Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 First Flight Moves Toward Certification

Textron's Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 took its first flight Wednesday from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. The nearly two-hour sortie tested cockpit software and reached 41,000 feet at 278 knots, moving the next-generation light jet closer to FAA certification.

The flight, flown by test pilots Steve Helmer and Dave Welbrock, focused on software functionality in the Garmin G3000 avionics suite. Helmer said the aircraft "demonstrated the handling qualities and system performance we expected" and that the flight "provided a strong foundation as we expand testing."

With this milestone, all three of Textron's next-generation light jets – the CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 – have entered flight testing. Chris Hearne, senior vice president of engineering, said the company will now begin "comprehensive flight testing" with "rigorous validation of its performance" toward FAA certification and entry into service.

The CJ3 Gen3 builds on the existing CJ3 family. It adds Garmin Emergency Autoland to the cockpit, a feature that can land the aircraft without pilot input in an emergency. The cabin includes swivel seating, RGB accent lighting and modern connectivity. The jet offers a 2,040 nautical mile range and a 2,135 pound payload, with standard seating for up to 10 occupants.

Textron Aviation, a division of Textron, also produces the Beechcraft and Hawker lines. The company's Alpha Score of 55/100 reflects a moderate rating in the Industrials sector. The next phase of flight testing will focus on expanding the flight envelope and validating system performance under a broader set of conditions.

Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president of global sales and marketing, said the aircraft "builds on everything customers value about the CJ3 family while incorporating technology they've asked for." The company did not specify a target date for certification.