“This is the first of a planned family of composite propellers we have in development, designed for a range of aircraft,” said McCauley Vice President and General Manager Peter Wilkinson. “We’re excited to have this announcement come on the heels of our consolidation of McCauley.”

The 1L100 is a new all composite fixed-pitch propeller specifically designed for the Skycatcher’s Teledyne Continental Motors O-200D engine. It consists of a continuous fiber, single piece design giving it high strength as well as light weight. McCauley will continue testing to gain Federal Aviation Administration CFR Part 35 certification, making the propeller available to a wider range of aircraft.

Cessna consolidated its McCauley operations in early July to better focus resources on development programs such as the 1L100. McCauley is owned by Cessna Aircraft Company.

Photo – McCauley 1L100 Propeller and 162 Skycatcher

Wilkinson, formerly vice president of Cessna Parts Distribution (CPD2), will have responsibility for the entire McCauley value stream including manufacturing, engineering, marketing and aftermarket support. Collier, currently vice president of Cessna’s Citation Parts Distribution (CPD), will assume management of CPD2 propeller aircraft support as well.

“It is important to Cessna and the McCauley business to focus on growth opportunities and development of new products. Peter’s proven track record will position McCauley for this future,” Paolucci said. “Bill brings a wealth of experience in distribution channel development and has demonstrated a strong focus on customer satisfaction.”

Prior to joining Cessna in 1997, Wilkinson spent 10 years with British Aerospace and served in the Royal Air Force for 13 years. He has a degree in Engineering from Lincoln University and is a certified Textron Six Sigma Champion and Green Belt.

With more than 33 years in the industry, Collier joined Cessna in 2005 after positions with Air Services International and Rolls-Royce. He received an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan.

For more than 60 years, McCauley Propeller Systems has been a leader in propeller design and manufacture for commercial and general aviation. Cessna acquired McCauley in 1960.

Photo – Peter Wilkinson

Photo – Bill Collier

For the second consecutive year, the Citation CJ3 has been selected “Best of the Best” in the Light business jet category. The CJ3 is recognized for its speed, range, comfort, performance and single-pilot capabilities.

The Citation Sovereign was selected “Best of the Best” for the Super Midsize business jet category for its “remarkable short-field performance” as well as its range, comfort and overall value.

The Citation CJ3 received Federal Aviation Administration certification in October 2004. It has a maximum cruise speed of 417 knots at 33,000 feet. With two pilots, four passengers and baggage, the CJ3 offers more than 1,600 nautical miles of range with NBAA IFR reserves. Service ceiling is 45,000 feet and the maximum gross takeoff weight is 13,870 pounds.

Cessna expects to deliver its 300th Citation Sovereign later this year. The first Sovereign was delivered in late 2004. Certified for operations to 47,000 feet, the Sovereign can take off from airfields as short as 3,640 feet and has a range of 2,847 nautical miles and a maximum cruise speed of 458 knots true airspeed.

He said the negative rhetoric around the general aviation industry has died down thanks to the combined efforts of the GA stakeholders. “This cooperation we’ve experienced in general aviation must span all areas of aviation,” he said, “and the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee launched by DOT Secretary La Hood is an excellent start.” Pelton represents general aviation on the committee.

In his remarks, Pelton sited three key issues that will most impact the aviation industry: the pilot population, environmental concerns and the Next Generation Air Transportation System.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration expects the number of student pilots nationwide to fall to a 10-year low of about 69,000 next year. That will equate to a nearly 30 percent decrease during the first decade of the 21st century.

“This is a problem for all of us in aviation, and all of us should be part of the solution,” Pelton told the group of aviation industry leaders. “Fewer pilots equate to less business for all of us, and it threatens the strong, sustainable aviation system our nation counts on.”

“Gone are the days when the military was producing all the pilots the airlines could absorb, or when a broader GI Bill funded expansive flight training for veterans returning to civilian life,” he said. “We need legislation that fosters and stimulates our industry,” he added.

On the environment, Pelton said aviation has established an outstanding track record in reducing its environmental impact. “The market demands efficiency. And with greater fuel efficiency comes reduced emissions. Still, we recognize there is much more we must do,” he said.

“The philosophy of the Lindbergh Foundation has it right – we must pursue policies and practices that balance progress and technology with environmental sensitivity,” he said.

Pelton said the same considerations need to be made as the government revamps the national airspace and develops the next generation air traffic management system, commonly called NextGen, although he is encouraged by the level of cooperation between industry and government in early stages.

“It’s encouraging to see this type of cooperation and I hope it will continue as we look to deploy components of the NextGen program,” said Pelton. “That is the only way to truly ensure the safety, efficiency, and economic and environmental benefits we are all counting on from NextGen.”

The Aero Club of Washington, founded in 1909, is dedicated to building public awareness of aviation and aerospace issues.

The full text of Pelton’s speech can be found by clicking here.