Page 4 - Nov23T

NBAA News
As we are about to go to press on this November issue, I am fully engaged in the NBAA business aviation conven- tion and exposition in Las Vegas. The convention is one of the best events to network and accomplish business under one roof, and this year’s show proved no less.
Rather than clean-sheet aircraft announcements, usu- ally the most exciting, this year, we mainly saw iterative advancements to fielded aircraft designs. Also announced were several milestone achievements showing that suc- cessful general aviation products and services can last half a century or more. But the relationships built throughout a career, with colleagues and customers alike, get boosted by meeting in person during NBAA. Those relationships keep this industry moving forward, and the opportunity to see everyone face-to-face is invaluable.
Textron Aviation announced its second-generation CJ3 with updates in the cockpit and the cabin. With Garmin’s latest G3000 software, autothrottles, enhanced vision, and advanced connectivity, the CJ3 G2 continues its domi- nance in the owner-flown and light corporate jet markets. In July, Daher TBM highlighted its 80th delivery of the TBM 960. At NBAA, Daher announced its 500th delivery of the entire 900-series lineup. HondaJet announced the model 2600 in 2021. This year, the 2600 became the Ech- elon, promising midsize jet performance in a single-pilot light-jet airframe. Pilatus has invested heavily in updating its PC-24 super versatile jet. Beginning with new aircraft deliveries in 2024, Pilatus has extended the payload-range capability to achieve a maximum range with six passen- gers of 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 kilometers). Pilatus also incorporated an array of new interior amenities, includ-
ing a large side-facing divan, which converts into a bed.
Two of the more innovative announcements at NBAA came from none other than Cutter Aviation. As I visited Cutter’s booth at the show and talked with its owner, Will
Editor’s Briefing
by Lance Phillips
Cessna Citation CJ3 G2
HondaJet Echelon
StandardAero recognizes the Pinnacle Air Network
Pratt & Whitney Canada recognizes the Cutter family.
2 • TWIN & TURBINE / November 2023