Hinterland Aviation purchases two Cessna C408 Sky Couriers

[CIC]

Announced at Singapore Airshow, Hinterland Aviation has purchased two C408 Sky Couriers, registrations; VH-A48 and VH-X48 for year 2026 delivery.

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[Kagamuga]

AUSTRALIAN AIR CHARTER OPERATOR TORRES STRAIT AIR CONFIRM $25M DEAL TO ORDER 10 NEW BRITTEN-NORMAN ISLANDER AIRCRAFT - Britten-Norman (https://britten-norman.com/australian-air-charter-operator-torres-strait-air-confirm-25m-deal-to-order-10-new-britten-norman-islander-aircraft/)

Torres Strait Air to purchase 10 new Islanders in $25m deal

[megle2]

A very positive move for Aus GA, might finally put the C209 to bed

[Capt Fathom]

two C408 Sky Couriers, registrations; VH-A48 and VH-X4B for year 2026 delivery.

The VH-X4_ regos are assigned to the 'Qantaslink' A220s. X4A and X4B are currently conducting proving flights prior to service entry.

Edited.... I see the error. You meant VH-X48, not X4B

[puff]

stealing an old post about 'new' BN2s - with a flight review.
​​​​
Undaunted by aerodynamic reality, the design team at Pilatus/Britten-Norman has announced plans for the BN2-XL (Extra Loud), promising more noise, reduced payload, a lower cruise speed, and increased pilot workload.

We spoke to Mr. Fred Gribble, former British Rail boilermaker and now Chief Project Engineer. Fred was responsible for developing many original and creative design flaws in the service of his former employer, and assures he will be incorporating these in the new BN2-XL technology under a licensing agreement.

Fred reassured BN-2 pilots however that all fundamental design flaws of the original model had been retained. Further good news is that the XL version is available as a retrofit.

Among the new measures is that of locking the ailerons in the central position, following airborne and simulator tests which showed that whilst pilots of average strength were able to achieve up to 30° of control wheel deflection, this produced no appreciable variation in the net flight path of the aircraft.

Thus the removal of costly and unnecessary linkages has been possible, and the rudder has been nominated as the primary directional control. In keeping with this new philosophy, but to retain commonality for crews transitioning to the XL, additional resistance to foot pressure has been built into the rudder pedals to prevent over controlling in gusty conditions (defined as those in which wind velocity exceeds 3 knots).

An outstanding feature of Islander technology has always been the adaptation of the 0-540 engine, which mounted in any other aircraft in the free world (except the Trislander) is known for its low vibration levels, so as to cause it to shake and batter the airframe, gradually crystallise the main spar, desynchronise the accompanying engine, and simulate the sound of fifty skeletons fornicating in an aluminium dustbin.

Britten-Norman will not disclose the technology they applied in enhancing this effect in the XL, but Mr. Gribble assures us it will be perpetuated in later models and sees it as a strong selling point; "After all, the Concorde makes a lot of noise," he said, "and look how fast it goes."

However, design documents clandestinely recovered from the Britten-Norman shredder have solved a question that has puzzled aerodynamicists and pilots for many years, disclosing that it is actually noise which causes the BN-2 to fly. The vibration set up by the engines and amplified by the airframe, in turn causes the air molecules above the wing to oscillate at atomic frequency, reducing their density and causing lift. This can be demonstrated by sudden closure of the throttles, which causes the aircraft to fall from the sky. As a result, lift is proportional to noise rather than speed, explaining amongst other things the aircraft's remarkable takeoff performance. In the driver's cab (as Gribble describes it), ergonomic measures will ensure that long-term PBN pilots' deafness does not cause inflight dozing. Orthopaedic surgeons have designed a cockpit layout and seat to maximise backache, enroute insomnia, chronic irritability, and terminal (post-flight) lethargy. Redesigned 'bullworker' elastic aileron cables, now disconnected from the control surfaces, increase pilot workload and fitness.

Special noise retention cabin lining is an innovation on the XL, and it is hoped in later models to develop cabin noise to a level which will enable pilots to relate ear pain directly to engine power, eliminating the need for engine instruments altogether.

We were offered an opportunity to fly the XL at Britten-Normans' developmental facility, adjacent to the Britrail tea rooms at Little Chortling. (The flight was originally to have been conducted at the Pilatus plant, but aircraft of Britten-Norman design are now prohibited from operating in Swiss airspace during the avalanche season).
For our mission profile, the XL was loaded with fossil fuel for a standard 100 nm with Britrail reserves, carrying one pilot and nine passengers to maximise discomfort.

Passenger loading is unchanged, the normal under-wing protrusions inflicting serious lacerations on 71% of boarding passengers, and there was the usual entertaining confusion in selecting a door appropriate to the allocated seat.

The facility for the clothing of embarking passengers to remove oil slicks from engine cowls during loading has also been thoughtfully retained.
Startup is standard, and taxying, as in the BN-2, is accomplished by brute force. Takeoff calculations called for a 250 decibel power setting, and the rotation force for the (neutral) C of G was calculated as 180ft/lbs of back pressure.

Initial warning of an engine failure during takeoff is provided by a reduction in flight instrument panel vibration. Complete seizure of one engine is indicated by the momentary illusion that the engines have suddenly and inexplicably become synchronised. Otherwise, identification of the failed engine is achieved by comparing the vibration levels of the windows on either side of the cabin. (Relative passenger pallor has been found to be an unreliable guide on many BN-2 routes because of ethnic considerations).

Shortly after takeoff the XL's chief test pilot, Capt. "Muscles" Mulligan, demonstrated the extent to which modem aeronautical design has left the BN-2 untouched; he simulated pilot incapacitation by slumping forward onto the control column, simultaneously applying full right rudder and bleeding from the ears. The XL, like its predecessor, demonstrated total control rigidity and continued undisturbed.

Power was then reduced to 249 decibels for cruise, and we carried out some comparisons of actual flight performance with graph predictions.
At 5000' and ISA, we achieved a vibration amplitude of 500 CPS and 240 decibels, for a fuel flow of 210 lb/hr, making the BN-2 XL the most efficient converter of fuel to noise since the Titan rocket.

Exploring the constant noise-variable speed and constant speed-variable noise concepts, we found that in a VNE dive, vibration reached its design maximum at 1000 CPS, at which point the limiting factor is the emulsification of human tissue. The catatonic condition of long term BN-2 pilots is attributed to this syndrome, which commences in the cerebral cortex and spreads outwards.

We asked Capt. Mulligan what he considered the outstanding features of the XL. He cupped his hand behind his car and shouted. "Whazzat?"
We returned to Britten-Norman field convinced that the XL model retains the marque's most memorable features, while showing some significant and worthwhile regressions.

Pilatus/Britten-Norman are however not resting on their laurels. Plans are already advanced for the three-engined Trislander XL, and noise tunnel testing has commenced. The basis of preliminary design and performance specifications is that lift increases as the square of noise, and as the principle of acoustic lift is further developed, a later five-engined vertical takeoff model is another possibility.

[Asturias56]

It works well in lots of places..................... not everyone needs or wants to spend a fortune on something smart

[treadigraph]

stealing an old post about 'new' BN2s - with a flight review.
​​​​
Undaunted by aerodynamic reality, the design team at Pilatus/Britten-Norman has announced plans for the BN2-XL (Extra Loud), promising more noise, reduced payload, a lower cruise speed, and increased pilot workload...
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I've always thought that must have been from the pen of Mike Ramsden AKA Roger Bacon...

[Rabbit 1]

Indeed, it was. Flight International magazine, Straight & Level. The last few pages before the adverts. It's been done to death on PPRuNe many times. Pops up every time a Britten Norman aircraft gets mentioned.

If it was Paul Phelan then the article did appear on Flight International ages ago. PPRuNe has 23 pages of it being recorded in the search function.

[Clare Prop]

stealing an old post about 'new' BN2s - with a flight review.
​​​​
Undaunted by aerodynamic reality, the design team at Pilatus/Britten-Norman has announced plans for the BN2-XL (Extra Loud), promising more noise, reduced payload, a lower cruise speed, and increased pilot workload.

.

Credit to the late Paul Phelan for the famous Islander XL article.

[Clare Prop]

Living in the Channel Islands the dulcet tones of the Aurigny Trislanders were part of the soundtrack of my youth!

I flew meat bombs out of Islanders and Paul Pehlan's article is very accurate!

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/474x286/joey_2c37b396478bb8d5c290e7e9737e0e308a38fa10.jpg

[NZFlyingKiwi]

A couple of those ex Aurigny Trislanders ended up with Great Barrier Air in NZ. I met someone that had a prop come off in flight and make its way into the cabin, fortunately the adjacent seat was unoccupied. Good lord they were loud but I've always had a soft spot for designs that manage to achieve (some) commercial success despite being seemingly too weird to have ever made it past the drawing board.

[markis10]

AUSTRALIAN AIR CHARTER OPERATOR TORRES STRAIT AIR CONFIRM $25M DEAL TO ORDER 10 NEW BRITTEN-NORMAN ISLANDER AIRCRAFT - Britten-Norman (https://britten-norman.com/australian-air-charter-operator-torres-strait-air-confirm-25m-deal-to-order-10-new-britten-norman-islander-aircraft/)

Torres Strait Air to purchase 10 new Islanders in $25m deal

Wonder if they get then with the news BN are appointing an administrator and looking for a significant capital injection

[First_Principal]

A couple of those ex Aurigny Trislanders ended up with Great Barrier Air in NZ. I met someone that had a prop come off in flight and make its way into the cabin, fortunately the adjacent seat was unoccupied...

FYI the report for this incident is here (https://www.taic.org.nz/sites/default/files/inquiry/documents/09-004.pdf), not really the aircraft's design at fault: corrosion -> cracking -> failure! Also some dubious records noted.

FP.

[Traffic_Is_Er_Was]

Based at Horn Island- Australia’s 10th largest International Airport
Ain't that a sad indictment of the state of Australian aviation.

[nomorecatering]

I wonder why they overlooked the Tecnam P2012.

Is the Islander much more suitable for the substandard strips?

[CIC]

Not looking at Tecnam P2012

Reason (1) geared turbo charged Continental engines do not like short sector stop and starts

Reason (2) Jet A1 burning PT6 engine are significantly more reliable

Reason (3) underwriters smile and sleep better with PT6 engines

Reason (4) If we are forced by the greenies to adopt unleaded avgas; I'm not sure the Continentals would digest the fuel all that well

Reason (5) I'll think of something! ...

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[Switchbait]

Internet forums are funny places…

A post is made about a successful Australian company introducing a new type to Australia, and 90% of the following posts are about clapped out Pommy built Islanders/Trilanders and a different companies all together 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

Good luck to Hinterland with the new type 👍🏽

[Ndegi]

Not looking at Tecnam P2012

Reason (1) geared turbo charged Continental engines do not like short sector stop and starts

Reason (2) Jet A1 burning PT6 engine are significantly more reliable

Reason (3) underwriters smile and sleep better with PT6 engines

Reason (4) If we are forced by the greenies to adopt unleaded avgas; I'm not sure the Continentals would digest the fuel all that well

Reason (5) I'll think of something! ...

.
Reason (6) As per their Press Release last year, Torres Strait Air have placed confirmed deposits on two P2012 (Lycoming) Travellers. I heard that these are ex Factory mid 24.

[Requestcode]

Internet forums are funny places…

A post is made about a successful Australian company introducing a new type to Australia, and 90% of the following posts are about clapped out Pommy built Islanders/Trilanders and a different companies all together 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

Good luck to Hinterland with the new type 👍🏽

I wonder where they will be operating them. Looks a lot more comfortable to pax in compared to a van Or an islander for that fact 😂

[Stationair8]

Better than buying two 45 year old Chieftain’s, with 25,000 hours, on their fifth paint job and a mixture of avionics from 1979.

[Ixixly]

Looks like Cessna have produced something pretty amazing to compete with the Twotter, well done to them and on the FedEx contract. Big congrats to Hinterland too, it's great to see companies doing something fresh like this instead of the usual tired 40 year old Aircraft that get recycled around.