Diesel Cessna Skyhawk JT-A Awarded FAA Certification

After more than five years of development, the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified the Cessna Turbo Skyhawk JT-A with next-generation Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, clearing the way for deliveries to customers in the United States and Europe.

Manufacturer Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kansas said the new model, equipped with the Continental CD-155 turbodiesel engine, has exceeded initial performance targets including improved maximum range. The Turbo Skyhawk JT-A is a factory option that includes an integrated powerplant, propeller and cockpit upgrade package.

Final performance figures include an improved range of 963 nautical miles, an increase of 78 nautical miles over original estimates and a 50 percent improvement over the gasoline-powered Skyhawk, a takeoff distance of 1,320 feet and a max climb rate of 767 feet per minute. Max speed is 134 knots.

“The Skyhawk platform represents the most successful single-engine aircraft of all time, and we’re excited to further enhance its capabilities with Jet-A powerplant technology,” said Doug May, vice president, Piston Aircraft for Textron Aviation.

The 155 horsepower turbodiesel Continental CD-155 includes direct fuel injection and a dual channel Fadec driven by a single power lever for around $450,000.