Unrestricted Approval Also Covers Williams Install On S550

Clifford Development announced Thursday the FAA issued the final STC certificate ST02661CH which covers modification of the 550 and S550 Cessna Citation Series aircraft using Williams International FJ44-3A engines. Clifford notes this is the first STC issued to cover both Cessna Citation aircraft, and it was issued with no operational limitations or restrictions.

"Our entire team of engineers, technicians, flight crews, suppliers, and our shareholders are to be congratulated," said Jim Clifford, Chief Executive Officer of Clifford Development. "This certification comes at a time when increased operating efficiencies and reduced environmental footprints are paramount. With its 35% reduction in average trip fuel consumption and noise reduction greater than Stage 4 standards, this STC transformation vaults the eight-passenger 550 and S550 into a completely new jet category."

In addition to the engine modification, Clifford Development certified 35 improvements as part of this STC, including: an Ametek digital engine display, heavy duty BFG brakes, and a dual FADEC system certified to July 2007 FAA standards.

 With this modification, the typical Citation 550s empty weight will be reduced by 250 lbs, according to the company. Certification flight tests documented significant speed, range and direct operating cost improvements with the modifications, which are available for installation at four Clifford service centers

"The list of improvements will be important to every operator," Clifford said. "But the performance stands out. Of the dozens of pilots who have flown this airplane, each has raved about the performance. When they walk away from the airplane after their first flight, they smile from ear to ear."

Based on certification flight test data, the Company reports that the re-engined aircraft have significant performance improvements: less than 27 minute time-to-climb to FL430 versus the current one hour and 30 plus minute step-climb profile; a 50 plus percent increase in NBAA range with four passengers; and a 15 plus percent increase in max cruise. The Williams FJ44-3A engines are thermodynamically rated at 3000 lbs. (with a takeoff flat-rated thrust of 2820 lbs.) versus the original engine’s 2500 lbs rating.

The 550 engine conversion is priced at $2,295,000 for 2009 installations and the S550 conversion is priced at $2,395,000 with winglet for 2009 installations. These prices include engines, engine core credit, digital engine instrumentation, Clifford Development aircraft improvement package, installation labor and training.

Clifford Development has appointed Great Lakes Aviation, Kalamazoo, MI; Threshold Aviation, Chino, CA; Central Flying Service, Little Rock, AR; and Stevens Aviation, Greenville, SC, as service centers.

Three customer airplanes have been delivered. The first delivery was a 550, which now has more than 250 hours of operation. The second delivery was an S550 airplane that now has more than 60 hours. The third aircraft, also an S550, will depart for South Africa the first of the year, after its crew completes Flight Safety training.

The new STC is being updated to allow Williams Engine information to be displayed on the Rockwell Collins 3-display Pro Line 21 IDS system.

FMI: www.clifforddevelopmentgroup.com, www.williams-int.com