Gateway Jets Brings Cessna Citation M2 to St. Louis for Demonstration Flights

By Carmelo Turdo

The Cessna Aircraft Company's Citation M2 jet visited St. Louis yesterday for a series of demonstration flights for potential customers.  The flights, sponsored by Gateway Jets and hosted by Jet Aviation at St. Louis Downtown Airport, were designed to give potential pilot/owners (whether full ownership or fractional managed through Gateway Jets) a first-hand experience operating the aircraft through its performance envelope.  The flight crew from Cessna Aircraft Company gave a thorough pre-flight walk-around tour inside the warm hangar courtesy of Jet Aviation St. Louis prior to repositioning the jet on the north ramp at St. Louis Downtown Airport.  Two flights were completed, the second with Gateway Jets owner Corey Tomczak flying the jet.  Tomczak was impressed with the automated systems and the versatility of the Garmin G3000 avionics suite.      

The Citation M2 is a step up from the company's Citation Mustang, offering greater range, speed and passenger capacity without the quantum leap in purchase and operating costs of a much larger jet.  The jet's 1300nm range, five passenger/2 crew capacity and 400kt speed form a winning combination of performance and efficiency.  Automated diagnostics and proven, reliable systems are the hallmark of Cessna business jets, and the Citation M2 delivers on all counts.  

Here are some views of the Citation M2 demonstrator yesterday during pre-flight tour and takeoff for the first flight:  

Special thanks to Gateway Jets and Jet Aviation St. Louis for giving The Aero Experience access to the aircraft during preparations for the first flight.  For additional information about Gateway Jets, click on the link or contact Corey Tomczak at 618-670-5782.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013: Fly Jive Fly!

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience caught up with a Midwest Aviation favorite airshow team, Fly Jive Fly, at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013.  It was great to visit with Jerry "Jive" Kerby and L.M. "Lunar" Sawyer just weeks after their appearance at Fair St. Louis.  "Jive" Kerby's flying has become a staple on the air show circuit, ranging from the first season of the QF-4 Heritage Flight, leading the Black Diamond Jet Team, and flying "Wild Blue," the beautiful blue and white Vans RV-8A solo and with Joe "Rifle" Shetterly's RV-8.  "Lunar" Sawyer is the owner and manager of Fly Jive Fly, the airshow production and promotion company that markets and produces events across the country.  She also narrates the show for "Jive" in "Wild Blue."  The Aero Experience looks forward to visiting with the Fly Jive Fly team again this year.  In the mean time, enjoy these views of last year's performance:

         


   

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013: Goulian Aerosports

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 continues with a photo essay of aerobatic superstar performer (Extra 330C) and Red Bull racer (Edge 540) Michael Goulian.  His aerial performance is honed to a sharp edge, featuring crisp maneuvering and precise energy management.  The U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Champion has received all three prestigious aerobatic showmanship awards and currently serves on the International Council of Airshows Board of Directors.  Despite the accolades,  Michael Goulian remains personable and eager to appreciate the fans who seek to meet him.  The photos chosen for this feature reflect his contagious enthusiasm of someone who really loves his work!

The Aero Experience wishes to thank Michael and Karin Goulian for visiting with us at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013, and we welcome the team back to St. Louis for the Spirit of St. Louis Airshow May 3-4.