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M2 Overview
Following introductions with the Textron Aviation team, we jumped into a technical briefing on the air- craft. Though I have flown and taught in Citation 525 aircraft for several years, it is amazing what you can learn during an in-depth briefing.
The M2 is assembled at Textron Aviation’s Independence, Kansas, facil- ity, which was also the former home of the Citation Mustang. Building on the success of the CJ1+, Textron Aviation reinvented the model with new styl- ing, avionics and powerplant enhance- ments. While the basic fuselage and systems are nearly identical to previ- ous models in the 525 series, the M2 sports the Garmin G3000 avionics, an improved cockpit, a more comfortable cabin interior and, of course, winglets!
Textron Aviation also worked with Williams International to install the upgraded FJ44-1AP-21 turbofan en- gine. When compared to the CJ1+, the new variant offers up to 15 percent ad- ditionalcruisethrustanda5percent improvement when operating at high- er density altitude airports. One of the benefits of the improved performance is the ability to depart from Aspen, Colorado (KASE) at 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) with a higher MTOW. As an example, if using one of the M2’s I fly and Special Departure Procedures for Runway 33 or Textron’s CESNAV app, it is possible to take off at a weight of 10,700 lbs, payload of 800 lbs, and 3,280 lbs of fuel. I prefer to take off at a lower weight and use less runway, however, this configura- tion also holds enough fuel to fly 1,335 nm. Very impressive for a light jet.
The M2 offers a number of avion- ics options, with most owners select- ing Synthetic Vision, Surface Watch, Sirius XM Weather and Radio, Flightstream 510 and the upgraded Garmin GWX 80 weather radar with turbulence detection. Other popular options include TCAS II, the advanced TAWS A, and internet capabilities us- ing either Swift Broad Band or the GOGO ATG 3000 systems. With more aircraft operating internationally, the HF, FANS-1/A options now offer ex- panded capabilities.
With the advent of the M2, CJ3+ and newer Citations, Textron Aviation provides a comprehensive system monitoring capability that continu- ally records the health of a number of aircraft systems. The Central Diagnostics Maintenance Sys- tem (CDMS) coupled with the Aircraft Recording System (AReS) also has the capability to transmit data via the optional Garmin GSR56 Iridium communicator or Wi-Fi using the Garmin GDL59. The system is so extensive that ground maintenance personnel can interact with the f light crew in f light on potential solutions or be ready to resolve it upon landing.
Preflight
For those familiar with the Citation 525 series of jets, the exterior preflight is very similar to other models. One distinction of the M2 is the factory installation of small winglets. Besides adding a nice look on the ramp, they contribute a small amount to the in- creased range of the M2 versus the previousCJ1+model.Withtheample engine thrust, the M2 is also designed with bleed air for both the windshield anti-ice as well as heating the leading edges of the wings. As with other mod- els in the 525 series, the M2 uses 23 PSI service air to inflate the horizontal stabilizer deice boots.
Loading the M2 is easy with the two externally accessible baggage compartments. I’ve used the forward area of the 525 series to load very bulky items, including walkers and collapsible wheelchairs for friends. With a load limit of 400 pounds, it also helps when you need to adjust the weight and balance. When flying single pilot and no passengers, you generally need to carry some addi- tional weight up front. The aft baggage area can hold 325 pounds. With the small extended cargo area, you can load a snowboard or shorter skis. I’ve found that if I want to keep items cold, I place them in the forward compart- ment. The rear area, with more protec- tion from the cold, does a great job to keep items in luggage from freezing.
Interior
The standard interior of the M2 can accommodate six passengers, includ-
ing one person on the belted toilet seat if needed. The toilet area can be separated from the cabin by a solid panel sliding door. Sharing the same fuselage design as the other Citation 525 jets, the cabin height is 57 inches with a width of 58 inches.
The club seating in the cabin is very comfortable, with some fore and aft track adjustment (a feature that is nice when compared with the Citation Mustang). If you don’t need the side seat opposite the main cabin door, the M2 offers a nice side galley cabinet. The passenger seats in the Citation M2 utilize a similar design that is used in the CJ3+ and CJ4 with movable armrests.
Start-Up
After a thorough preflight, it was time to fly. On this flight our mission was from Wichita (KICT) to Colorado Springs (KCOS).
Turning left into the cockpit you immediately notice a difference from the CJ1 and CJ1+. The cockpit design issubstantiallycleanerwiththeinte- gration of the Garmin G3000 avionics suite. The G3000 integrates control of many of the systems and enables the removal of many of the traditional switches found in the Citation cockpit.
My height is 6-feet 3-inches and the CJ1/1+ cockpit is tight for me. To add some space in the M2, Cessna modified the storage cabinet behind the pilot’s seat, improved the seat design and reduced the size of the center pedestal. While not as roomy as the CJ3/CJ3+ or CJ4, I find it comfortable. The copilot seat has a few inches less leg room and can be tight if you are tall. Cessna has always designed a great view for the crew and the M2 is no exception. The large side windows provide one of the best views in light jets.
With the integration of so many systems, setting up the avionics for start is straightforward. Using the Garmin Touch Controllers (GTCs), the Garmin 3000 leads you through initialization of the aircraft, includ- ing systems tests, weight and balance, and takeoff performance and V-speed calculations. Once you have initialized the systems, entering a flight plan is quick. If you want to integrate your
12 • TWIN & TURBINE / October 2020 Jet Journal