Aircraft
Temporary Exemption Clears Hurdle for Longitude FAA Nod
The FAA and Textron had different interpretations on fuel tank designs, resulting in a need for short-term relief from applicable standards.
An FAA temporary exemption from fuel tank flammability requirements likely paves the way for Textron Aviation to begin deliveries of its super-midsize Citation Longitude by year-end. (Photo: David McIntosh/AIN)
An FAA temporary exemption from fuel tank flammability requirements likely paves the way for Textron Aviation to begin deliveries of its super-midsize Citation Longitude by year-end. (Photo: David McIntosh/AIN)

The FAA has given Textron Aviation a temporary reprieve from requirements surrounding fuel tank flammability requirements in a partial exemption approval that clears a significant hurdle for certification of its new top-of-the-line Cessna Citation Longitude. With the August 16 time-limited approval in hand, Textron Aviation continues to eye a third-quarter approval of the super-midsize jet, designated the Model 700. But the exemption is applicable only through Jan. 31, 2020, and Textron Aviation must submit a compliance plan by October 1.


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