Cessna Seeks Commuter Category for CJ3 Certification

The FAA is considering a formal request by Cessna to certify its CJ3 under the commuter category of FAR Part 23. The new jet is a longer and heavier derivative of the 12,500-lb-mtow CJ2 and cannot be certified under the normal category of Part 23. The CJ3 will have a mtow of 13,870 lb. Cessna planned from the start to obtain commuter-category certification, but is required to submit an official request. The FAA is expected to grant the request. First flight of the CJ3 is scheduled in the second quarter with certification targeted for spring next year.