Page 34 - October21T_REV

Makeover
Garmin has done a fantastic job revitalizing the Citation Mustang. Several years ago, they introduced the NXi upgrade to add functionality to the original G1000 avionics. Faster processors, vibrant colors and autopilot coupled visual approaches are just a few of the improve- ments that added life expectancy to the popular out-of- production jet. It’s one of the reasons I recently bought my third one.
But November three nine six delta mike is still a 10-year- old airframe. And it looks it. Although the paint is still shiny, some of it is beginning to depart the wings. And the interior looks like it has been lovingly lived in – for 10 years.
When we took delivery of 510-284 in early summer, Patty and I had a plan to remake the airplane. But in 50
On Final
by David Miller
years of flying, this is the first time we attempted a tip- to-tail project.
By chance, the folks at Textron Aviation figured out that most of the 470 Mustangs built were at least 10 years old and many were in need of a facelift. Like Garmin did with the avionics, Textron Aviation created a complete interior and paint program to add life to the airplanes. We were the first owners to jump at the chance to see what they could do.
Patty had a ball. There is nothing quite like sitting in a large conference room with hundreds of fabrics and swatches of colors covering a huge table. It’s kind of like visiting a chocolate factory. “Just make it all black leather,” I said. Patty frowned, sent me downstairs to look at new airplanes, and continued her work.
Senior Interior Sales Manager Kaye Miller and Designer Darcy McDougle spent hours with Patty com- paring this and that. They prepared color renderings. They passed around supple fabrics. They sipped champagne. Soon, they decided that the old paint also had to go and designed a classy scheme with a little “pop” to Patty’s liking. “Just solid black will be fine,” I said.
“Honey, did you hear that Garmin is introducing new avionics ‘thingies’ for the cockpit?” Patty said.
“No. Where?” I asked like a dog chasing a squirrel. They sent me downstairs again, and I found Joey Ferreyra of Garmin. He said that since my old interior was coming out, it would be the perfect time to install their new GR56 global Iridium datalink, a new GTX 345DR diversity tran- sponder, and most importantly, a GWX75 Doppler-capable weather radar. Now I had something to drool over. We left the airplane with Kaye and Darcy and headed home on American.
About six weeks later, we returned to see the results of Textron Aviation’s work. She looks like a brand-new airplane. What did it cost? Too much and worth every dollar. Stop us on the ramp some time for a tour.
Fly safe.
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David Miller has owned and flown a variety of aircraft from light twins to midsize jets for more than 50 years. With 6,000 plus hours in his logbook, David is the Direc- tor of Programs and Safety Education for the Citation Jet Pilot’s Safety Foundation. You can contact David at davidmiller1@sbcglobal.net.
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32 • TWIN & TURBINE / October 2021