NBAA News

Cessna Citation CJ3 G2

As we are about to go to press on this November issue, I am fully engaged in the NBAA business aviation convention 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, usually the most exciting, this year, we mainly saw iterative advancements to fielded aircraft designs. Also announced were several milestone achievements showing that successful 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 dominance 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 Echelon, 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 passengers of 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 kilometers). Pilatus also incorporated an array of new interior amenities, including 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 Cutter, he showed me two STC projects planned for 2024. One is a lightweight air conditioning system for Piper’s PA-46 aircraft line, including the newest M600, offering better efficiency and cooling. Even more exciting is Cutter’s APU project for Pilatus PC-12s and PC-24s. This lightweight onboard APU will solve battery-starting challenges and allow systems operation while on the ground.

Pratt & Whitney Canada recognized Cutter Aviation during a presentation highlighting multiple PT6 achievements. According to Will Cutter, “My granddad met with Mr. Pratt and Mr. Whitney long ago to discuss an efficient and powerful turboprop engine.” Today, we celebrate 60 years of this revolutionary powerplant design. During the PT6’s 60-year run, it has amassed 1 billion flight hours. Also, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Cutter Aviation celebrate 95 years in business this year.

Thirty years ago, Will Cutter’s father co-founded the Pinnacle Air Network, then a robust group of nine Beechcraft dealers. Now, the network includes 17 members across North America specializing in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), fixed base operators (FBO), aircraft sales and aircraft charter organizations. StandardAero, Pinnacle’s engine MRO partner, recognized the Pinnacle Air Network for achieving 1,500 engine events over the long-time partnership.

In this month’s issue of Twin & Turbine, Kevin Ware tells us how we can avoid when “stuff happens,” whether pilot-induced or equipment malfunction. Grant Boyd describes operations in Mexico and takes us to Scorpion Bay, a fantastic location on the Baja Peninsula. I have always loved twin Cessnas, even accomplishing my multi-engine rating in an old, beat-up 310Q model. The Fire Pilot, Sean Lawson, shows how his 310R has brought joy to his life and has made the country much smaller. Thomas Turner’s Mastery of Flight column reports on safely incorporating (or not) straight-in approaches. And David Miller shows us how crew coordination can sometimes go awry in On Final.