Cessna Delivers First Skycatcher

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna Aircraft Company has delivered its first Model 162 Skycatcher Light Sport Aircraft during a ceremony at Yingling Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas. Yingling is one of three U.S. re-assembly facilities for the Skycatcher. As previously announced, Rose Pelton, wife of Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton, received the first Skycatcher.

Cessna, in association with King Schools, has also developed a new Web-based training system for sport and private pilot certificates that will be available through the Cessna Pilot Center network of flight schools.

Cessna launched its Skycatcher program at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007 and has since amassed more than 1,000 orders.

Source: Cessna

Gulfstream G250 Completes First Flight

Gulfstream Aerospace recently announced that its newest business jet, the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250, has successfully completed its first flight.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

The aircraft was flown to 32,000 feet and achieved a maximum speed of 253 knots. Pilot Shapira commented that the flight was “extremely smooth with no issues.” IAI’s Flight Telemetry System enabled IAI and Gulfstream flight-test engineers on the ground to monitor the G250 aircraft systems in real time during the flight, as well as record the data from the first flight test point. “The G250 performed extremely well, just as we expected,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “We’re looking forward to 2011 when we’ll begin delivering this aircraft to the customers who had tremendous input in its design.”

Source: Gulfstream

Cessna Delivers 300th Citation X

Cessna Aircraft Company has delivered the 300th Citation X to its authorized sales representative, Jetalliance, based in Vienna, Austria. The Citation X will be operated from Vienna by an unnamed retail customer. Jetalliance is Cessna’s authorized sales representative for Russia and Eastern Europe.

Photo Credit: Cessna

“The Citation X continues to be a popular aircraft all over the world, including Europe. The exceptional speed, reliability, and cabin comfort offered by the Citation X have contributed to its great success,” said Trevor Esling, Cessna’s vice president, International Sales. The Citation X is the world's fastest non-military aircraft with a top speed of .92 Mach, just under the speed of sound. Since launch, Cessna has delivered more than 45 Citation Xs to the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa).

Photo Credit: Cessna

The Citation X is the top of Cessna's line of light and mid-size business jets and was announced at the 1990 National Business Aviation Association annual meeting and convention. The first Citation X was delivered to golf legend and long-time Cessna customer, Arnold Palmer, in 1996.

Source: Cessna

Cessna Rolls Out First Production Citation CJ4

Cessna Aircraft Company recently celebrated the first production Citation CJ4 rolling off the assembly line at the company’s primary design and manufacturing facilities in Wichita.

Photo Credit: Cessna

The first production unit will now go to paint and interiors, while three flight test aircraft continue to work toward type certification. Federal Aviation Administration certification is the final stages with deliveries starting in the first half of 2010.

The Citation CJ4 also offers an extensive standard equipment list including a four-screen Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite with electronic charts and graphical weather, TCAS II, EGPWS Class A TAWS, Dual Mode S Diversity transponders with ADS-B out capability, Multi-Scan weather radar, Emergency Descent Mode, and an essential electrical bus.

The aircraft will also debut the new Williams International FJ44-4A electronically controlled (FADEC) engines. The cabin can be configured for up to eight passengers, plus a standard, belted aft lavatory. The Citation CJ4 also features the Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system that includes BluRay DVD with HD monitors and XM radio. To date, the CJ4 test aircraft have flown more than 1,000 flights and accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours.

Source: Cessna

Cessna Poised to Deliver First Skycatcher LSA This Year

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna Aircraft Company recently announced it will deliver the first Model 162 Skycatcher Light Sport Aircraft to the first customer of the model later this year. The customer, Rose Pelton of Wichita, Kan., will use the aircraft to pursue her private pilot’s license.

Photo Credit: Cessna

“When I first saw the Skycatcher mockup at Oshkosh in 2007, I knew that was the aircraft I wanted to learn to fly in,” Pelton said. “I couldn’t be more excited to own the first Skycatcher.” Rose is the wife of Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. The Model 162 Skycatcher is a two-place, single-engine piston, high-wing aircraft in the Light Sport Aircraft category, defined in the United States as an aircraft with a gross weight under 1,320 pounds and with a top speed of no more than 120 knots. LSAs are built to ASTM International standards.

Photo Credit: Cessna

The 162 is powered by a Continental O-200D 100-hp air-cooled, carbureted engine and a fixed-pitch propeller. The aircraft will cruise at speeds up to 118 knots and will have a maximum range of 470 nautical miles.

The Cessna 162 Skycatcher features a Garmin G300 avionics system. Information is presented in a single, split-screen primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD), or as two full-screen displays with an optional second screen. The Skycatcher will be capable of Visual Flight Rules/Day/Night operations.

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna, in association with King Schools, has also developed a new Web-based training system for sport and private pilot certificates that will be available through the Cessna Pilot Center network of flight schools. Cessna launched its Skycatcher program at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007 and has since amassed more than 1,000 orders.

Source: Cessna

Cessna Announces Preliminary Performance Increases for Citation CJ4

Cessna Aircraft Company recently released preliminary performance increases for the Citation CJ4.

According to Cessna, results of extensive engineering flight testing have validated significant performance enhancements including a maximum speed of 452 knots (838 kilometers per hour), a range of 1,963 nautical miles (3,638 kilometers) with two crew and five passengers, and a direct climb to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) in just 28 minutes at maximum takeoff weight.

Photo Credit: Cessna

“We are very pleased with these preliminary figures for the CJ4. Our customers have been eagerly awaiting the performance results after months of collecting data. We believe these performance increases will delight our customers as well as position the CJ4 in a class of its own,” said CJ4 Program Manager Norm Baker.

Photo Credit: Cessna

The Citation CJ4 also offers a “best in class” standard equipment list including a four-screen Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite with electronic charts and graphical weather, TCAS II, EGPWS Class A TAWS, Dual Mode S Diversity transponders with ADS-B out capability, Multi-Scan weather radar, Emergency Descent Mode, and an essential electrical bus.

The aircraft will also debut the new Williams International FJ44-4A electronically controlled (FADEC) engines. The cabin can be configured for up to eight passengers with a standard, belted aft lavatory. The Citation CJ4 also features the Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system that includes BluRay DVD with HD monitors and XM radio. To date, the CJ4 test aircraft have flown more than 900 flights and accumulated more than 1,500 flight hours.

Cessna expects to begin deliveries as expected in the first half of 2010.

Source: Cessna

Cessna Offers Deposit Amplifier for Retail Skylane and Turbo Skylane Aircraft Purchased Through 2009

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna Aircraft Company recently announced a “deposit amplifier” program through the end of the year that adds $30,000 to a deposit on a retail order for qualifying new Cessna 182 or Turbo 182 Skylane single-engine piston aircraft.

Photo Credit: Cessna

Also included in the offer is a free service bulletin kit for one of the following software upgrades: Garmin’s Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) or Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS-B), or Jeppesen Chartview (subscription not included). The service bulletin kit will be installed by the local dealer. Depending on the buyer’s individual circumstances, the aircraft may also qualify for accelerated depreciation if it is purchased by the end of the year.

Photo Credit: Cessna

The Cessna 182 and Turbo 182 Skylane is a four-place single-engine, high-wing piston aircraft featuring a Textron Lycoming IO-540 engine, advanced Garmin G1000 avionics, and a range of more than 900 miles. When fitted with a turbocharger, the top speed jumps from 150 knots to 176 knots, or about 202 mph. The package is available through Cessna’s network of authorized dealers to new retail customers anywhere in the world.

Source: Cessna

Gulfstream Rolls Out New Flagship Aircraft: The Gulfstream G650

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Gulfstream Aerospace recently rolled out its new flagship business jet, the all-new Gulfstream G650, at company headquarters in Savannah. The aircraft rolled out under its own power. First announced in March 2008, the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650 remains on schedule for customer deliveries in 2012.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Approximately 7,000 people gathered at the new G650 manufacturing building for the aircraft’s debut. The audience included state and local dignitaries, customers, certifying authorities, supplier representatives, members of the G650 development team and many other employees at the Savannah facility.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

“We’ve all been looking forward to this day since we officially announced the G650 program last year,” said Joe Lombardo, executive vice president, General Dynamics Aerospace group. “Simply put, the Gulfstream G650 is in a class by itself. I want to thank everyone who made this aircraft possible. I share the tremendous amount of pride you have for this significant piece of aviation history. Like you, I am eagerly awaiting the first flight later this year.”

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

The G650 offers the longest range, fastest speed, largest cabin and the most advanced cockpit in the Gulfstream fleet. It features an all-new fuselage cross section, allowing a wider and taller cabin than the previous top-of-the-line G550 model. The G650 is capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.925, which will make it the fastest civil aircraft flying. It can climb to an altitude of 51,000 feet, which allows it to avoid traffic and inclement weather.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

“Our customers had an instrumental role in the design of the G650,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “The G650 will set new levels of performance in aircraft capability, cabin environment and maintainability. Customer input was used to guide fuselage size selection as well as aircraft performance characteristics.

Source: Gulfstream

Cessna Finance Corporation Offers New Finance Option

Cessna Aircraft Company has announced that its sister company, Cessna Finance Corporation (CFC), has initiated a new finance program with lower rates available for Cessna's single-engine piston and Caravan aircraft purchased in 2009.

Photo Credit: Cessna

"We are finding many people are ready to buy a new aircraft but are unsure about where to finance the purchase, so CFC initiated this program to ease their concern with a smoother process and lower rates," said John Doman, vice president, Worldwide Propeller Aircraft Sales."And since many of these aircraft are used for business, they may also qualify in the United States for accelerated depreciation, an option of the 2009 Federal stimulus package that is set to expire this year," Doman said. "It really is an excellent time to buy a new Cessna."

The CFC program offers new rates for the entire Cessna line of propeller aircraft: the Cessna 172, 182 and 206 high-wing pistons, the Corvalis and Corvalis TT high-performance pistons, and the 208/208B Caravan/Grand Caravan turboprops.

Source: Cessna

Two New Features Available With The Cirrus Perspective by Garmin

The Cirrus Aircraft News site reports that the AOPA Directory and automatic database synchronization are now available with the Cirrus Perspective by Garmin avionics suite.

Photo Credit: Cirrus Aircraft

According to Cirrus Aircraft, the The AOPA Directory allows access to useful airport information, including rental cars, airport restaurants and lodging.The new automatic database synchronization feature will automatically check all databases stored on the digital cards.

Source: Cirrus Aircraft

Gulfstream Marks 500th Enhanced Vision System Entry-Into-Service

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Gulfstream recently marked the entry-into-service of its 500th revolutionary Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS). The milestone comes eight years after the company began offering the industry-leading flight deck technology to operators of large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft.

The original Gulfstream EVS, and now the second-generation EVS II, uses a nose-mounted FLIR (forward-looking infrared) camera, specially designed by Elbit Systems of America –Commercial Aviation Kollsman, to generate actual, real-time images of the aircraft’s surroundings. The system dramatically increases situational awareness at night and during low-visibility daylight conditions by allowing pilots to see terrain, runways, taxiways and approaches that are undetectable by unaided sight. To date, EVS I is in-service on 464 Gulfstream aircraft, while EVS II is in-service on 36Gulfstream aircraft.

“For more than 50 years, safety has been the prime focus at Gulfstream,” said Pres Henne,senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream.“This milestone reaffirms that. It has been said that the Gulfstream EVS is one of the greatest strides forward in aviation safety since the introduction of the instrument landing system in 1929.”

Source: Gulfstream

Cessna Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Citation's First Flight

Cessna Aircraft Company is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the maiden flight of the Citation, the first airplane model in what has become the largest fleet of business jets in the world.

Photo Credit: Cessna

On Sept. 15, 1969, pilot-in-command Milt Sills and co-pilot J.L. LeSueur flew the first prototype of the Cessna Citation from Wichita's Municipal Airport (now Mid-Continent Airport). The one hour and 45 minute flight was a significant milestone in bringing the company's first business jet to market. Flight testing continued until certification in September 1971, followed by deliveries in January 1972.

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna had unveiled a mockup of the aircraft in October 1968, originally calling it the Fanjet 500. The concept was to offer a growing population of business travelers an aircraft that was an easy transition for twin-engine turboprop pilots and a quieter, simpler, safer and less expensive option than other business jets on the market. At a price of about $695,000, the Citation offered a maximum cruise speed of 349 knots true air speed in a six-passenger, pressurized, turbofan-powered business jet with short takeoff and landing requirements.

Source: Cessna

Cessna Delivers First Citation X Retrofitted With Winglets

The Cessna homepage announces the delivery of the first Cessna Citation X to be fitted with Elliptical Winglets.

Photo Credit: Cessna

According to the story, Cessna and Winglet Technology, LLC, collaborated to develop the latter's patented Elliptical Winglet for retrofit on Cessna's Citation X business jet.

The patented Elliptical Winglet shape ensures the lift distribution closely matches optimum lift distribution along the span of the wing, which reduces the induced drag of the aircraft. The resulting drag reduction enhances operational performance for the Citation X including decreased fuel consumption, increased speed and increased range.

Source: Cessna

FAA Awards Piper Type Certificate Organization Designation Authorization

Piper Aircraft, Inc. reports that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Piper with Type Certificate Organization Designation Authorization (TC-ODA), which gives Piper the authority to act on behalf of the FAA in the approval of airplane designs and certification to FAA standards of airworthiness.

Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

“We’re honored by the FAA’s recognition of our capabilities and expertise,” said Piper CEO Kevin J. Gould. FAA officials Melvin Taylor, Manager of the FAA Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, and Mack Riley, Manager of the FAA Orlando Manufacturing Inspection District Office, presented Gould and Piper President John D. Becker with an official letter of authorization during a ceremony held here at Piper headquarters.

TC-ODA is similar to the previous FAA standard, Delegation Option Authorization (DOA) that Piper held. “TC-ODA is one of the most important authorizations that the FAA awards aircraft manufacturers,” said Becker. “This authorization affirms the FAA’s confidence in Piper’s ability to design, develop and certify aircraft.

Source: Piper Aircraft

New Bombardier Global Vision Flight Deck Has Flawless First Test Flight

Bombardier reports that the Global Vision cockpit successfully completed its first Bombardier test flight on a Global Express XRS aircraft on August 3. Dedicated to testing basic system functionality, the flight marks another significant milestone for the program.

Photo Credit: Bombardier 

“The new Global Vision flight deck is fantastic, everything performed as expected,” said Captain Gary Bruce, Project test pilot, Bombardier Aerospace. “The new Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite’s large displays, in combination with the synthetic vision system, provide enhanced situation awareness that will surely be a great success with pilots.

The comfort and ergonomics of the overall cockpit are like nothing we’ve ever experienced.” Scheduled for availability on Global 5000 and Global Express XRS jets, the Global Vision flight deck merges leading-edge design with advanced technology to deliver a completely new cockpit experience. It pairs the latest technological advancements from Rockwell Collins – the Pro Line Fusion avionics suite – with superior design aesthetics to create the ultimate flight control environment and provides pilots with an unprecedented level of situational awareness and comfort.

Source: Bombardier

Gulfstream G450 Business Jet Sets Speed Record Between Oranjestad and Barcelona

A large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450 business jet recently established a city-pair speed record between Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad, Aruba, and Barcelona International Airport in Spain.

The aircraft flew 4,374 nautical miles in 8 hours, 56 minutes, at an average speed of Mach 0.80 with no headwinds. It landed with 3,900 pounds of fuel remaining.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Piloting the G450 was Jaime Bahamon, international demonstration captain. Ross Oetjen, senior international demonstration captain, served as copilot. In addition to flight attendant Lori Starbuck, nine passengers were onboard the flight.

The National Aeronautic Association confirmed the flight as a U.S. record and forwarded the figures to the Federation Aeronautique International in Switzerland for approval as a world record.

Source: Gulfstream

Cessna SkyCatcher Completes ASTM Compliance, Clearing the Way for Deliveries

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna Aircraft Company has announced its Model 162 SkyCatcher Light Sport Aircraft is in compliance with ASTM International standards for Light Sport Aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin before year’s end.

Photo Credit: Cessna

“This is significant not only for Cessna, but for the aviation community as a whole,” said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton. “Once these airplanes enter service, they will act as a catalyst for increased pilot starts. They will significantly change the economics of ownership and operation for flight schools, aircraft renters and aircraft owners, and will benefit the entire GA community.”

Photo Credit: Cessna

The Model 162 SkyCatcher is a two-place, single-engine piston, high-wing aircraft in the Light Sport Aircraft category, defined in the United States as an aircraft with a gross weight under 1320 pounds and with a top speed of no more than 120 knots. LSAs are built to ASTM International standards.

Photo Credit: Cessna

The 162 is powered by a Continental O-200D 100-hp air-cooled, carbureted engine and a fixed-pitch propeller. The aircraft will cruise at speeds up to 118 knots and will have a maximum range of 470 nautical miles. The Cessna 162 SkyCatcher features a Garmin G300 avionics system. Information is presented in a single, split-screen primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD), or as two full-screen displays with an optional second screen. The SkyCatcher will be capable of Visual Flight Rules/Day/Night operations.

Source: Cessna

Celebrating The 100th Anniversary Of The Flight Of Louis Blériot Across The English Channel

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The New York Times and MSNBC report on the re-creation of the flight of Louis Blériot across the English Channel from France to Dover, England.

To celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the flight, pilots re-enacted the crossing across the 22 mile channel. One pilot made the trip in a replica of the Blériot plane.

Photo Credit: Monash Univerity

Blériot plane was a far cry from the sturdy metal aircraft of today. According the the New York Times story, the plane was made from wood, wire and canvas, and had wheel axles no thicker than a broomstick.

Source: The New York Times, MSNBC, Monash University

Aircraft Gathering For EAA AirVenture 2009 Unmatched Anywhere Else

AirVenture.org features information on the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, called “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” happening on July 27-August 2 at Wittman Regional Airport.

Photo Credit: EAA

According to the AirVenture.org site, this year’s unmatched collection of aircraft includes the cutting edge of technology (Virgin Galactic’s VMS Mothership “Eve” space carrier vehicle - pictured below) to the enormous (Airbus A380) to the historic (1909 Wright B Flyer replica) and everything in between.

Photo Credit: Virgin Galactic

“People who participate in air shows and aviation events around the world tell us the same thing – there is no place else that matches Oshkosh’s collection of aircraft that gather on these grounds each year,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. “From the hundreds of homebuilt aircraft and magnificent vintage restorations on the grounds, to current military technology and the latest the aviation industry has to offer, EAA AirVenture is the place where it all comes together to discover and explore.”

More than 2,500 showplanes, including hundreds of warbirds, arrive at Oshkosh each year. In many cases, the owners, builders and pilots of these unique aircraft participate in the nearly 1,000 forums, presentations and workshops that take place during AirVenture week. Attendees can ask questions and learn more at these forums, which are included in all AirVenture admissions.

Source: EAA AirVenture

Cessna Will Begin Delivering The SkyCatcher Later This Year

Photo Credit: Cessna

Kansas.com reports that Cessna Aircraft will begin delivering the Cessna SkyCatcher to customers by the end of the year.

According to Kansas.com, Cessna hase confirmed that the SkyCatcher will test-fly a model from the production line sometime this year, with some deliveries later on.

In a previous statement about the Skycatcher, Cessna President and CEO Jack J. Pelton said :The need for a modern, cost-effective two-seat trainer aircraft has never been greater, and we believe we are well positioned to meet that need. The SkyCatcher program is an important part of our strategy."

Source: Kansas.com and Cessna