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Cessna’s Flagship Citation Latitude Debuted at NBAA

The Citation Latitude, Cessna’s newest midsize business jet, made its public debut at the annual National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention & Exhibition, giving customers and industry observers a first look at the company’s latest in a long line of Citations, the world’s most popular line of business jets. Cessna Aircraft Company is a subsidiary of Textron Aviation, Inc., a Textron Inc. company.

“From cabin to cockpit, customers are impressed with the expansiveness of the Citation Latitude,” said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “The superior flight functionality, performance and reliability that are inherently Citation are matched by the clean, contemporary cabin environment, superior in-flight productivity and integrated flight management suite– elevating the flight experience for both passengers and pilots.”

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Editorial: DO Sweat the Small Stuff

By Ed Downs

We have all heard the old standby, “don’t sweat the small stuff.”  Typically, that advice is given when one needs to keep focused on the final outcome of a big issue.  The general belief is that if one takes care of the big issues, the small ones will resolve themselves.  A recent conversation, however, has caused this writer to rethink that sage advice.  My past editorials have expressed concern that our current national leadership is openly hostile towards private aviation, both personal and business. 

For example, this editorial section, and virtually every editorial section of all aviation magazines, have addressed the proposed “per flight” user fees.  While engaged in a discussion regarding these fees, the comment was made, “what makes you think private aviation is being treated in a hostile manner other than simply asking rich guys to pay their fair share?” This writer was caused to pause and think.  The suggested user fee tends to be a rallying point for those who support aviation, but is that the only issue?  Intuitively, I felt safe in the views expressed in these pages, but was I working on facts, or gut feelings brought about by personal political preferences.  What is it that has this writer so concerned about the future of our industry?

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User Fee’s: Paying Their Fair Share?

By Ed Downs

I doubt that many readers of this editorial are completely ignorant of the war being waged against business and general aviation.  Yes, we are talking about the “per flight” user fees that have been recommended by our pals in Washington, DC.  The Office of Management and Budget (OMB, essentially the White House’s accounting folks), have recommended that all turbine flights be charged a $100 per flight service fee for “ATC Services.”  Small, piston engine aircraft and aircraft operating in uncontrolled airspace are specifically excluded.  There are other odious details, but this writer will assume that our readers are already aware of this well publicized OMB recommendation and that you have already responded to the request by multiple aviation alphabet groups to participate in a petition appearing on the White House website, “We the People.” 

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Tips from the Pros - August 2011

When is the “Truth” a “Bad Habit?

By Mitchell Ange, President

Arizona Type Ratings

So you’ve been flying your single engine Cessna, Piper or Beech for a few years and consider yourself a pretty good pilot. You’ve earned your instrument rating and then your multiengine rating in the Seminole or other light twin-engine trainer with several hundred hours total time logged. Now you’re looking for a new challenge, perhaps to advance your flying skills or even move into a new career. Many small businesses are discovering that ownership or time-share of a small business jet makes a lot of sense in today’s environment of hostile airline travel.

Ever wondered what it’s like to fly a jet? What pilot hasn’t? “But,” you may ask yourself, “is the flying experience I have in that Cessna or Piper really applicable to flying a jet?”  Well, the answer is “yes and no.” Of course there are differences, but not as many as you might have been led to believe. And those differences are manageable with a reasonable amount of training. Let’s take a look at a few of the new skills you will learn as a jet pilot.

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