FAA Cert Targeted For Late 2006

As was alluded to by Cessna's Bob Stangarone in today's ANN Special Feature Aero-Cast, Cessna's third Citation Mustang -- serial number two, the second production aircraft -- made its first flight Friday, joining the Mustang prototype and first production aircraft (serial number one) in the Mustang development and certification flight test program.

The three aircraft are being used for Federal Aviation Administration certification targeted for late 2006. The first flight of this aircraft was a week ahead of schedule, keeping the certification program on track, according to Russ Meyer III, Citation Mustang program manager.

Citation Mustang serial number two will be primarily used for systems certification, function and reliability tests and post-certification service tests.  The 90-minute first flight of SN-2 puts the Mustang certification flying program at more than 360 flights, and 580 hours.

The Citation Mustang prototype is primarily being used for aerodynamic and performance certification, and serial number one is being used for systems and avionics development and certification.

Cessna also celebrated the recent completion of all 23 major static airframe tests January 9.

The Citation Mustang is the first Citation business jet that will be built at Cessna's Independence, KS facility. The prototype and serial numbers one and two were built in Wichita, with Independence employees' participation. Serial number three was started in Wichita and transitioned to Independence along with the Mustang production tooling.

Serial number four will be the first Mustang started and finished in Independence and will be delivered to Cessna's marketing department as a demonstrator.

Cessna states at more than 230 orders, the Citation Mustang is sold out into 2009. The six-seat Citation Mustang will be certified as a FAR Part 23 aircraft, with an anticipated cruise speed of 340 knots, and maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet.

FMI: www.cessna.com