The story
Textron Aviation launched the SkyCourier in November 2017 with FedEx Express as launch customer, ordering 50 freighters with options for 50 more. It first flew in May 2020 and the first one went to FedEx in May 2022. The design is all business: a strut-braced high wing, fixed gear, two PT6A turboprops and a square cabin that takes three LD3 cargo containers, or 19 passengers in the commuter version.
Most SkyCouriers you will see are FedEx Feeder freighters flown under contract by regional operators like Mountain Air Cargo and Empire Airlines. Mountain Air Cargo flew the type's first revenue flight in January 2023.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Cessna 408 SkyCourier?
A boxy high-wing twin turboprop with wing struts and fixed landing gear. Freighters have no cabin windows and usually wear FedEx Feeder purple and orange; the passenger version has a row of round windows.
What does a Cessna 408 SkyCourier sound like?
Two PT6 turboprops with a busy, buzzing drone, usually early morning or late evening on feeder runs.
How fast is the Cessna 408 SkyCourier?
Top speed is 210 kts (max cruise).
How many people does the Cessna 408 SkyCourier carry?
Typical configuration: Freighter, or 19 passengers.
How big is the Cessna 408 SkyCourier?
It is 55 ft 1 in long and 72 ft 3 in across the wings.
When did the Cessna 408 SkyCourier first fly?
Its first flight was in 2020.
How many Cessna 408 SkyCouriers have been built?
60+ built.
How rare is a Cessna 408 SkyCourier in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Cessna 408 SkyCourier catch is worth 25 points.
