With 13 airplanes on the production line, Cessna’s jet-A-burning Turbo Skylane JT-A is on schedule for certification and first deliveries before the end of June. “We are on track,” said Jeff Umscheid, business leader for the project. “We have been taking orders since [EAA AirVenture 2012 last summer].”
The JT-A’s SMA diesel engine is exhibiting a 40 percent increase in fuel efficiency, compared with gasoline engines, said Umscheid, and its electronic engine controls (with mechanical backup) and single power lever simplify the pilot’s engine management chores. “The reduction in pilot workload is substantial,” he said.
