Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Light Jets Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 VH-TFW

During a planespotting trip to Biloela / Thangool Aerodrome in 2013, I was pleasantly surprised to sight Light Jets Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 VH-TFW made all-that-much-better when the Managing Director and Chief Pilot of the charter operation, Mark, invited me to take a closer look at 'Tango Foxtrot Whiskey'.

Light Jets Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 VH-TFW is a 2001 build aircraft and powered by a pair of Williams International FJ44-1A turbofans.

Wanting to learn more about the basic performance specifications of VH-TFW, Mark was kind enough to highlight the aircraft generally cruises at 360 knots, is capable of achieving a service ceiling of 41 000 ft and an approximate range between 1100 - 1200 miles.

Additionally, it was reported Tango Foxtrot Whiskey was installed with new engines in 2013 despite approximately 100 hours remaining on the former turbofans.

Asking the question as to why an early change-out, I was informed because the previously installed FJ44's were beginning to lose power albiet only marginally however a good enough reason to fit new powerplants sooner-than-later.