High-Performance Twin Can Handle, Air, Land, Or Sea
ANN April 1st Special Edition:
Cessna has introduced the world's first amphibious, roadable
aircraft. Cessna President and CEO Jack Pelton said this cutting
edge design came out of a series of customer focus groups. "One
third of the people wanted a seaplane, another third wanted a
roadable airplane, and the final third wanted a twin-engine
aircraft," said Pelton. "Initially we were convinced there
was no way to meet these diverse needs. But once we started
thinking out of the box, we realized we could design an innovative
aircraft that met all of these needs."
2008 National Flight Instructor of the Year and G1000 Book
author Max Trescott was at
the unveiling. "While the avionics suite for this exciting new
aircraft wasn't announced, I'm getting strong hints from both
Cessna and Garmin that they'll be incorporating the Garmin G1000,"
Trescott observed. "I'm excited because it lets me combine two of
my passions: giving glass cockpit instruction and teaching in
seaplanes. Best of all, I'll be able to drive the plane home when
I'm done."
At the unveiling, Cessna announced they are partnering with two
German based companies to produce this unique aircraft: Dornier
Seaplanes and BMW Group, maker of the MINI Cooper. Dornier will
supply the roof mounted twin-engine pod and BWM will supply the
cars.
"We think that Terrafugia, with their Transition roadable
aircraft, has paved the way for a mass market of airplanes that can
be driven on the highway," said Cessna VP of Marketing Tom Aniello.
"And Icon has captured the imagination of pilots with their
innovative A5 amphibious LSA. We believe that Cessna can deliver a
product that bridges both of these markets. Our international
network of Cessna dealers and service centers puts us in a unique
position to offer a single plane that can meet all needs
worldwide."
The unveiling of the new aircraft comes on the heels of Cessna's
announcement that they're discontinuing the Citation CJ1+ light
jet. According to Cessna spokesman Bob Stangarone, "When we decided
to discontinue the CJ+, we had a large inventory of wings that
would be scraped. But once we realized how easily the existing wing
could be mated to the MINI Cooper, we incorporated it into the
design."
The design will offer some challenges for pilots. "Having the
engines mounted on top of the MINI Cooper means that when pilots
apply full throttle, the thrust vector will result in a strong
pitch down moment," said Trescott. "Thus in a go-around situation
close to the water, pilots will need to apply power gingerly, so
that the aircraft doesn't become a fourth form of transportation-a
submarine!"
First shipments are expected in April 2012. Final pricing has
not been announced. Cessna did say they expect final assembly of
the aircraft to occur at their Independence, Kansas facility and
that spare parts would be available through BMW's network of
automotive dealers. Separately, Cessna has announced a contest to
name the new aircraft. Suggestions can be sent to Cessna by the
close of business on April 1, 2011.