SkyCourier Ready for Unimproved Fields with Gravel Kit

Textron Aviation is offering its Cessna SkyCourier with a gravel kit to enable operations from unimproved runways. Deliveries of the turboprop twin with the installed option will begin later this month.

“Cessna aircraft have been moving people and critically needed goods in and out of remote areas for decades, and this new capability allows SkyCourier customers to operate in some of the world’s most demanding environments,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior v-p of sales and flight operations. “The addition of [the] gravel kit greatly enhances the already rugged reliability of the SkyCourier.” 

The high-wing SkyCourier received FAA certification in March 2022 and deliveries began two months later. The unpressurized aircraft can be configured for cargo, 19-passenger, and special-mission operations. It features a large fuselage door and a flat floor cabin, as well as hold up to three LD3 shipping containers. 

At its maximum takeoff weight of 19,000 pounds, the SkyCourier can carry 6,000 pounds of freight or 5,000 pounds of passengers and luggage. Power comes from a pair of 1,100-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and the aircraft is equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. Maximum range is 900 nm and maximum cruise speed is 210 knots.