It's so nice to report some good news after all the hurricane doom and gloom of the last few days... especially when it is unexpected good news. 

One month ahead of schedule, the first Citation Mustang production aircraft (serial number 0001) took to the air Monday, Aug. 29th. The Mustang flew exactly two hours, performing basic systems and avionics checks, including engaging the autopilot, testing the airplane's handling characteristics, performing operative gear and flap tests, activating the de-ice system, and evaluating engine response and performance.

"We have a strong team working on the Mustang program, and they've achieved a major milestone by getting production unit one off the ground a month early," said Russ Meyer III, Mustang Program Manager.

"The Mustang team laid the foundation for this success in the early assembly and use of production tooling to build these first aircraft, significantly decreasing the amount of rework and squawks. In addition, systems installation and functional testing progressed well ahead of schedule."

Three Mustang airplanes are dedicated to certification, the Mustang prototype and serial numbers 0001 and 0002. The Mustang prototype took its maiden flight April 23 and has logged more than 230 flight hours. To date, the prototype has completed envelope expansion and the initial development of aircraft systems and aerodynamic flight characteristics. Mustang serial number 0001 will be primarily used for avionics development and certification.

Another production airframe, recently damaged in an assembly accident, is said to not only be repairable but Cessna says the production schedule should not be adversely affected by the incident.

"We expect to achieve FAA certification in the fourth quarter of 2006," Meyer said. "Having the first Mustang production unit enter the program early will certainly enhance our progress toward achieving that goal."

The Citation Mustang was announced at the 2002 NBAA convention. Mustang orders exceed 230.

FMI: www.textron.com, www.cessna.com