500s, Encores, XLSs All Needed For CSOA

Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton put the call out Wednesday for Citation business jet owners to help with a worthwhile cause -- flying athletes to and from the upcoming 2006 Special Olympics USA National Games in Ames, IA. And he has some pretty impressive friends to help him out.

Cessna Chairman Emeritus Russ Meyers, as well as professional golfer -- and Citation X jockey -- Arnold Palmer were also present at Wednesday's press event at NBAA 2005, detailing the company's progress on its planned 2006 Citation Special Olympics Airlift. While more than 140 corporations and private owners of Citations of all stripes have signed on for duty so far, the company has a way to go before it hits its goal of 400 jets participating in the July 1 and July 8 events.

"The success of the Citation Special Olympics Airlift depends on the collaboration and tremendous support we receive from individuals within Cessna, the FAA, on-site airport officials, local fixed base operators, hundreds of volunteers from the community, and most importantly, Citation owners and operators," said Pelton.

"Without each of these groups donating their time and resources, we would never be able to stage this kind of event," he added.

The first Citation Special Olympics Airlift was held in 1987, utilizing 132 Citations carrying almost 1,000 athletes to the Summer Games in South Bend, IN. The 2006 event will be the fifth time Citations have taken to the skies in support of Special Olympics.

To help drum up support for the event, Palmer (below) will be on hand throughout the NBAA Convention to speak with current and future Citation owners about lending their aircraft for the event. Any new participant who signs up for the airlift during NBAA will also be entered in a drawing for a limited-edition painting, originally presented to Palmer to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his first win on the PGA tour in 1955.

While Palmer certainly believes in helping Special Olympics kids reach their destination, it's the mode of transport he finds especially fascinating.

"It is a thrill for me, and I pinch myself everyday for my good fortune," said Palmer on flying his Citation X. "Now, imagine [Special Olympics participants] getting into a private jet to be transported to Special Olympics."

"Help us. Help us recruit Citation owners" to fly Special Olympics kids to the games, implored Palmer.

FMI: www.citationairlift.com