Stretches Its Long Legs From Sao Paulo To Panama City
Cessna says its Citation Sovereign
has just returned from its second Latin American demonstration tour
where it received rave reviews from customers who were impressed
with its long-range capabilities. One of the most notable non-stop
missions flown during this demonstration tour was 2,865 nautical
miles.
Departing from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International airport (SBGR)
the Citation Sovereign flew 2,865 nm to Marcos A. Gelabert
International airport (MPMG) in Panama City, Panama, and landed
with abundant IFR reserves. The Sovereign departed with a full load
of fuel and payload of 1,000 pounds, which yielded takeoff weight
slightly under the maximum 30,000 pounds. During the seven hour and
eight minute flight, the Sovereign flew at flight levels 43,000
feet (FL 430), 45,000 feet (FL 450), and 47,000 feet (FL 470).
The crew chose the flight levels based upon the wind and weather
conditions. On the last two hours of the flight, the Citation
Sovereign faced a 30 knot component headwind at FL 470.
"Even with less than favorable winds, we were able to easily
reach our destination," said Larry Cheek, Cessna's Latin America
Citation Regional Sales Manager. "The Sovereign is well suited for
long range trips, and is one of the only mid-size airplanes on
today's market that could make this type of trip. In the 30,000
pound or less business jet category, it has more range than any
other current production airplane. The Sovereign is quickly
becoming one of the most popular Citations because of its
better-than-advertised performance characteristics and plush cabin
comfort."
Other non-stop demonstration flights completed by the Sovereign
include Gander in Newfoundland, Canada, to Vienna, Austria; Zurich,
Switzerland, to St. Johns in Newfoundland, Canada; and flights from
the west coast of the United States to Hawaii and back.
The Citation Sovereign's stand-up
cabin is 24-feet in length and 68-inches in height. It will
accommodate up to 12 passengers and a crew of two. The external
baggage area is a cavernous 100 cubic feet (or 1,000 pounds).
Cessna's Citation Sovereign received FAA type certification in
June 2004. The Sovereign is recognized as the newest mid-size
aircraft on today's market. It uses simple systems and proven
technologies that provide customers with industry leading dispatch
reliability. The Sovereign has a 459 knot cruise speed, 2,881
nautical mile still-air range, 3,580 foot takeoff distance, 2,650
foot landing distance at max landing weight, and 47,000 foot
ceiling.