Another new Cessna light jet just hit the skies. The Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype recently completed its first flight, putting the aircraft one step closer to certification and production. With pilots Steve Helmer and Dave Welbrock at the helm, the jet took off from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas and spent around two hours in the skies. It reached a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and a maximum speed of 278 knots. The pilots also tested the software in the cockpit. “From takeoff to landing, the aircraft demonstrated the handling qualities and system performance we expected,” Helmer said in a statement. “This first flight validated months of preparation and provided a strong foundation as we expand testing and continue the certification program.” Unveiled by Cessna owner Textron Aviation in 2024, the CJ3 Gen3 sits squarely between the entry-level M2 Gen3 and the range-topping CJ4 Gen3. With a range of 2,040 nautical miles, a payload..
