On March 22, Cessna's Citation Encore+ took off from Rockwell Collins' facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and successfully completed its maiden flight. Cessna states that the milestone is a 'significant step' towards certification in the fourth quarter of 2006.

"During the one hour and nine minute test flight, the pilots flew an aggressive flight profile to test basic stability, flap and landing gear extension and retraction, controllability, trim actuation, engine operating characteristics and basic autopilot operation," said Lynn Young, Citation Encore+ programme manager.

"We've set an ambitious certification schedule since we announced the Encore+ only five months ago at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention. We are pleased this first flight adheres to our

schedule, marking a major milestone that moves us toward on-time customer deliveries in the first quarter of 2007."

The Encore+ is equipped with dual-channel FADEC Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535B engines, offering 3,400 pounds of thrust. It features a Pro Line 21 avionics suite, which includes three eight inch by 10 inch LCD screens for Primary Flight Displays (PFD) and enhanced Multi-Function Display (MFD).

The aircraft features standard Terrain Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II) and Mark VIII Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), as well as Next Generation Doppler Radar (NEXRAD), Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report (METARs) and textual Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF).

In addition to updated avionics, the aircraft offers greater efficiency and increased payload capability (in excess of 1,100 pounds with full fuel) over its predecessor.

The new Encore+ will also feature new interior styling, including LED indirect cabin lighting.