Function and reliability (F&R) flight testing began for the six-seat Cessna Citation Mustang last week, the last step before type certification from the FAA set for later this year. The aircraft is designed to meet FAR Part 23 requirements and will also meet a number of Part 25 commuter aircraft requirements on takeoff and landing performance. The aircraft has more than 1,600 hours in the air and has accomplished about 2,200 test points, meeting or exceeding goals including range and speed.

Cessna is completing the training syllabus and flight manuals with FlightSafety International (FSI), the Citation Mustang's training partner. The two companies also are putting the finishing touches on the first Mustang full-motion simulator to be located at FSI's facility in Wichita. A second simulator is slated for FSI's Farnborough, U.K. facility next year. The two companies are working to ensure the program meets or exceeds all FAR Part 142 requirements, as well as FAA Industry Training Standards.

Production facilities in Independence, Kan. and Columbus, Ga. are essentially complete, with about 19 aircraft already in production. Columbus produces flight control surfaces and empennage, among other assemblies. Final assembly is in Independence, where Cessna has completed a new paint building and delivery center for the Mustang.