Stretches Its Long Legs From Sao Paulo To Panama City

Cessna says its Citation Sovereign has just returned from its second Latin American demonstration tour where it received rave reviews from customers who were impressed with its long-range capabilities. One of the most notable non-stop missions flown during this demonstration tour was 2,865 nautical miles.

Departing from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International airport (SBGR) the Citation Sovereign flew 2,865 nm to Marcos A. Gelabert International airport (MPMG) in Panama City, Panama, and landed with abundant IFR reserves. The Sovereign departed with a full load of fuel and payload of 1,000 pounds, which yielded takeoff weight slightly under the maximum 30,000 pounds. During the seven hour and eight minute flight, the Sovereign flew at flight levels 43,000 feet (FL 430), 45,000 feet (FL 450), and 47,000 feet (FL 470).

The crew chose the flight levels based upon the wind and weather conditions. On the last two hours of the flight, the Citation Sovereign faced a 30 knot component headwind at FL 470.

"Even with less than favorable winds, we were able to easily reach our destination," said Larry Cheek, Cessna's Latin America Citation Regional Sales Manager. "The Sovereign is well suited for long range trips, and is one of the only mid-size airplanes on today's market that could make this type of trip. In the 30,000 pound or less business jet category, it has more range than any other current production airplane. The Sovereign is quickly becoming one of the most popular Citations because of its better-than-advertised performance characteristics and plush cabin comfort."

Other non-stop demonstration flights completed by the Sovereign include Gander in Newfoundland, Canada, to Vienna, Austria; Zurich, Switzerland, to St. Johns in Newfoundland, Canada; and flights from the west coast of the United States to Hawaii and back.

The Citation Sovereign's stand-up cabin is 24-feet in length and 68-inches in height. It will accommodate up to 12 passengers and a crew of two. The external baggage area is a cavernous 100 cubic feet (or 1,000 pounds).

Cessna's Citation Sovereign received FAA type certification in June 2004. The Sovereign is recognized as the newest mid-size aircraft on today's market. It uses simple systems and proven technologies that provide customers with industry leading dispatch reliability. The Sovereign has a 459 knot cruise speed, 2,881 nautical mile still-air range, 3,580 foot takeoff distance, 2,650 foot landing distance at max landing weight, and 47,000 foot ceiling.

FMI: www.cessna.com