Cessna’s newest aircraft, the Citation Sovereign, has completed its first flight. Team members witnessed the take-off from Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport.

Piloted by Wayne Spriggs and Bob Rice, the plane took a one hour and ten minute flight to conduct a variety of tests, including basic stability, flap extension and retraction, controllability, trim actuation, and slow flight.

“The aircraft performed flawlessly,” said Spriggs. “We completed all test conditions as planned and were very pleased with the results.”

FAA certification is expected to be awarded in late 2003 with first customer deliveries starting early

in 2004.

Cessna chairman and ceo Gary Hay said: “With over 100 orders already taken, we are confident that the Sovereign will become one of the best selling traditional midsize business jets in the industry.”

The Sovereign has a 2,500 nm range with NBAA IFR reserves while carrying eight passengers. It is priced at what Cessna refers to as a traditional midsize price.