Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) journalists were onboard both aircraft to document the event, which was tracked live on the web. The fly-off was also documented according to National Aeronautic Association (NAA) rules, and will be considered for a record flight time between the city pairs.
The flat-wing aircraft (N741CC) travelled a total of 1,496 miles after being forced inland slightly by weather conditions, spent 5 hours and 37 minutes in the air, and used 3,650 pounds of fuel. The Active Winglet transformed aircraft was able to take a more direct route and travelled 1,386 miles, spending 4 hours and 36 minutes in the air, and used a total of 2,610 pounds of fuel.
The Active Winglet-equipped Cessna CitationJet (N44VS) was flown by 30-year pilot and aircraft owner Wick Zimmerman, CEO and co-founder of Outside the Lines. The unmodified flat-wing aircraft (N741CC) was flown by aviation veteran Mike Laver, owner of Carolina Turbine Support.
Tamarack CEO Nick Guida is proud of how the Active Winglets performed during the fly-off. “This was the first fly-off comparing an Active Winglet aircraft and a flat-wing aircraft operating under the same conditions,” he says. ”Active Winglet mods can result in up to 33% fuel savings, depending on weather conditions and other variables. Comparing these two flights, we saw about a 30% more efficient flight profile in terms of fuel consumption. As we saw yesterday, the Active Winglet competitor was unable to make the east coast trip without a stop, we couldn’t plan it safely. The Active Winglet transformed CitationJet (N44VS) was able to complete the trip without a fuel stop.”
“I am very pleased with how the Active Winglets performed in yesterday’s fly-off” shares Wick Zimmerman. “Active Winglets provide dramatic fuel savings, increased safety benefits, and much more. I am glad that the aviation industry is able to see this game changing technology in action.”
“I am very happy I was able to participate in this dramatic fly-off,” shares Mike Laver. ”The Tamarack Active Winglets are an impressive technology that continue to prove they help with fuel efficiency” says Laver. “Congratulations to Wick and the entire Tamarack team!”