The [Semi-Official] CJP 2017 Convention Guide

By Rob Finfrock

Last year’s CJP Convention in New Orleans is a tough act to follow, but CJP’s Board of Directors proved up to the task in arranging what promises to be a landmark gathering for CJP Members next month. Time is running out if you haven’t registered yet for CJP 2017!

Where Are We Going?

Offering a sublime mix of amazing scenery, fantastic entertainment, and comfortable temperatures, few places compare to the welcoming and relaxing environment of Phoenix, AZ in the fall. CJP is pleased to welcome attendees to this fantastic city offering excellent flying weather, and unparalleled desert sunsets.

Where Are We Staying?

Known as the “Jewel of the Desert,” the gorgeous Arizona Biltmore – a Waldorf Astoria Resort boasts a glittering history, all set within 39 glistening acres in the heart of Phoenix. A favorite vacation retreat of U.S. presidents and legendary film stars since 1929, The Arizona Biltmore features eight pools, two championship golf courses, a spa and event space overlooking lush gardens and surrounding mountains.

As one of the few hotels worldwide with an architectural imprint left by respected American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, The Arizona Biltmore recently underwent a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. Mission-style furnishings and Art Deco lighting are featured in all rooms, suites and cottages, reflecting the Sonoran Desert surroundings.

In addition to a full roster of events and presentations for CJP Members, attendees may enjoy a legendary Tequila Sunrise (first mixed by an Arizona Biltmore bartender during the late 1930s) from the Wright Bar, enjoy contemporary American cuisine at the acclaimed Frank & Albert’s or Wright’s at the Biltmore, and play at the adjacent Arizona Biltmore Country Club that is home to two championship golf courses.

Where Can I Park my Citation?

Cutter Aviation at Phoenix-Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is host FBO for this year’s CJP Convention. Befitting its role as the family-owned FBO chain’s flagship location, Cutter Phoenix-Sky Harbor offers CJP Members outstanding pilot comfort benefits, and full-service aircraft maintenance & avionics facilities. CJP has negotiated no landing, ramp or overnight fees for Convention attendees, and a special CJP rate for Jet-A. In addition, Textron Aviation will have a mobile service unit (MSU) onsite throughout the event to handle maintenance and quick repairs for CJP Members.

Plan to arrive at The Arizona Biltmore no later than Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. if you wish to make all the seminars and events. Transportation between the FBO to the hotel will be provided compliments of CJP on Tuesday (11:00-7:00), Wednesday (10:00-7:00) and on Sunday (6:30-12:00). If you arrive or depart outside of those windows, your options are to get a taxi, Uber or rent a car.

What Entertainment May I Look Forward To?

CJP truly went “above and beyond” in 2017 to assemble an impressive roster of presentations, seminars, and activities for CJP Members. CJP Platinum Plus partner Textron Aviation will again host its annual hangar party Thursday evening at Scottsdale’s Hangar One, which will include access to the exclusive Red Room car collection and a static display of multiple aircraft.

On Friday evening, the CJP Auction promises to be a full-fledged gala event, featuring not only a wonderful dinner and chances to bid on a slew of unique and desirable items, but also headline entertainment with a private concert by country music sensation Jake Owen (below.)

Our featured guest speaker at CJP 2017 will be retired U.S. Air Force Major and former SR-71 pilot Shul, whose books Sled Driver: Flying the World’s Fastest Jet and The Untouchables give the reader a firsthand account of being in the cockpit of the world’s fastest jet.

What About the Companions?

CJP will again provide plenty of interesting and exciting activities for non-flying spouses and partners, or Companions, to choose from during their stay. For example, the Companion Ground School, and Companion Flying Training Course offered by jetAVIVA, are designed to enable Companions to be more comfortable in the flying environment, refresh the principles of the pinch hitter course, and increase Companion safety and knowledge of their model aircraft.

Acclaimed chef, restaurateur, author, and television host Guy Fieri (left) returns to CJP for his third year in a row to host an exciting and thoroughly enjoyable interactive cooking experience, offering Companions the exciting opportunity to work alongside one of today’s most prolific and well-regarded chefs.

New for CJP 2017 will be the chance for teams to compete “Guy’s Grocery Games” covering every aspect of preparing an expertly-crafted meal, from creating the list of supplies, to shopping, to cooking. Guy is making a return appearance to CJP thanks to Textron Aviation.

New Events Highlight Safety and Proficiency

Operational safety will be an important theme throughout CJP 2017, with presentations from CJP Safety Committee Chairman Charlie Precourt, former NTSB investigator Greg Feith, Master CFI and mentor Neil Singer, and CJP founding member and former chairman David Miller addressing various aspects of Citation operations.

Thursday afternoon beginning at 1 pm, CJP will devote three and a half hours to a Safety Standdown including an in-depth review of accidents/incidents and a panel discussion with highly qualified Citation instructor pilots and mentors. The Standdown will be led by Precourt, and include participation by Textron Aviation, FlightSafety, TRU Simulation + Training, Flight Research and Neil Singer.

CJP has also expanded the roster of opportunities for attendees to share experiences with their fellow CJP members. These include breakout discussions focused on operator issues and specific Citation airframes and avionics, as well as expanded the opportunities for you to hear advice and guidance from Textron Aviation, Garmin, Rockwell Collins, Williams International and Pratt & Whitney Canada, as well as share experiences with your fellow CJP members.

In addition, more than 50 vendor displays will highlight the latest products and services specific to your Citation. Also new to CJP 2017 is a “Vendor Speed Dating” event, offering the chance to meet with select partner/vendors in smaller groups for 10 minutes at a time. This is a great way to get answers to questions you may have for them.

Sounds Great! So, How Do I Register?

You may complete the online form here to register for the 2017 CJP Convention. You will receive an email from the system confirming your registration and from our credit card company (or PayPal) confirming payment. You will also be able to print out an invoice for your files (the link will be in your registration email or you can return to this page and click on “Download Invoice”).

Please note that you will not be able to make a reservation at The Arizona Biltmore until you have registered and paid your CJP registration fee. You will receive an email confirming your registration, which will also include your hotel reservation code. You will not be able to make a reservation without that code.

Make your plans to attend now, and we hope to see you there!