Citation CJ4 Makes Inaugural Flight

While most eyes are on smaller and smaller jets, Cessna has taken a leap forward with its CJ program. The first CJ4, the largest of the series at eight seats, took place last week from Cessna'a Pawnee engineering facility adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base outside Wichita, Kansas. The two hour, 22-minute flight incorporated some initial test protocols, but was likely meant primarily as a ferry flight to deliver the first test article to Cessna's main facility at Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport. Three more test articles are planned for the program, with certification planned for the second half of next year and first deliveries in early 2010.