Full-flight simulators for Cessna entry-level jet training will be located in Wichita, USA and Farnborough, UK

Cessna has confirmed that long-time partner FlightSafety International will provide initial type training for the Citation Mustang entry-level jet, with simulators to be operational at centres in Wichita, Kansas and Farnborough, UK.

FlightSafety will build two Level D full-flight simulators, with electric motion, and two avionics flight training devices. Training will be available at the company’s existing Cessna learning centre in Wichita before Mustang deliveries begin late next year.

The new Farnbor­ough centre (see story left) will provide Mustang training by the end of 2007. “Due to the large number of overseas orders, it was decided a location for training close to the customer was a must,” says Roger Whyte, Cessna senior vice-president of sales and marketing.

FlightSafety will provide Mustang-specific distance-learning courses over the internet beginning in January 2007. These will cover high-altitude training, enhanced ground proximity warning system, reduced vertical separation minimum and a primer course on the aircraft’s Garmin G1000 integrated flightdeck.

Because many Mustang owner-flyers will be moving up from heavy pistons and turboprops, the companies will also provide a “mentor services” programme. Pilots who have been type-rated in the Mustang will be able to fly with FlightSafety instructors for a period of time before they begin operating the aircraft on their own. A core set of operational scenarios will be coupled with the routes to be flown by the customer to build proficiency, says Cessna.

Meanwhile, rival very light jet manufacturer Eclipse Aviation has completed static testing of the Eclipse 500, clearing the airframe for an initial 10,000h life. The tests were conducted at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, and “accomplished all test points on the first pass with no failures”, says Ken Harness, vice-president of engineering.

GRAHAM WARWICK/WASHINGTON DC

Source: Flight International

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