Textron Brings the Good News to Sun 'n Fun 2022

Textron Aviation announced a series of enhancements across its range of piston aircraft, boosting the capabilities of Beechcraft and Cessna offerings with a few performance and capacity boosts. 

Beechcraft's G36 is the beneficiary of an additional 155-pound increase to its max takeoff weight, bringing its total maximum useful load to 1,213 pounds in its standard, 6-seat configuration. As any pilot experienced with 6-seater, single-engine pistons, every additional pound is greatly appreciated, but almost a full person's worth? A suitable Sun n' Fun Present, for sure. 

The twin-engine Baron G58 gets a few new configurations, with 3 new interior color schemes, a new cockpit layout, and standalone autopilot control panel. The Bonanzas and Baron's both received the newest offering from Garmin's glass panel avionics, boasting a new carbon monoxide detection system, revamped electronic standby instruments, powered headset connections at cockpit stations, and most importantly for passengers - USB ports at every seat. 

Cessna's high wing aircraft receive a similar treatment, also receiving the electronic backup instrument layout that obviates the need for a trio of older vacuum gauges, opening up panel space, simplifying aircraft systems, and freeing owners from troublesome vacuum pump maintenance.

The interior of Cessna's entire line of high-wing, piston aircraft will receive interior style and feature refreshes, bringing a new set of alcantara inserts along with backlit USB-A and USB-C ports in the cockpit. Chris Crow, vp of piston sales, said the additions are vital to passenger comfort and utility, saying that despite the apparently small size of the upgrades, "Customers will experience a noticeable change when they're inside each of these aircraft."

Textron's spot at Sun 'n Fun is currently displaying their Beechcraft Baron G58, G36, Cessna Caravan, Turbo Stationair HD, and Skylane through April 10th. Passing through, attendees will have a chance to see a mockup of the Beechcraft Denali (née Cessna) alongside its new McCauley 5-blade composite prop. 

“This is an ideal opportunity for us share the significant advancements we are making with our piston products,” Crow said. “Each of the aircraft we will have on display is an example of our continued focus on our customers’ needs. Sun ‘n Fun is always a great event to interact with passionate aviators, and we’re pleased to have so many announcements for our iconic Beechcraft and Cessna brands.”

FMI: www.txtav.com, www.textron.com