Wichita, KS - May 24, 2007 - Frederick Flight Center has been named a Cessna Platinum Award winner for exceptional performance as a Cessna Pilot Center (CPC). Located at Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) in Frederick, Md., Frederick Flight Center (FFC) was cited in the award for exceeding Cessna's operational and performance standards.
Cessna is a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.
“From its first day of operations, Frederick Flight has embraced a philosophy of unparalleled safety, excellent customer service, and a bit of fun during flight training,” said Jim DeLong, regional manager for CPC. “They have been a first-class CPC since we formed our partnership in 2001.”
“This award is really a statement about the quality of our employees,” said Patrick McFadden, FFC owner. “Their performance is what has made FFC a success. I am proud to accept this award on their behalf.”
DeLong said Cessna considers a number of factors in evaluating CPC performance, including facilities, training equipment including aircraft, and general operations. FFC uses new, Garmin G1000-equiped Cessna 172 Skyhawks and 182 Skylanes in its training course, as well as Cessna's approved training curriculum. Eleven full-time instructors operate out of newly remodeled facilities at the airport.
Cessna has taught more people to fly than any other company through its network of Cessna Pilot Centers established more than 35 years ago. The average time for students to obtain their private pilot's certificate while using Cessna's computer-based instruction training course is 54.5 hours. This is almost 30 percent less than the national average.
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.