TBM 900-series aircraft are the best selling single-engine turboprops in the 33-year history of the TBM 700 program. Total deliveries now exceed all the previous TBM 700- and TBM 800-series aircraft produced from 1990 to 2014. Daher has a 100-plus aircraft backlog for TBM 960, representing more than two years of production.

Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president  of Daher’s aircraft division, says that the firm constantly looks for product improvements, seeks to enhance operational efficiency, and listens to customers’ concerns. “We are constantly listening to our customers feedback,” said Chabbert in a press briefing at the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Conference and Expo, “and thanks to our major suppliers and any of the vendors that are following this program, we are in constant evolution, and we are able to make step changes on the aircraft—some are minor, some are major,” like the Pratt & Whitney PT6E-66XT on the TBM 960.

To this end, TBM 900-series aircraft incorporate several aero upgrades, including a ram recovery engine air inlet that boosts power output in climb and cruise, stability enhancements, winglets to cut induced drag, and a Hartzell five-blade scimitar prop that improves takeoff performance and reduces noise.

The TBM 960 is powered by a 850 shp, EPECS (FADEC)-equipped PT6E-66XT that provides carefree handling by means of a single power lever that controls both prop and engine. Chabbert quipped in the briefing that no longer can jet operators boast that turbofan aircraft are easier to fly than turboprops. “A lot of our customers—as you can see, 92 of them—are super happy to have this edition, which basically makes them equal to all of their friends who are flying jets,” said Chabbert. “So now, turboprops first!” The 960’s touchscreen GTC-controlled Garmin G3000 avionics system features an autothrottle, upset recovery function, emergency descent mode, and HomeSafe emergency safe return auto landing system.

TBM Speed, Efficiency—and SAF

Top speed is 330 ktas, endowing the TBM 960 with light jet-like block times on everyday 300 nm missions, but with 40- to 50-percent fuel savings. Daher is striving to provide sustainable aviation solutions, including starting flight tests of its Ecopulse TBM hybrid-electric aircraft, developed jointly with Airbus and Safran, in 2024. Chabbert also is a strong proponent of switching from fossil-based jet fuel to sustainable aviation fuel as the most promising short-term means of achieving zero net aircraft emissions by 2050. 

“We need people to invest and to trust the future and to make that aviation fuel available on a large scale,” said Chabbert. “We just cannot go neutral on a very small portion; we need major investment from petroleum companies first but we also have to have all of the users adopt SAF—this is the key to success.”

The post TBM 900 Series Marks 500 Deliveries for Daher appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1954 de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Mk I

The de Havilland Beaver is a truly iconic aircraft, known for a blend of power, load-carrying capability, short-field performance, and ruggedness that has made it the go-to vehicle for generations of bush pilots, especially those who regularly delivered supplies across Canada, Alaska, the arctic, deserts, and other remote areas.

The design got its start during the 1940s and quickly became a singular success. There are many other bush airplanes but none quite like the Beaver, which has become a staple of popular culture, appearing in numerous movies, television shows, and advertising campaigns.

This Beaver has 20,205 hours on the airframe, 400 hours on its Pratt & Whitney R-985 AN14B engine, and 270 on the Hartzell three-blade propeller. It is rare to see a Beaver without floats, and this one comes with Wipline 6000 amphibious floats with a gear advisory system to keep pilots from landing on water with the wheels down or on land with them up. 

The airplane for sale here looks sharp in its original paint and received a new interior last year. The panel features a Bendix/King KX155 nav/com, Apollo GX55 GPS, Bendix KY 96A com, and Garmin 345 audio panel. 

If you are ready to commit yourself to bush flying and adventurous travel plans involving destinations where water is the only runway, it might be time for this Beaver, which is available for $549,000 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Financial Group. For more information, email info@flyingfinancial.com.

• FLYING Magazine: Building the Dream Beaver For Generations
• FLYING Magazine: Canada’s Rugged, All-Metal National Airplane
• Plane & Pilot: De Havilland Canada DHC-2 “Beaver”
• Plane & Pilot: Harrison Ford: A Pilot Who Gives Back To Aviation
• The Aviation Consumer: Turboprop Conversions: Pricey, Capable

The post Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1954 de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Mk I appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

A two-year-long, 1,500-hour test program culminated in the approvals granted first by EASA, shortly followed by the FAA. The TC clears the flight path forward for deliveries in the coming months, with the first production units entering final completion at Dassault’s facilities in Bordeaux.

“The certification of the Falcon 6X is a remarkable milestone for Dassault Aviation,” said Éric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, in a statement. “We would like to recognize the EASA and FAA certification teams for their commitment in this demanding process and our customers for their confidence. The Falcon 6X is the first brand new business jet to comply with the latest regulations, which will enhance the safety and security of all new aircraft.

“The 5,500 nm/10,200 km Falcon 6X combines the best qualities of Dassault Aviation’s world-leading business and fighter aircraft expertise to create the longest-range jet in its class with unparalleled passenger comfort and maximum mission flexibility.”

FLYING senior business editor Fred George flew the 6X in an exclusive look last year:

A full We Fly report ran in the May 2023/Issue 937 print edition of FLYING, highlighting the twin Pratt & Whitney PW812D powerplants—at 13,500-pound thrust per side—and advanced digital flight control system with heritage from the company’s Rafale fighters, as well as the spacious cabin poised to envelop passengers in luxury within the long-range segment.

The post Dassault Wins EASA and FAA Certification on the Falcon 6X appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2006 Piper PA-46-500TP Malibu Meridian.

If it seems like pilots are always looking for more speed, that is because it is true much of the time. After training hour after hour at 90 to 100 ktas in a Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, or other trainer, we move as quickly as possible to high-performance airplanes that pick up the pace significantly while also upgrading comfort and equipment. But what comes next?

When your four-seat piston retract starts to feel sluggish—and it will—you might want to consider a turboprop single like this Piper PA-46-500TP Malibu Meridian. Fast, roomy, and pressurized, this six-seater is like an airborne, three-row, luxury SUV that will haul your family and luggage in its beautifully appointed cabin while never subjecting you to highway traffic.

This Meridian is ready to go with a fresh annual in July and 1,751 hours on its Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine and a reversible Hartzell four-blade propeller. Inside is a modern IFR panel with an Avidyne FlightMax Entegra display system with primary flight displays for pilot and copilot and a center-mounted EX-5000 multifunction display.

A long list of additional equipment includes dual Garmin GTN650 GPS/nav/coms, Garmin GMA-340 audio panel, RDR-2000 weather radar, WX-500 Stormscope, XM Weather, BendixKing KMH820 multihazard awareness unit, TCAS active traffic system, and an S-Tec Magic 1500 3-Axis flight control system, including flight director, VOR/LOC/GS coupling, and yaw damper.

If you are ready to start burning jet-A, climbing briskly into the flight levels, and ditching the oxygen cannulas, take a look at this sleek turbine available for $1,280,000 on Aircraft For Sale. You can arrange financing of the airplane through FLYING Financial Group. For more information, email info@flyingfinancial.com. 

• FLYING Magazine: Piper Malibu: A New Airplane for a New Day
• FLYING Magazine: We Fly: Piper M600/SLS Halo
• FLYING Magazine: Piper M Class Is Ready for SAF, Garmin’s PlaneSync
• The Aviation Consumer: Piper Meridian
• Plane & Pilot: Piper Meridian: Everyman’s Turbine

The post Today’s Top AircraftForSale.com Pick: 2006 Piper PA-46-500TP Malibu Meridian appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The Atlanta-based airline invited FLYING on a ferry flight Wednesday of its first A321neo—a single-aisle twin engine airliner that boasts fuel savings of 20 percent per seat and an extended range of about 500 nm, over conventional A321 models. As Delta adds this new model to its fleet, fuel efficiency has become even more critical in light of spiking jet-A prices, which can take a big bite out of any carrier’s bottom line.  

• READ MORE: How Aviation Handled the Fuel Crisis of the ‘70s

At Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (KATL), we board Ship 5001—tail number N501DA—mindful of the airline’s goals surrounding sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. In fact, Delta likes the A321neo so much that it has placed firm orders to purchase 155 of the jets through 2027, including 26 to be delivered this year alone. 

NBD, just tagging along on a ferry flight aboard @Delta Air Lines’ first @Airbus A321neo #avgeek @FlyingMagazine #aviation #airlines pic.twitter.com/jRrK7pSfdv

— Thom Patterson (@thompatterson) May 18, 2022

Joining us on this special non-revenue flight are a handful of people, including journalists and Delta executives escorting Ship 5001 to begin revenue passenger service Friday between Boston Logan airport (KBOS) and San Francisco International (KSFO).

After a smooth takeoff and pleasant cruise segment, Delta’s senior vice president fleet and tech ops supply chain Mahendra Nair sat down with FLYING among the jet’s mostly empty 132 main cabin seats, to explain what makes the A321neo so right for Delta. 

Nice takeoff roll from KATL RWY 26L powered by two brand spankin’ new Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM geared turbofans. @FlyingMagazine #avgeek pic.twitter.com/QZ4EtQWARK

— Thom Patterson (@thompatterson) May 18, 2022

From a pilot training perspective, the airplane offers scalability, says Nair, whose roots extend back to his time with commercial engines and services at GE Aviation. The A321neo allows for large-scale training synergies among pilots already familiar with the other A320 family members in Delta’s fleet, including the A319, A320, and A321. 

With a range of 4,000 nm, Delta will fly the A321neo on domestic transcontinental routes. “This is exactly where we want it to be, where our hub structures are growing,” Nair says. As the A321neos begin taking more transcon routes, Nair says the fleet’s existing Boeing 757s will be moving off those routes, shifting to flights with shorter distances. On similar legs, Boeing’s 757 burns about 3,000 more pounds of fuel than the A321neo, according to pilots.

In addition to the fuel-saving and sustainability aspects of the new airplane, Nair says it will contribute to the simplification of Delta’s fleet. “So we’ll have 600 aircraft in our narrowbody fleets that are just three categories: the A220s, the Boeing 737s, and the A320s—simplifying the categories for us.”

Secret Sauce

The secret sauce of the A321neo, is the “neo.” The acronym stands for “new engine option,” referring to the jet’s two Pratt & Whitney GTF geared turbofans. These powerplants specialize in high fuel efficiency and low noise signatures. Up on the flight deck, Delta pilot Capt. Steve Warrior says pilots would be surprised how quiet the engines are. So quiet, he says, that “you can hear a lot more wind noise. It has a very unique pitch for the throttle setting.”

Each GTF engine contains a sophisticated gearbox that allows the fan and turbine to run at different speeds. Because of this, the engine is shorter and lighter than conventional turbofans while the fan is larger and slower, creating more thrust with less fuel. The slower moving air through the powerplant also makes the engine much quieter. 

This aircraft is the first of 155 A321neos (“neo” aka “new engine option”) that Delta plans to add to its fleet through 2027. #avgeek @FlyingMagazine pic.twitter.com/iFC1FRkiuA

— Thom Patterson (@thompatterson) May 18, 2022

The engines are also certified to burn a 50 percent blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and could eventually be certified to burn 100 percent. SAF burns cleaner than conventional fuel and is made from sustainable feedstocks like used cooking oil. These kinds of engines fit Delta’s plan to replace 10 percent of its fossil-based jet fuel with SAF by the end of 2030.

• READ MORE: Airbus Tests A380 with 100 Percent SAF

Pilot’s Perspective

Warrior, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, has flown a few airliners in his 24 years with Delta, including the Boeing 727, 737, 757, and 767. He’s also a veteran of Delta’s now-retired fleet of McDonnell-Douglas MD-88s, and Airbus’ A320 family. 

When asked about our fuel consumption during this flight, Warrior said roughly 22,290 pounds of fuel were loaded onto the jet before pushing in Atlanta. Factoring in a ground delay during taxiing, the A321neo burned about 13,000 pounds during the flight to Boston. It’s worth noting that by carrying so few passengers and luggage, much less fuel is required for ferry flights compared with typical revenue flights. 

How did Ship 5001’s fuel consumption compare with Delta’s conventional A321s? “We were looking at it earlier, and it’s burning about 1,400 pounds per hour less,” he says. Delta says it now has 127 conventional models, what Airbus calls the A321ceo (current engine option), in its fleet. 

Ferry flight mission: accomplished. Delta Air Lines pilots have repositioned Ship 5001 (N501DA) at KBOS to begin regular revenue passenger service between KBOS and KSFO this Friday, May 20 #AvGeek @FlyingMagazine pic.twitter.com/VAXjrlbhBY

— Thom Patterson (@thompatterson) May 18, 2022

Also from a pilot’s perspective, Warrior said the new airplane’s longer range could result in longer hours working on the flight deck. Instead of four- or five-hour narrowbody routes, “now we can easily fly seven hours, which will easily give us the ability to go from Seattle or Los Angeles or San Francisco to Hawaii and still have the necessary divert fuel,” Warrior says. “It basically gives us an opportunity to touch a lot more markets with this airframe at 194 seats than we’ve had—and with a 20 percent fuel reduction. For us, that’s huge.”

Fancy New Domestic First Class

Delta, which has been flying conventional A321s since 2016, chose to unveil the A321neo along with new domestic first-class seating that includes elements of the airline’s international first-class experience. New oversized seat-backs provide more room for a larger, high-definition screen where passengers can enjoy Delta’s next-gen wireless inflight entertainment system, created in-house by Delta’s new startup, Delta Flight Products.

Seating capacity on Airbus 321neo in Delta configuration: 194 seats including 20 FC, 42 Delta Comfort+, 132 main cabin. #Avgeek @FlyingMagazine pic.twitter.com/eC6f6PXCPF

— Thom Patterson (@thompatterson) May 18, 2022

“You’ll see this airplane in any airport with long domestic hauls,” says Delta vice president, brand experience, Mauricio Parise. “Boston, New York, Atlanta, L.A., San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Detroit.” 

Seats by RECARO and the design firm Factorydesign come with winged headrests for more privacy, 25 percent larger tray tables, and three times more storage space for personal items. “We worked very close with the operations team to understand what we call TTL—approved for taxi, takeoff, and landing,” Parise says. “There are spaces for little things, like a water bottle, making sure the right thing is in the right space so you don’t need to move as you take off, for safety reasons.”

Do Lower Fuel Costs Mean Lower Fares?

But where will that savings go? Will Delta pass it on to the consumer? Sort of, says Nair. “The price of airline tickets has probably grown the least over the past 25 to 35 years because airplanes have gotten more efficient with more range and more gauge over time,” Nair says. “So, is it one-for-one? Does it get passed on to the customer? It’s difficult to make that translation, but over time, it does make its way to the customer.”

Cleaner Burning, More Efficient Fleets

But airliners like the A321neo are just the beginning of what’s possible. The International Air Transport Association has outlined a roadmap showing how technological advances in design and propulsion might ideally help the entire industry cut carbon emissions in half by 2050, compared to levels in 2005. IATA’s outline includes advanced turbofan engine designs, but it also proposes the development of small short-haul airliners with fully electric propulsion systems that would enter service by 2035. 

Overall, Delta’s big bet on A321neos and their environmentally friendly and economical innovations aligns well with IATA goals to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across civil aviation by 2050.

The post Flying on Delta’s New Fuel-Saving Airbus A321neo appeared first on FLYING Magazine.