An Aircraft Built for Global Reach
As an entrepreneur, pilot and person with a constant sense of adventure and opportunity, Mike Shea knew he had to find a trusted aircraft designed and equipped with the necessities for global exploration. Shea quickly recognized this aircraft as the flagship product of the Textron Aviation family, the Cessna® Citation® Longitude® jet. Representing the ideal mix of modern design and cutting-edge technology, the Longitude® jet delivers the reliability and efficiency aviation enthusiasts need to maximize the value of every mission.
It was December of 2020 when Shea took delivery of his Longitude® jet after owning several different Citation® models throughout his lifetime. In his career, Shea mostly saw himself using aviation as a means for business pursuits, creating opportunities and accelerating his schedule thanks to his chosen method of transportation. His love for flying began well before he would find himself in the business landscape, having earned his private pilot’s license at 17 years old. Now, years later, Shea had found an aircraft that allowed him to live what he calls every pilot’s dream: to fly around the world.
Not long after taking delivery of his aircraft, Shea was eager to utilize his new Longitude® jet for several trips across the United States from California to Georgia. These trips from coast to coast were encouraging for Shea as he felt as confident as ever in his aircraft’s long-range performance. In the spring of 2021, with COVID-19 still limiting international travel, Shea put the Longitude® jet to the test for a trip home to Thomasville, GA from Maui, HI. A trip that took them 3,938nm, non-stop in 8 hours and 15 minutes. Shea beamed, calling the trip a testament to the Citation® Longitude® jet and its impressive range and speed.
Feeling confident and prepared, Shea later launched the first leg of his unforgettable journey, an 18-hour expedition from Thomasville, GA to Cape Town, South Africa. Dealing with a race against the clock to arrive for a pre-arranged reservation in Cape Town on March 1st, Shea left early from Thomasville, GA at 0700 on February 29th. After stopping in three countries to pick up additional guests or top off his fuel tanks, Shea ended up arriving in South Africa on March 1st, thirteen minutes ahead of schedule.
All of this was accomplished with the help of a second crew of familiar Citation® pilots. The all-hands approach would allow for a seamless experience for the initial stretch. With an exceptional crew on board, Shea says each being familiar with Garmin® systems helped when navigating the skies. Their journey from South Africa then led them to other spectacular cities across the globe such as Dubai, UAE, Manila, Philippines, Tokyo, Japan and Anchorage Alaska. Encompassing a total of three continents in just eight days before returning safely to Thomasville, GA. When all told, the trip encompassed a total of ten countries and three continents over eight days before returning safely to Thomasville, GA.
Cabin Comfort Provides Next-Level Experience
Finding the right aircraft for international travel was not limited to the performance of the product’s range and speed. Shea placed extra emphasis on the cabin during the design of his aircraft, he says he takes pride in a cabin experience designed with passenger comfort in mind. Sporting the best-in-class cabin decibel level, Shea was convinced early on that the Citation® Longitude® jet represented an opportunity for ideal comfort. When he wasn’t commanding the aircraft, Shea used the different seat capabilities, and pull-out couch for comfort and rest. The low-fatigue cabin, paired with the large galley, made the hours spent in the air more relaxing. With the ability to store and prepare fresh meals for passengers and crew, Shea reiterates how a high level of luxury is an imperative feature of the jet. “We were looking for a homelike experience. I think anyone who could be looking for a top cabin experience would not be disappointed.”
In total, Mike Shea traveled more than 25,000nm, flying for nearly 53.5 hours in their Citation® Longitude® jet. Returning home to Thomasville signaled success for Shea. Keeping with his original schedule, using on-board systems to adjust navigation needs and enjoying the luxury amenities the Citation® Longitude® jet aircraft offers created ideal passage. Having established confidence in aircraft and crew, Shea explains how his feelings toward flight and the aircraft have been reinforced. “When traveling in the magnificent Citation Longitude as a passenger or a pilot, there are simply no compromises. It has the speed, the range, and the quiet low-fatigue cabin that make the time literally fly by,” he expounded. “As a pilot, the precision and confidence gained from flying the most advanced flight deck in its class turns challenges into routine. From any perspective, the Citation Longitude is clearly an aircraft that is truly capable of global reach.”
