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rather than specific cycles or hours. The new engine will offer 1,100 shaft horse- power driving the McCauley four-bladed aluminum propeller and remote oil level sensing directly on the Garmin G3000 for easy inspection. For operators desir- ing more extensive systems monitoring, the Textron AReS diagnostic system is an option. Cabin Initially, the plane will be offered in either a dedicated freighter configuration (with no cabin windows, or a flexible design with windows and the capability to carry passengers), or cargo, or both. The advantage of the latter is the aircraft can be used to carry up to 19 passengers during the day then quickly transformed for cargo at night. For passengers, the Cessna SkyCourier offers expansive windows and USB power ports at each seat. Both configurations will have the same large cargo door in the rear, as well as forward crew doors on each side for easy access to the flight deck and cabin. In the cargo configuration, the Cessna SkyCourier will have a maximum cargo PHOTO BY AUTHOR payload of 6,000 pounds. If the operator configures the aircraft in the commuter configuration, the maximum payload decreases to 5,000 pounds due to the weight of the different interior. The SkyCourier will be equipped with the latest G1000 NXi integrated f light deck with 12-inch displays. Since FedEx is the launch customer, this configura- tion will provide continuity with similar avionics in the Cessna Caravan. As with the Caravan, the Cessna SkyCourier will offer FIKI as an option, which dramati- cally reduces costs for those operators where in-flight icing is not an issue. For the targeted operations, most f lights will be at lower altitudes, however, the unpressurized Cessna SkyCourier does have a maximum op- erating altitude of FL250. Since the air- craft is designed to be rugged, it offers a fixed-gear as well as single-point refuel- ing to speed the turnaround process for high utilization. First flight is expected in 2019, and the current list price for the freighter ver- sion is $5.5 million with the commuter version sitting at $6.5 million. As with the Caravan, I wouldn’t be surprised if the possibilities for the Cessna SkyCourier continue to expand as the plane develops and customers see the potential capabilities. After 11,000 hours of piloting more than 90 aircraft models, Rich Pickett still has a passion for flying. Rich holds an ATP, CFII SME, SES, glider licenses, and type ratings in the L29, L39, Citation 500/510s/525s, Eclipse 500S and DA10. His company, Personal Wings, provides training, mentoring and aircraft services. You can contact Rich at rich@ personalwings.com. Preferred Airparts, LLC Factory Direct Models 18 • TWIN & TURBINE / September 2019