All over Oshkosh

July 26

Diamond DA50 earns FAA icing approval

The TKS deicing system on the Diamond DA50 RG has earned FAA approval for flight into known icing conditions, Diamond Aircraft announced at EAA AirVenture. The 300-horsepower diesel-cycle airplane was certified in Europe in 2020 and by the FAA in 2023; FIKI approval in the United States will allow Diamond to enable the deicing system on U.S. aircraft.

July 25

P-Mentor certified in Canada

Tecnam’s P-Mentor has earned its type certificate from Transport Canada, the Italian general aviation aircraft manufacturer announced at EAA AirVenture. The Rotax-powered two-seat trainer earned European certification in 2022, followed by FAA certification in May 2024. Kansas flight school Kilo Charlie Aviation took delivery of three P-Mentors in June and has logged 600 flight hours in the trainers with an average fuel burn of 3.4 gph, according to Robert Renfro, Kilo Charlie Aviation co-founder and chief revenue officer.

July 24

Bede Aviation, SureWings announce BD-4C-S

Bede Aviation announced, in partnership with SureWings, the BD-4C-S SureWings Edition Complete Aircraft Kit. According to the parent company of both Bede and SureWings, Gratia Aero, the total cost is estimated to be $247,000. Bede hopes to open a new owner build assist facility on the East Coast, likely in Florida, in addition to its current San Pedro, California, location.

Four-blade propeller retrofit approved for Cessna 208 models

According to Hartzell Propeller Inc., float manufacturer Wipaire has received supplemental type certificate approval from the FAA to install Hartzell Yukon four-blade propellers in Cessna Caravans. These propellers improve low-speed thrust, takeoff, and climb performance. The STC applies to Cessna 208 and 208B Caravan models (on floats or wheels) with Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A and PT6A-140 engines (serial numbers 208B5000 and higher).