Cessna will not deliver any C172-TDI in 2008
According to AOPA’s website, Cessna will not deliver any C172 with Thielert engine in 2008, because of Thielert bankruptcy. There is no information yet on Cessna’s website, but I do believe that AOPA is well informed.
More than 100 such aircraft had been ordered, but none had been delivered yet, and the type certificate was still pending. Cessna said that it is not the end of its diesel program, but no way out has been mentioned.
There are many rumors and plausible options, but I don’t want to relay unconfirmed information nor speculate too much. This announcement is one more step in the Thielert troubled times. However, Cessna did not said they will never use the german engines.
What is unclear now is the fate of the 172s that have been retrofitted. The one I used to fly had been adapted to the Thielert engine by Piper in Kassel. I don’t know who submitted the STC, nor who is in charge of further maintenance.
The following weeks will be important for Thielert, and I will continue to post here about what other aircraft manufacturer will decide and announce. Given the number of Thielert engines out there, I hope a good, long term solution will allow for seamless operations in the future…
2 Comments, Comment or Ping
Jess Sightler
I do think they Thielert will manage to right itself, though it may take a buyout to make that happen. It is unfortunate that this happened at such a point, with them just starting to make inroads in the US through the Cessna deal, though.
AFAIK, Continental is planning a diesel, and if Cessna really wants diesel in the 172, I’m sure they could come up with an option. Their parent company owns Lycoming after all.
May 3rd, 2008
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