General aviation
Textron Aviation Citation Gen3 Test Fleet Surpasses 1,220 Flight Hours
Textron Aviation announced that its Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3, and M2 Gen3 test aircraft have accumulated a combined total of 1,220 flight hours.
According to Textron Aviation, the three light business jet models are currently progressing toward Federal Aviation Administration certification. The manufacturer shared the flight hour milestone on a Monday.
Certification timelines vary slightly among the three models. Textron Aviation targets FAA certification for the CJ4 Gen3 in 2026, while the CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 are scheduled for certification in 2027.
A primary upgrade across the next-generation Citation light jet lineup is the integration of Garmin Emergency Autoland. This system can be activated manually by occupants or automatically in the event of pilot incapacitation to guide the aircraft to a suitable landing site and bring it to a complete stop.
Textron stated that testing for the Garmin Emergency Autoland system has already begun. The company noted that the CJ4 Gen3 will become the first light jet to enter the market featuring this capability.
For pilots and potential buyers, these upcoming Gen3 models represent a significant technological expansion in the light business jet category. The inclusion of automated landing safety systems addresses critical inflight medical emergencies and pilot incapacitation scenarios.
Sources: FLYING