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.

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

J.M. Kelly (Project Builders) Pty Ltd Cessna 550 Citation II VH-JMK

During a planespotting adventure to Rockhampton Airport in 2013, I was fortunate to be allowed access into a privately owned hangar which housed an immaculately presented corporate jet.

Resting peacefully was J.M. Kelly (Project Builders) Pty Ltd owned Cessna 550 Citation II VH-JMK and I could not resist the urge of capturing as many photo's as possible.

VH-JMK is a 1981 manufactured aircraft powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney (Canada) JT15D-4 turbofans. While admiring the beautifully presented cabin, I noted the Citation  II was configured to comfortably seat 8 passengers which included a self-serve galley.

While not necessarily specific to VH-JMK, research revealed the Cessna 550 Citation II is capable of cruising at 403 knots (464 mph, 746 km/h ), achieve a range of approximately 3 700 km and obtain a service ceiling of 43 000 ft (13 100m).

Photo's of VH-JMK captured in 2015 after an extensive interior refurbishment can be found at : http://airqueensland.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/jm-kelly-project-builders-cessna-550.html

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, February 23, 2015

CCJ Pty Ltd (Earth Commodities) Cessna 550 Citation Bravo VH-CCJ

Manufactured in 2001 and powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney PW530A Turbofans, Cessna 550 Citation Bravo VH-CCJ is operated by Brisbane based company, CCJ Pty Ltd (Earth Commodities), and a regular visitor to a number of Central Queensland ports.