Flying the SMA Diesel Skylane

SMA first flew it's aerodiesel engine in 1998 and since then has been trying to develop a market for conversions. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli recently visited Paramus Flying Club in New Jersey to fly the clumb's SMA-coverted Cessna 182. The airplane is a strong performer and the club's economics make it look promising.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• AVWeb
• SMA diesel
• aerodiesel
• diesel engine
• Cessna 182
• Skylane
• Paramus Flying Club
• Paul Bertorelli
• Tomoharu Nishino
• Jet-A engines

[hobbes1157]

Respectfully I disagree. Bertorelli an aviation journalist reporting on the industry. IMO his job is not to entertain, recruit, or wave the flag for aviation.

[yeagerra]

The real story here is that diesel engines are the future of piston powered GA aircraft. The fuel is cheaper and available everywhere in the world. Cessna, Piper, Mooney, Cirrus need to start offering diesel options. I am surprised that TCM and Lyc haven't been more innovative in diesel.

[kwrt165]

It's not a big deal in America where fuel is so cheap, but the SMA conversion really shines in Africa where Jet-A fuel is about $1.00 per gallon and avgas (if you can find it) is close to $6 per gallon.

[chefparker74]

This kit allows these aircraft to opperate in places like Africa and parts of Asia where JetA is available but avgas is hard to find. This is a great step for aviation.

[kmfdm665attak]

oooo i work on that plane

[aaronzack14]

lets hope you dont have a "run away"

[Tjita1]

-20°C up to 7500 feet? Us scandinavians might as well forget about it right away...

[fmanh]

@dtoften If i heard right the 12 degree limit was only set if you didnt cover the ventilation holes in the cowling. A diesel engine runs considerably much colder and generates far less excess heat in its operation. In effect the problem is to insulate the machine rather than get rid of excess heat...

[navajopa31]

What is the TBO on this engine? The Continental 0-470 had a TBO of 1500 hours. At the rate this aircraft is flying per year in seven years it would have exceeded the TBO time on the original engine. I really do not see a payback on the difference, especially if the TBO is less. Thanks, I use to own a Skylane.

[mikeb172sp]

Looks like he was a bit high in the flair.. Bet that hurt. Always harder when you have someone like Paul in the airplane! No pressure. :-)