Wichita, KS - April 3, 2007 - Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, this week inaugurated the Citation Mustang training program at FlightSafety International's Wichita, Kansas Learning Center.
The training program started on schedule following FAA and EASA qualification of the Mustang simulator in March. The FAA qualified the simulator to Level D, the highest certification available for simulators. EASA qualification is currently established at an interim Level C, being upgraded to Level D upon EASA type certification of the Citation Mustang which is expected later this year.
These simulator qualifications allow FlightSafety International to offer training to domestic and foreign pilots for the Citation Mustang type rating. The type rating course will be available at FlightSafety International's Farnborough United Kingdom Learning Center beginning in the fourth quarter of 2007.
For the first time, Cessna is using a Proficiency Index developed in conjunction with FlightSafety using Textron Six Sigma. The index uses numerous parameters such as the pilot's previous ratings, number of flight hours, recent experience, and glass panel experience to determine the level of training required for each type rating candidate. The Proficiency Index also determines whether the pilot qualifies for a second-in-command rating, crew type rating or single pilot type rating.
"The Proficiency Index grants a path for pilots of all experience levels to obtain their Mustang type rating," said Manager of Training, Chad Martin.
The 10 day type rating course contains a new, uniquely designed training day flow. Ground school, systems integration and simulator training are included each day.
The Cessna Citation Mustang achieved FAA certification on September 8, 2006. It features the Garmin G1000 glass panel, which includes an integrated autopilot, and is WAAS capable enabling lateral and vertical guidance for LPV approaches. Cessna plans to deliver 40 Mustangs in 2007.
Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2006, Cessna delivered 1,239 aircraft, including 307 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $4.2 billion and a backlog of $8.5 billion. Since the company was originally established in 1927, more than 189,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered to nearly every country in the world. The global fleet of almost 5,000 Citations is the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at www.cessna.com.
Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com .
Forward-looking Information: Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements and speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including but not limited to the following: [a] changes in worldwide economic and political conditions that impact demand for our products, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; [b] the interruption of production at Textron facilities or Textron's customers or suppliers; [c] the occurrence of slowdowns or downturns in customer markets in which Textron products are sold or supplied or where Textron Financial offers financing; and [d] changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellation of orders.