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Avionics
Prove Their
Worth
With three 14-inch displays, of which each can be split, I feel I have full command of my airborne environment. As an example, I recently conducted an M2 training flight for my friend, Brandon Campbell, for his CE525S type rating. We flew around the Midwest and Texas with Hurricane Laura just east of our flight path, causing a large amount of precipitation on our return to Addison airport (KADS) north of Dallas.
It was like flying through a maze. We split Brandon’s PFD to add vertical profile of the GWX 80 Radar, placed Sirius XM weather on the MFD, and selected horizontal mode of the GWX 80 on mine. Using my favorite procedure of using the bearing pointer to determine height and depth of a cell, we were able to navigate between the rapidly building cells with hardly a bump – and no icing.
weather can now display up to 20 weather products and some can now be animated, a feature I really like to detect trends. To keep up with the latest datacom requirements, FANS- 1/A CPLDC, CPLDC FAA Data Comm, SATCOM Direct ACARS, Flight- stream 510 and Garmin Connext Position Reporting are optional.
The good news for existing M2 and CJ3+ operators is that many of these software features, Flightstream 510 and Data Comm will be available as upgrades. That upgrade should be available by the end of 2020 or early 2021. The new G3000 displays, sup- porting higher resolution and VFR/IFR enroute charts, will not be available as a replacement on existing airframes.
Summary
The short flight from Wichita to Colorado Springs was representa- tive of my other experiences flying the Citation M2. The G3000 not only makes the pilot’s job easier, it enhances safety, especially flying in IMC and
challenging weather. The smooth handling gives you a feeling of flying a much larger jet, and of course the trailing link landing gear makes land- ings a breeze. With just slight braking we were quickly off the runway and taxiing to the parking area.
Textron Aviation created a powerful upgradefromtheCJ1+,offeringown- ers a unique experience in the Citation 525 series. If you get a chance to fly one, don’t pass it up. You will exit the plane with the same big smile I had following this flight.
With 11,000+ hours of piloting more than 100 aircraft models Rich Pickett still has a passion for flying. Rich holds an ATP, CFII SME, SES, glider licenses, and type ratings in the L29, L39, Citation 500/510s/525s, Eclipse 500S, Beechcraft Premier and DA10. His company, Personal Wings, provides training, mentoring and aircraft services. He is also a proud owner of an Eclipse and Cirrus SR22. You can contact Rich at rich@personalwings.com.
Rosen Sunvisor Systems
Jet Journal October 2020 / TWIN & TURBINE • 15