FlightSafety To Train Mustang Owners

Cessna's long-time training partner FlightSafety International will provide initial type training for customers of the new Mustang "personal" jet. FlightSafety will operate simulator and classroom sessions at training centers in Wichita and Farnborough, England. Cessna spokesman Roger Whyte said the large number of European customers made the English center necessary. Each school will have a motion-based Level D sim and avionics flight training devices. After earning their type rating, Mustang pilots will spend some time in the aircraft with FlightSafety instructors as part of a new "mentoring" program specifically for the little jet's new owners. Meanwhile, Eclipse Aviation has announced its very light jet (VLJ) has passed FAA airframe static testing. An Eclipse news release said the aircraft's wings, fuselage and flight controls were subjected to big loads to make sure they didn't fail. The company said there were no failures during the tests. The FAA has granted a 10,000-hour airframe lifetime but the company says that will be extended to 20,000 hours. The Eclipse is expected to get full certification in March 2006 and the Mustang hopes to follow by the end of the year.