Cessna VP, Jodi Noah, Talks GA With ANN

Oshkosh 2013 was a watershed event for many of those attending the annual Fly-In. It was a place to do some bragging, get some news out and gauge the health of the GA world... and Cessna was there to do all of that... and then some.

Cessna offered updates on several of their piston-engine programs. VP Jodi Noah said the Turbo Skylane JT-A was progressing towards an expected third-quarter certification by the FAA and also said that orders were coming in for both the Grand Caravan EX and the recently-certified TT-X.

The Grand Caravan will see a power boost thanks to a new 867 HP engine, which Cessna says enables it to have a 40% better climb rate.  Noah said that the production line is full and they've already delivered 13 units to Africa. She said there is a market for the EX in Russia as a commuter aircraft, and Cessna has 5 demonstrators flying throughout the world now.

Cessna also has several programs in place designed to encourage people to start flying. They have developed a partnership with Kansas State University whereby any student going using the Cessna Pilot Center to get their license will get credit that can be applied to their college degree. They also have a very innovative program called the "Discover Flying Challenge" where  young people represent Cessna and the flying opportunity at events all over the country. They are attending charitable events, using social media, and speaking wherever they have the opportunity. One particular participant attended 31 events.

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