Skyborne Airline Academy Inks Deal for 5 Piper Seminole DX Trainers

Just over three months after hitting the market, Piper Aircraft’s diesel-powered multi-engine trainer has logged its first domestic order. The deal will deliver five of the Seminole DX aircraft to Florida-based Skyborne Airline Academy, which has been a loyal Piper customer since its initial order for 11 Pilot 100i aircraft in 2023.

“Skyborne’s adoption of the Seminole DX reflects their forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence in flight training,” said Ron Gunnarson, Piper’s VP of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality. “We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our vision for innovation and more sustainable future in aviation.”

The Seminole DX was unveiled at this year’s EAA Oshkosh AirVenture. Designed to run on JET A and JET A-1 (with SAF approval in progress), the trainer’s twin DeltaHawk DHK4A180 engines offer about 40% better fuel efficiency than typical avgas piston engines. The system includes full-feathering three-blade props and counter-rotating engines, with a Piper-owned STC for factory integration.

According to Piper, the switch to Jet-A offers significant savings in fuel and maintenance costs while providing noticeable improvements in single-engine performance. The Seminole DX reportedly burns 35% less fuel than the standard model, climbs 32% faster on one engine, and offers a 70% higher single-engine ceiling.

The project has drawn widespread international attention since its debut, with Piper projecting demand for 25 to 40 aircraft annually over the next decade, but the domestic market has been quietly observing… until now. Skyborne’s purchase makes it the first US customer for the Seminole DX, adding to its current Piper fleet of more than 30 P100i trainers.

“The quality of our training is a reflection of the facilities, people and aircraft fleet that make Skyborne,” said flight school CEO Lee Woodward. “As we continue to grow in the US, these aircraft will play a critical role in ensuring we consistently meet the expected high standards of flight training by our students. Our partnership with a trusted and reliable aircraft manufacturer ensures our students feel confident and safe during flight.”

Piper expects to begin the Seminole DX’s flight test campaign in November 2025, earn FAA certification by Q3 2026, and start delivering to customers directly after.

FMI: www.piper.com, www.skyborne.com, www.deltahawk.com