Cessna Aircraft Company last week said it and FlightSafety International (FSI) have inaugurated their Citation Mustang training program following last month’s FAA and EASA qualification of the Mustang simulator. Cessna added that the training program started on schedule. The FAA qualified the simulator to Level D, the highest certification available for simulators. EASA qualification is currently established at Level C, but the company says it will be upgraded to Level D on EASA’s Citation Mustang type certification, expected later this year. Cessna said the new simulator qualifications will allow FlightSafety to train domestic and foreign pilots for the Citation Mustang type rating, which will be available at FSI’s Learning Centers in Wichita, Kan., and in Farnborough, U.K. The training will be available at Farnborough beginning in the fourth quarter of 2007.
According to Cessna, the FSI training uses a Proficiency Index, developed in conjunction with FlightSafety’s use of Textron Six Sigma, for the first time. The index uses numerous parameters such as the pilots previous ratings, number of flight hours, recent experience, and glass-panel experience to determine the level of training required for each type rating candidate. The Proficiency Index also determines whether the pilot qualifies for a second-in-command rating, crew type rating or single-pilot type rating. The Proficiency Index grants a path for pilots of all experience levels to obtain their Mustang type rating, said Manager of Training Chad Martin. The 10-day type rating course contains a new, uniquely designed training day flow. Ground school, systems integration and simulator training are included each day. Cessna’s Citation Mustang — the company’s entry in the very light jet (VLJ) sweepstakes, received FAA certification on Sept. 8, 2006. It features the Garmin G1000 glass panel, which includes an integrated autopilot, and is WAAS-capable, enabling lateral and vertical guidance for LPV approaches. Cessna plans to deliver 40 Mustangs in 2007.
