UVALDE, TEXAS: ­Sierra Industries, Ltd. recently made aviation history by flying higher than any Citation I aircraft has ever flown. Mark Huffstutler, Sierra Industries CEO and pilot for the record flight had this to say:

“After climbing to Flight Level 470, I requested block altitude above to continue our flight. I knew we were high, but at that altitude the pressure instruments were unreliable. At something over 49,000 feet and climbing at 250 per minute, we got a Master Caution warning light that one of the Electronic Control Units had reverted to manual mode. I decided to return to Uvalde and evaluate the data for the next day’s flight. In reviewing the data, we discovered that we had already exceeded FL500 by 361 feet!”

The Stallion re-engining program combines Williams state-of-the-art third generation engine technology with the proven reliability of the Citation I. This results in dramatic improvements in speed, range, climb, short-field capability and overall aircraft efficiency.

Specifically, Citation operators can expect:

•  Over 380 knots max. speed & over 50 knots more cruise speed at altitude;
•  43,000 ft. service ceiling and climbs to FL430 in less than 25 minutes;
•  Dramatic reductions in fuel flow and a 1400 nautical mile range;
•  Computer controlled engine operation and significantly quieter cabin sound levels.

To find out more about Sierra's FJ44 Stallion program, click here.