"We have several thousand singles, a lot of Caravans, and 300-400 Citations in Central and South America. It's a major market for us." So says Roger Whyte, svp for worldwide sales at Cessna.

"Our main markets are Mexico and Brazil, followed by Venezuela. And Chile has been really good for us in the last couple of years."

Latest victory here is the sale of three CJ1 Citations to the Chilean air force for a dual role of training and medical evacuation. The Chilean army already operates eight Cessna Caravans.

Cessna is here at FIDAE with no fewer than five aircraft--a top of the range Citation X, a Citation Excel, a Grand Caravan and the 182 and T206 piston singles.