Cessna's First-Ever EASA Certification

Cessna's Citation CJ3 is targeted to be Cessna's first airplane certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The Citation CJ3 program has completed well over half of the required FAA certification conditions, and logged over 900 flight hours in 540 flights.

As certification and first deliveries approach, Cessna continues to roll-out airplanes from the fully operational Citation CJ3 production line. Currently, Citation CJ3 serial numbers 003 through 012 are in various stages of assembly and completion. Cessna's first production CJ3, serial number 003, rolled off of the main production line on February 13, and is currently in Cessna's completion facility.

The majority of the Citation CJ3 is manufactured on the same production line as the Citation CJ1 and Citation CJ2. This consolidation of production lines is enabled by Cessna's lean manufacturing advancements. Citation CJ1, CJ2, and CJ3 tooling has been configured to expand or contract depending upon the specific model being produced. Therefore, Cessna can build any CJ1, CJ2, or CJ3 airframe on the advanced production tooling. This sophisticated lean technology allows Cessna to adjust Citation CJ1, CJ2, and CJ3 production rates more efficiently, and deliver airplanes to customers with shorter lead times.

Over 100 orders have been taken for the CJ3, and the first airplane is expected to enter full service in the fall of 2004. It is designed for single pilot operation, offers a maximum cruise speed of 417 knots at 33,000 feet, and NBAA IFR range of 1,771 NM.

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