Vero Beach, Florida – October 7, 2025: Piper Aircraft has announced the first domestic order for its newly introduced diesel-powered multi-engine trainer, the Piper Seminole DX. The order, placed by Skyborne Airline Academy, marks a significant step toward sustainable, high-performance flight training in the United States.
Introduced in July 2025, the Seminole DX is attracting attention from flight schools seeking a modern, fuel-efficient alternative to traditional avgas-powered trainers. Delivering a 35% reduction in fuel burn, a 32% improvement in single-engine climb rate, and a 70% higher single-engine absolute ceiling, the aircraft combines performance with environmental responsibility.
Equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi all-glass avionics suite, the Seminole DX offers a state-of-the-art platform for advanced flight instruction. Its robust design and improved efficiency make it an ideal training aircraft for the next generation of pilots.
Skyborne, based at Vero Beach Airport, will be the first U.S. flight school to incorporate the new type into its fleet. The move reflects the academy’s commitment to providing career-focused pilot training using advanced, reliable aircraft.
“Skyborne’s adoption of the Seminole DX reflects their forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence in flight training,” said Ron Gunnarson, Piper’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality. “We are proud to partner with an organisation that shares our vision for innovation and a more sustainable future in aviation.”
Skyborne joined the Piper Flight School Alliance in 2023 with an initial order for 11 Pilot 100i aircraft, later expanding to more than 30. Its continued investment in the Piper fleet underscores its growing influence in professional pilot development.
“The quality of our training is a reflection of the facilities, people, and aircraft fleet that make Skyborne,” said Lee Woodward, Skyborne CEO. “As we continue to grow in the U.S., these aircraft will play a critical role in maintaining the high standards our students expect.”
About the Seminole DX
The Piper Seminole DX is powered by DeltaHawk’s FAA-certified DHK4A180 180-horsepower compression-ignition engine, delivering exceptional reliability and simplified operations. Known for its stable handling and predictable characteristics, the DX builds on the established PA-44 platform with improved performance and efficiency — positioning it as one of the most advanced and sustainable multi-engine trainers available today.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: PIPER AIRCRAFT
