Was Flickering And Thought It Was Malfunctioning

Analysis: The pilot was taking the airplane on a flight to another airport for maintenance. During the preflight inspection, the pilot turned on the electrical power and noticed that the fuel gauge was indicating 80 gallons of fuel. The pilot reported the airplane holds a maximum of 156 gallons of fuel and he calculated that he needed 113 gallons of fuel to legally complete the flight. He informed the fixed base operator (FBO) that he wanted the fuel tanks topped off, but was informed by the ramp technician that the fuel tanks were full and he did not need fuel.

Letters Inbound to Stakeholders As Part of Reauthorization Push Intensifies

The National Business Aviation Association has summoned the troops to come together and push their congressional reps to approve the FAA's reauthorization legislation. The FAA currently operates under an extension granted, which only allows it to function through May 10th, so the industry is cutting it close. The NBAA has a letter calling for the reauthorization's passage, and those supporting the measure are invited to sign on with their own names to give the letter a little extra 'oomph'. 

More than 2,000 Hours Logged with Prototype, GE Catalyst Engine

The Beechcraft Denali continues moving forward towards certification, having received its FAA Type Inspection Authorization early this year. Textron advertised that their single-engine turboprop competitor has logged more than 2,000 flight test hours across 830+ flights, on track for 2025. Beechcraft's take on the niche will offer buyers something the rest of the field lacks: the brand-new GE Aerospace Catalyst engine, a newfangled turboprop that sits outside the paradigm of Pratt & Whitney's PT6 series.

Duo Aims to Raise Money for Children's Relief Charity

Aerodyne, a new gyroplane manufacturer, will be commemorating its entry into the market with an attempt at setting some records as it runs a lap around the United Kingdom. Founder, executive chairman, and pilot Rangaraja Iyengar will make a full lap around the whole lot with his 8-year-old daughter assisting, aiming to complete a 3-day, 5,000-mile journey. If successful, the daddy-daughter duo will be able to snag records in a couple firsts, with a pair for each. Raja can earn a record as both the 1st UK circumnavigation by gyroplane and the fastest; with similar records given to his second-in-command as the youngest woman to do the same. 

No More Crop Dusters On Payroll Now That the Agras is On the Mission

DJI announced the new Agras T25 and T50 for sale, providing support for smaller and larger growers with application, fertilization, and similar sprays. DJI says that its agricultural drones have already treated more than 980 million acres in more than 100 countries and regions, not too small a record for a lineup that only showed up on scene in 2023. The T25 is the smaller, more affordable model, while the T50 gets to be the flagship of the Agras lineup. 

Governor Aims to Highlight Impact of General Flight on State Economy

Governor Spencer Cox of Utah announced that the month of may would be known as General Aviation Month in the state, highlighting the "rich history, significant contributions, and promising future of general aviation in our state and across the nation." Governor Cox highlighted the particular impact of general aviation today, which sends out more than 200,000 aircraft on 26 million flight hours a year.