 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
When will a diesel be available for my aircraft? |
|
News, facts, and comments on the coming revolution for piston-engine aircraft.News of November 19, 2008A silence making a resounding noise...What is happening on the aero diesel front after so many major news recently? Officially, nothing. Under the surface, we can hear the rumor of major strategic negotiations. Fuel prices, after jumping sky-high (up to $6.70/gallon for Avgas in the US, much higher elsewhere), have come down, but may stabilize at relatively high levels: Petroleum will never be cheap again. Thielert and Diamond are certainly engaged in talks with possible buyers and partners who would help refinance a long term effort bringing to the market a water-cooled, in-line 4-stroke diesel pursuing their previous efforts. The total silence after so much noise indicates that Discovery and Due Diligence are in progress, probably with several negotiations going on at same time. Cirrus, Cessna and probably Piper are certainly reshuffling their long term market forecasts which have been shattered by the world economic recession now gaining in magnitude. The FAA and other international agencies need to address at same time the future of Avgas, the future of the huge fleet of old piston engined planes on the US registrar, and the growing needs of developing countries for economical workhorses in the 250-350HP range addressing urgent but professional applications: rescue, humanitarian, fire service, security, mini cargo, etc. They need to discuss whether Mogas can be finally a suitable alternative to Avgas, that would have some room besides diesels burning Jetfuel. Lycoming and Continental, officially, send 'business as usual' messages and conservative assessments such as: 'The situation is under control... We are preparing the best solutions for fuels available now... There is no need for a revolution, etc. while silently assessing what major innovative engine they will suddenly offer, and with whom. Business jets manufacturers may be wondering what kind of new tax code the new US Administration will impose, which might completely turn upside down the economics of owning a jet. Flight academies around the world must be thinking about the economics of a new generation of trainers offering 2 seats, a 100-120HP diesel and a fuel flow of 3 to 4 gallons/hour. But none of them is certified yet... In that context, which one is the event we are waiting eagerly? It will be Maule Air finally getting its Maule SMA diesel FAA certified. It will be the first market introduction for a certified airplane offering a certified diesel as OEM since the Diamond DA42. It will not amount to much in terms of units per year, but it will mean that there is one diesel engine for which FAA reconfirms an approval after the Thielert/Diamond crisis. It will accelerate many other decisions. posted at 9:36 AM |
Previous Posts
A subscriber asks us to publish the story of his n...
|
