Cessna has begun flight test certification on the Citation CJ3. In the 13 months since the programme was announced, Cessna says the aircraft has made steady progress towards certification.

The two CJ3s currently in the certification programme have accumulated 198 hours. Cessna will add a third aircraft to its flight test programme in the upcoming months. Its airframe was recently completed and engine installation is in progress.

Designed for single pilot operation, the maximum cruise speed of the aircraft is 417 knots at 33,000 feet. With two pilots, full fuel, four passengers and baggage, the CJ3 offers a NBAA IFR range of 1,771nm and a VFR range of 1,900nm.

The CJ3’s standard seating is in a six-seat, centre-club configuration.