Maiden flight for Cessna’s first production Citation M2

The first production model of the Cessna Citation M2 takes-off from Independence, Kansas.

Cessna’s newest business jet takes-off for the first time from the company’s factory in Kansas.

The first production model of the Cessna Citation M2 takes-off from Independence, Kansas.

The Cessna Citation M2 is on track to receive its type certificate by the FAA later this year, after the production model of the six-seater business jet flew for the first time ever out of the Cessna factory in Independence, Kansas.

“The aircraft performed exceptionally well today,” said Cessna production flight test pilot Terry Martindale. “We departed Independence and proceeded to an altitude of 17,500 feet. Through the almost two hour flight, we completed a large portion of the production test flight procedures. This is the first aircraft equipped with the Garmin G3000 avionics, and the system goes beyond what people might be expecting in terms of familiarity, versatility, situational awareness and ease of use. You can sense that pilots designed the cockpit. Everything is where you need it to be.”

The co-pilot on the mission was Cessna engineering test pilot Corey Eckhart.

“When we announced the M2 less than two years ago, we knew a need existed for a jet of this size, capability and value,” said Brad Thress, Cessna senior vice president of business jets. “You will see operator feedback and owner insight practically everywhere you look in the M2. The Garmin G3000 avionics are familiar to pilots while at the same time bring advances they want with features they need.  The M2 is the leader in the next generation of aircraft, and a great step ahead for any light jet operator who needs a new, more advanced business aircraft.”

“The flight of the M2 today is the latest demonstration of our deeply-held commitment to product development,” said Thress. “The Citation X took its first production flight this month, and the Citation Sovereign took its first production flight in April. Cessna has put over 3,300 flight hours into the M2, the Sovereign and the Citation X programs. We are dedicated to bringing these jets to our customers, and dedicated to delivering what our customers want.”