Skyborne Airline Academy has become the first US-based flight school to order the diesel-powered Piper Seminole DX, placing an order for five of the multi-engine trainers.

Introduced in July 2025, the PA-44 Seminole DX features DeltaHawk’s FAA-certified DHK4A180 180-horsepower compression-ignition engine, offering a 35% reduction in fuel burn, a 32 per cent increase in single-engine climb rate and a 70 per cent higher single-engine absolute ceiling. It is also fitted with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, designed to enhance advanced flight training.

Skyborne operates from Vero Beach airport in Florida, the same location as Piper’s headquarters. Its decision to integrate the Seminole DX highlights its investment in sustainable and performance-driven flight training.

“Skyborne’s adoption of the Seminole DX reflects its forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence in flight training,” says Ron Gunnarson, vice president of sales, marketing, customer support and quality at Piper.

Lee Woodward, CEO of Skyborne, adds: “The quality of our training is a reflection of the facilities, people and aircraft fleet that make Skyborne. 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.”

In the broader industry context, Piper and DeltaHawk recently formalised a 20-year long-term supply agreement that designates DeltaHawk as the exclusive heavy-fuel piston engine supplier for the Seminole. Certification flight testing is slated to begin in November 2025, with FAA certification expected in Q3 2026, followed by approvals from Transport Canada, EASA and India’s DGCA.