Legendary aerobatic pilot Bob Hoover recently joined the flight testing and evaluation team for Sierra Industries’ FJ44 Eagle II, a retrofit of the Cessna Citation 501 with Williams International FJ44-2A fanjets.

“We are thrilled to have Bob Hoover working with us to finish testing on this incredible Citation upgrade,” said Sierra president Mark Huffstutler. “I believe it was a natural match to have a pilot of his caliber be involved with a modification of the same caliber. His technical abilities and immeasurable previous experience are proving to be an asset to our program.”

Hoover, a former military test pilot and favorite on the aerobatic airshow circuit, is also participating in the marketing and promotion of the FJ44 Eagle II. Customers will have the opportunity to take a demonstration ride with Hoover in the FJ44 Eagle II once FAA approval has been issued.

With more than 80 hr of flight completed on the first FJ44 Eagle II, Sierra estimates that FAA certification of the retrofit will take place by the end of the year. The base price of the Sierra FJ44 Eagle II retrofit is $1.55 million, less a to-be-determined discount for trade-in of the current Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1A engines.