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a new level of performance. Garmin International has kept avionics moving into ever-more-capable levels of utility, by perceiving and filling pilots’ needs with products like its new GTX3000 transponder and GTR/GNC comm and nav/comm radios.What’s needed to keep this kind of innovation going is the promise of reward for effort made. There’s a tendency at the highest levels of government to penalize success byhigher levels of confiscation, also known as “revenue enhancement” or taxation on earnings. Diverting too much of the money supply to support government functions and service debt starves innovation of necessary start-up funding. When the risk is not balanced by reward, we’re not likely to see innovation brought to fruition.Fortunately for us, a lot of aviation’s dreamers were motivated more by their desire to execute a vision than by pureeconomics. Underneath the calculated justification, we fly because we like it, and innovators like to innovate. To get out in front of today’s state-of-the-art is a strong stimulation, in itself. However, there has to be at least a fair chance of selling the product for enough to recoup development cost. Let’s hope our system can encourage, rather discour- age, risk-takers like those who went before us. CJCJupdates“We Listened”: A Revamped Citation Customer Conference Offers Something for EveryoneSierra IndustriesDelivers 50th FJ44-2AModified CitationThe latest Cessna Citation to receive Sierra Industries’ FJ44 re-engining modification was recently delivered from Sierra’s South Texas facility. The aircraft is the 50th Citation to receive the Williams International FJ44-2A engine retrofit, a significant milestone.Stallion #50 owner Dr. Howard Tobin is delighted with his newly upgraded Citation. Dr. Tobin is a Director of the Citation Jet Pilots Association and, as moderator of the Legacy Aircraft Discussion Forum, has shared his re-engining experience in “real time” with the members of the organiza- tion. He posted these comments:“All I can say is WOW! ... This was one of the most exciting steps for me in my flying career – Why did I wait so long? At 41,000 feet, it sure was nice to be looking at 190 knots indicated (Mach .65), comparedto 153 (Mach .58), and the climb was probably the biggest boost. Up to 41,000 feet in about 30 minutes, with full fuel, 4 persons and quite a bit of baggage, still climbing 500 feet per minute. I remember how we used to struggle above 35,000. While the conversion is great, I guess what I love the best is that I still have my faithful 41GT.”Including their previous Eagle 400 modifications and FJ44-3A upgrades for Citation II and SII models, Sierra has now performed engine retrofits to more than 70 Citation aircraft. Contact Sierra Industries at 1-888-8FLYERS, or visit www.sijet.com. CJThis year’s Citation Customer Conference, to be held April 22-24 in Wichita, is shaping up to be the best in years, and certainly unlike any other previous edition.New for 2013, the Conference agenda will include sessions which cater to every stage of aircraft ownership. Whether awaiting delivery of their first Citation, new to the Cessna family, or with the company for years, Owners, Operators and Maintenance personnel will be pleased to find a variety of sessions which speak to their unique needs and interests.“In planning this year’s event, we listened very carefully to what attendees from past conferences liked and what they wanted to see improved,” said Joe Hepburn, Senior Vice President of Customer Service. “So in addition to a more personalized and accommodating agenda, we are packaging more useful and detailed information into the various sessions.”Listening to customers will also be a priority during the Conference. Attend- ees are sure to appreciate sessions focused exclusively on eliciting customer feedback as to what Cessna is doing right, what can be improved upon, and what they are looking for in future aircraft, services, and aftermarket products. In addition, “Hangar Talk” stations will be set up for the duration ofthe Conference, populated with mainte- nance, avionics, engineering and aftermarket experts at the ready to answer questions and consult with customers on a one-to-one basis.The Conference will serve as the launching pad for the new Citation Co-PilotTM Program. This service introduces new customers to an assigned “Co-Pilot,” a dedicated point-of-contact who will be by their side through the duration of their Citation ownership. Attendees will be introduced to their “Co-Pilot” at the Conference.For current operators, session topics will include advice on selling their Citation and/or purchasing a pre-owned Citation, learning how to increase the resale value of aircraft, and recom- mended upgrades to keep aircraft flying into next generation service.Production tours, exclusive service discounts and new service updates and unveilings are just a few more reasons why this year’s Conference will be better than ever.Conference festivities begin the evening of Monday, April 22, with a vendor- sponsored reception, complete with vendor exhibits and time for socializing and networking.Customers can register for the 2013 Citation Customer Conference at www. CitationCustomerConference.com.APRIL 2013TWIN & TURBINE • 37