By TTA Blog
TTA Delivers Effective, Efficient, Safe Solutions that Help Ensure the Safety and Airworthiness of Multiple Types of Aircraft
In this ongoing series, Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA) highlights the many different aircraft types presently in service around the world. Join us as we explore the roles that such venerable aircraft as the Cessna Citation Mustang (Model 510) and its later limited-edition version “High Sierra” play in the industry, the niches they serve, and the important challenges they address all across the globe.
We also wish to underscore the key role that MRO service companies like TTA play behind the scenes in providing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the engines and airframe accessory components that keep such aircraft flying properly, safely—and long into the future.
The History of the Cessna Citation Mustang (510)
As the business aviation industry’s first very light jet (VLJ), the Cessna Citation Mustang (510) is known both for its incredible speed and its superb performance on short runways. Interesting factoid? Cessna named this jet after the thoroughbred racehorse champion Citation (1945-1970), the 1949 winner of the American Triple Crown.
Introduced in 2002 at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention, the small jet flew for the first time in April 2005. It was certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2006, and the first retail delivery occurred in April 2007. Then in 2010, Cessna unveiled its limited-edition “High Sierra” upgrade to the Citation Mustang at the EAA AirVenture airshow in Oshkosh, WI., offering even more luxurious interiors and enhanced avionics.
During a decade of production at Cessna’s Independence, KS, manufacturing facility, 479 nimble, extremely light Mustang and High Sierra jets were built. Ultimately, though, Cessna’s introduction of the next-generation, slightly larger Citation M2 in 2001 led to the cessation of production for the Citation Mustang (51) and High Sierra. But even today, this agile, light jet remains a popular business and private aviation workhorse.
Global Impact and Diverse Roles
The Citation Mustang can fly at a top speed of M 0.63 (mach – speed of sound) and, if fully fueled upon take-off, can continuously fly for four hours. This light jet’s “sweet spot” flight length for many operators is around 700 or so nautical miles (or about 805 miles), with maximum flight range at 1,167 nautical miles (or 1,343 miles).
Widely in use throughout North America and across the globe, the Cessna Citation Mustang is built of mostly aluminum and other lightweight materials. With a maximum take-off weight of 8,645 pounds, it needs just 3,110 feet for taking off and 2,400 feet for landing.
“These speedy, high-performing, very light jets are still greatly valued by operators for their ability to shuttle passengers in a quick timeframe to destinations with shorter-runway airports,” says Stanley Kowlessar, Sr., president and general manager, Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA), an experienced, veteran-owned MRO-services company based near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in South Florida.
With retractable tricycle gear and a low, tapered, 43-foot wingspan, the high- performing, 40-foot-long Mustang is powered by two rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F turbofan engines, which can produce 1,465 pounds of thrust. Maximum aircraft speed is 420 knots (479 miles per hour), but the jet more typically cruises along at about 390 knots (or 390 miles per hour) and has a maximum ceiling of 41,000 feet.
Certified for single pilot operation, but with two pilot seats (if needed), the aircraft type is also praised by pilots for its ease of handling. Typically, the aircraft’s aft cabin has superb window placement (for the best views), four passenger seats and a toilet.
“We help ensure our customers’ Mustangs are in tip-top condition so they’re ready to fly at a moment’s notice,” Kowlessar emphasizes. “With our FAA, EASA and CAA certifications, we are proud to provide business jet operators and private owners with professional maintenance, repair and overhaul services for their valued Cessna Citation Mustang aircraft.”
Legacy and Future
Over the past few years, approximately 10 Citation Mustangs have been placed for sale each year, sometimes fetching prices of up to $3.4 million, depending on condition and other factors. “The Cessna Citation Mustang is a stellar performer,” says Kowlessar. “Despite production ceasing nearly 15 years ago, this very light jet is still in demand for business and personal use, so if you’re an owner or operator and need skilled MRO services for your Mustang, give us a call today.”
To ensure these aircraft remain airworthy and operational, routine and intermediate maintenance checks are performed on a regularly-scheduled basis. During these checks, technicians will determine if any worn or damaged components must be replaced or repaired. “This is where TTA steps into gear,” says Kowlessar.
“Operators around the world often rely on certified MRO facilities like ours in Fort Lauderdale to provide fast-turn maintenance services that aim to prevent system failures that could lead to unscheduled downtime or in-flight emergencies,” he explains. “We’re ready to assist in helping keep your valued Cessna Citation Mustang in the air and performing well for years to come.”
About Thrust Tech Accessories
Thrust Tech Accessories would enjoy the opportunity to explore cost-effective measures to meet the specialized MRO needs of owners and operators of the storied Cessna Citation Mustang. The Fort Lauderdale-based MRO offers capabilities such as testing, repair service, overhaul service, and of course fast turn-around times. TTA supports a number of private and business aircraft operators as well as regional airlines, along with overseas air carriers and rotorcraft operators in numerous countries around the globe.
To find out more about TTA’s wide-ranging capabilities to support your fleet and to obtain competitive program bids, contact us via email at ttasales@thrusttech.com or call 954-984-0450.
