Piper Aircraft reports that all PA-46 based, single-engine turbine-powered aircraft, including the M600/SLS, M500, and Meridian, can now use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
SAF is not only FAA approved via Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin NE-11-56R4, but is available for use in every country where turbine M-Class aircraft operate, Piper officials added.
All jet fuel that meets the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D7566 Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons can be used in Piper turbine-powered aircraft. Typically, this fuel is made from fatty acids or other synthetic components, and is acceptable for use in aircraft and engines certified for use with D1655 fuel, more commonly known as traditional Jet A and Jet A-1 fuel, company officials explained.
The use of SAF in Piper turboprops follows another recent commitment by the company to promote sustainability in general aviation, initially revealed at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022, Piper officials noted.
Piper Aircraft and CAE are collaborating on an electrically powered conversion kit via a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for in-service Archer TX aircraft. Upon certification, CAE plans to convert two-thirds of its existing Piper Archer TX training fleet, and will be the first to develop a curriculum for new pilots to conduct training in an electric airplane.