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.

FMI: www.cessna.com