Case Study: National Skydive Center achieves 20% fuel savings, 30% more lift and extended TBO with Honeywell TPE331 engine

TPE331 Powers National Skydive Centers Ultimate Jump Ship

National Skydive Center in Teuge, the Netherlands, needed faster turnarounds, lower operating costs and a longer time between overhauls for its Cessna Grand Caravan used in intensive skydiving operations. Facing limited climb performance and high wear from the original PT6 engine, the center chose a Supervan 900 conversion that installs a Honeywell TPE331-12JR turboprop (completed by Texas Turbines Conversions, Inc.) to address those challenges.

The Honeywell TPE331-12JR solution delivered clear gains: fuel consumption dropped about 20%, lift capacity increased by 30%, TBO extended from 3,600 to 5,000 hours, and in-service engine wear was reduced by de-rating the engine (operating at roughly 80% during climbs). Honeywell’s engine also lowered in-flight noise and cut turnaround times from roughly 23–24 minutes to 14–15 minutes, enabling lower ticket prices and significant operational savings.

National Skydive Center

Bryan Meijers

Chief Pilot and Board Member