Cessna Citation CJ4 On Track for 2009 Approval

By Chad Trautvetter

July 17, 2008
Aircraft

This week at the Farnborough airshow, Cessna said its largest CitationJet, the CJ4, remains on schedule for FAA certification in the second half of next year and initial deliveries in 2010. The Wichita-based aircraft manufacturer continues to fly the CJ4 prototype while working toward first flight of its first two production CJ4s and the start of production later this year.

Since the prototype’s maiden flight on May 5, the Williams FJ44-4A-powered twinjet logged 25 flights spanning more than 35 hours. Cessna reports that the aircraft is performing system-verification flight tests, including speed brakes and flap systems, as well as envelope-expansion exercises.

“Certification flights [are] on schedule to begin later this year,” said CJ4 program manager Norm Baker. Additionally, certification testing is “well under way” for the CJ4 static and fatigue article, he added.

The first production aircraft, S/N 0001, will be used primarily for avionics and systems certification, while S/N 0002 will fly function and reliability along with company service tests. First flight for both will take place later this year.

Cessna is also working toward concurrent European Aviation Safety Agency certification.

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