Cessna’s CJ3 has successfully completed its first flight. The aircraft departed from McConnell Air Force Base and landed at Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport, piloted by Dan Morris and Russ Williams.

During the 1.7 hour flight Morris and Williams tested the CJ3’s basic stability and control, operated the landing gear, flaps, speedbrakes and trim system, and evaluated engine operating characteristics and slow flight capabilities.

Since the CJ3’s introduction in September 2002, over 160 orders have been received. Joe Hepburn, CJ3 programme manager, said: “Today is a great day for the entire CJ3 team. We’ve worked very hard to keep this aircraft on schedule and today’s flight actually occurred several weeks ahead of the plan.”

Customer deliveries are expected in the third quarter of 2004.