Aerion, Cirrus SF50, Cessna Citation Latitude, NBAA

Aerion Forging Ahead

The 2015 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention and exhibition are still 10 weeks away. Still, I predict that some of the most interesting news to come out of the event will be an update on Aerion Corp.’s development of a supersonic business jet, known as the AS2.

Engineering is proceeding apace. Aerion, in partnership with Airbus, is jointly refining the design of the Mach 1.5 aircraftand will begin a new series of low-speed wind tunnel tests within the next several weeks.

The growth strategy will be directed for the region expected to show some of the strongest demand for the AS2 supersonic business jet. Aerion in May opened its order book for the AS2 for $120 million.

Cirrus Aircraft Vision SF50 Personal Jet Enters Final Stages of Certification

Cirrus Aircraft announced the FAA-issued Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) for the Vision SF50, marking another significant milestone in the aircraft certification program. TIA initiates formal FAA flight evaluation of the Vision SF50 type design, airworthiness, performance, and handling properties. This TIA allows Cirrus to move forward with FAA Conformity Inspections and Certification Flight Tests with an FAA pilot on board the aircraft, one of the final elements needed for Type Certification.

“Cirrus Aircraft’s goal of transforming personal travel and regional transportation is close at hand as the Vision SF50 enters the TIA phase of certification,” said Pat Waddick, President of Innovation and Operations at Cirrus Aircraft. “This milestone highlights the maturity of our SF50 program and the FAA’s confidence in our ability to cross the finish line. It also speaks to the remarkably talented team at Cirrus that has devoted countless hours over many years to reach this milestone.”

Tour, First Deliveries for Latitude

Textron Aviation’s Cessna Aircraft Co. has been touting its Citation Latitude since it was announced at the October 2011 NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) Convention, with special attention on the new aircraft’s stand-up flat-floor cabin.

Prospective customers will soon be able to see for themselves what all the fuss is about: beginning Monday (Aug. 31), the new midsize business jet will embark on a 28-day, 39-airport, coast-to-coast demonstration tour, starting from Chicago Executive Airport. Other stops will include, among other executive and international airports, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Cleveland, White Plains, Orlando, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Boston , Seattle and several cities in California.

Cessna Launches Citation Latitude Deliveries

Cessna Aircraft has announced the first deliveries of its newest midsize jet, the Cessna Citation Latitude. Among the first operators to deliver the Citation Latitude is Aircraft Management Group in Pittsburgh, Pa., which will offer the aircraft as part of its charter operation. Over the next year, the Aircraft Management Group expects the Latitude to the fleet to expand its customer base by allowing it to offer flights to the west coast and Europe.