Fourth Citation Latitude enters flight test program

The test flight program for Cessna Aircraft’s Citation Latitude business jet, the company’s largest jet, has led to better-than-expected range and runway performance, the company said.

The Latitude’s range has increased 200 nautical miles to 2,700 miles at long-range cruise. Runway takeoff distance has decreased from 4,030 feet to 3,668 feet.

The certification program for the $16.2 million jet is about two-thirds complete.

The plane is expected to receive certification in the second quarter of 2015.

“It’s a great airplane,” said Cessna CEO Scott Ernest.

The team is focused on exceeding customer expectations with the aircraft, whether its in design, production quality or improvements in its performance numbers, Ernest said.

On Tuesday, the fourth Latitude entered the flight test program when it made its maiden flight from the Cessna facility and Wichita Mid-Continent Airport.

The plane flew for 2.5 hours and went through a standard production flight test profile, which was successful, the company reported.

The Latitude’s flight test program has amassed more than 600 flight hours in more than 260 flights.

Chief test pilot Aaron Tobias said the first thing he notices when he climbs into the Latitude is the headroom. The plane’s interior is more open and spacious.

It handles easily, stops in a short distance and is “buttery smooth,” Tobias said.

One of the key benefits is its Garmin G5000 advanced flight deck, he said.

The G5000 includes touchscreen displays with automatic flight guidance and control systems, weather, charts, traffic, terrain and connectivity options, according to Garmin’s website.

In addition, a pilot can transition from another Citation, such as the Sovereign-Plus or Citation X to the Latitude without much effort, Tobias said.

A Latitude prototype first flew in February, followed by three additional planes in May, July and September.

The Latitude will make its public debut at the National Business Aviation Association’s annual convention this month.

The plane, equipped with a lavatory, can carry up to nine passengers.

Passengers can stand up inside the cabin. And the cabin also is the widest of any of the Citations.

The windows are large, and passengers have a choice of sheer or blackout shades.

It’s also equipped with Wi-Fi.

Fractional ownership company NetJets was the Latitude’s launch customer.

The company has 25 Latitudes on order with an option for 125 more.

This story was originally published October 1, 2014 at 10:59 AM with the headline "Fourth Citation Latitude enters flight test program."