Vero Beach, FL., September 25, 2025 – Piper Aircraft is proud to announce the first domestic order of the newly-introduced diesel-powered multi-engine trainer: The Piper Seminole DX. Skyborne Airline Academy, a premier member of the Piper Flight School Alliance, has placed an order for five (5) Seminole DX aircraft, marking a significant milestone in advancing sustainable and performance-driven flight training.
Introduced in July 2025, the Seminole DX is gaining momentum among flight schools seeking a modern, more eco-friendly alternative to traditional avgas-powered aircraft. With unmatched performance and reliability, the aircraft boasts an estimated 35% reduction in fuel burn, a 32% increase in single-engine climb rate, and a 70% higher single-engine absolute ceiling. Equipped with state-of-the-art Garmin G1000 NXi all-glass avionics, the Seminole DX delivers cutting-edge technology tailored for advanced flight training.
Skyborne, located at Vero Beach Airport, will be the first domestic flight school to integrate the Seminole DX into its training fleet. This strategic investment underscores Skyborne’s commitment to delivering world-class, career-oriented pilot training using the most advanced aircraft available.
“Skyborne’s adoption of the Seminole DX reflects their forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence in flight training,” said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality at Piper. “We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our vision for innovation and more sustainable future in aviation.”
Skyborne joined the Piper Flight School Alliance in 2023 with an initial order of 11 Pilot 100i aircraft, which expanded to an order for over 30 aircraft shortly after. Their growing fleet positions them as a key partner in shaping the future of professional pilot development.
Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne, says: “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. Our partnership with a trusted and reliable aircraft manufacturer ensures our students feel confident and safe during flight.”
About the Seminole DX
The Seminole DX, introduced in July of this year, is a diesel-powered PA-44 Seminole featuring DeltaHawk’s FAA-certified, DHK4A180 180-horsepower, heavy fuel, compression ignition engine. The Seminole DX will offer performance enhancements* over the current PA-44 Seminole, including a 35% reduction in fuel burn, a 32% increase in single-engine climb rate, and a 70% higher single-engine absolute ceiling. Known for its dispatch reliability, ease of operation, and gentle handling, students and instructors alike will appreciate the predictable flight characteristics the Seminole has to offer, while building on this venerable reputation through diesel power.
*Performance numbers are based on preliminary data.
About Skyborne
Skyborne Airline Academy is a premier airline training academy based at Vero Beach, Florida, United States, and Gloucestershire and Bournemouth Airports in the United Kingdom. Established by industry experts, Skyborne brings a fresh approach to airline pilot training.
Founders Tom Misner (chairman) and Lee Woodward (CEO) have unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education and training. Their vision has created a training environment where the highest standard of teaching, safety and relevant airline-style training is maintained, and interactive learning is encouraged.
Using a combination of tried and tested methods and the latest technology to assess competence, suitability, aptitude and resilience, Skyborne recruits the very best candidates to minimize additional training, reduce failure rates and provide airlines with better pilots and cabin crew.
Skyborne is proud to hold close relationships with the world’s leading airlines, offering opportunities for trainees as part of Ryanair’s Future Flyer Academy, British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy, Jet2.com’s Jet2FlightPath, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway. Skyborne is also the only academy to support DHL Air (UK) with a fully funded Integrated ATPL training initiative for its employees.
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M700 FURY, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered light aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete, technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. To learn more about Piper Aircraft, visit the company’s website at www.piper.com.
About DeltaHawk Engines
Based in Racine, Wisconsin, DeltaHawk Engines is a privately held manufacturer of advanced-design FAA-certified jet-fueled piston engines for general aviation aircraft and hybrid power systems. DeltaHawk holds numerous patents for its clean-sheet engine designs, and its team of engineers, designers, manufacturing specialists, and certification experts is building an entirely new generation of revolutionary piston engines. For more information, please visit www.deltahawk.com.