With over 200 Active Winglet installations worldwide—including Europe and South America—Tamarack continues to lead the evolution of CitationJet performance. It's no wonder pilots around the globe are choosing the ultimate upgrade.
With so many options and upgrades available to enhance their jets, why do savvy aviators keep choosing Active Winglets for their CitationJets? It could be the incredible performance benefits (the cost of Tamarack Active Winglets is often recouped in fuel savings alone in approximately 3.6 years). Or it could be the remarkable VREF value (VREF has valued Active Winglet-equipped aircraft at 100% of their purchase price). And let’s not forget the most obvious factor—a CJ with Active Winglets is just plain sexy. Flat-wing CitationJets simply can’t match the bold, capable stance—and performance—of a Tamarack-enhanced aircraft.
But don’t take our word for it; meet Jim Plettner. When he sold his upgraded CitationJet 525, the sale was quick and seamless—thanks in large part to the performance benefits of the Active Winglet modification. Plettner had purchased the aircraft three years prior with 3,200 flight hours and sold it with 3,700 hours—for $140,000 more than his total investment in upgrades. In addition to Active Winglets, the aircraft featured upgraded Dual 750 avionics, an N1 computer, and a backup SAM attitude indicator. The turnkey condition and high desirability made the aircraft an easy sell.
Plettner's broker was extremely positive about the resale value of Active Winglet-transformed aircraft and received an asking-price offer within three days of listing.
“I don’t think the Winglets depreciated at all in the three years I’ve had them,” shared Plettner. “In fact, I think they are a substantial part of what sold my plane.”
The new owners weren’t initially searching for Active Winglets but were considering either a Phenom 100 or a CitationJet. With guidance from a knowledgeable source, they quickly realized the performance difference between flat-wing and winglet-equipped CitationJets. For instance, a flat-wing Cessna CJ/CJ1 that can typically fly three hours nonstop gains an extra hour of range with Active Winglets—on the same fuel load. That means fewer stops, less downtime, and significant savings.
Now back in the market, Plettner says another Active Winglet-equipped CJ would absolutely be on his list. The ability to carry more weight, land slower, and burn less fuel is any pilot’s dream.
Active Winglets brought incredible value and performance benefits to Plettner's aircraft, accompanied by safety benefits to match. The return on investment speaks for itself, with owners seeing real gains in performance, efficiency, and aircraft valuation. Not only do Active Winglets improve fuel economy and mission range, but they can also deliver meaningful resale profits.
One of the most sought-after benefits of flying with Active Winglet technology is the increase in Maximum Zero Fuel Weight (MZFW). MZFW is the maximum allowable aircraft weight—excluding fuel. It determines how much weight the aircraft can support without relying on fuel stored in the wings to balance stress on the structure.
In practical terms, an Active Winglet-transformed aircraft can carry significantly more than its flat-wing counterpart. Owners often see takeoff weight increases of 500 to 1,000 lbs., along with improved landing reserves. This added flexibility means fewer compromises on fuel, passengers, or cargo.
While it may be difficult to put a price tag on safety, it's one of the most important advantages of the Tamarack system. Unlike cosmetic or interior upgrades, Active Winglets improve OEI climb gradients, ride stability, and envelope protection. This becomes essential in hot/high conditions and contributes to legal and safe OEI climb-out procedures—critical for both dispatch and flight operations.
With Tamarack's technology, aircraft are more resilient to runway conditions and weather. Less need to offload fuel, more mission-ready departures, and added flexibility in trip planning all equate to a safer, more efficient experience.
Upgrading your aircraft with Tamarack Active Winglet technology is a decision that pays off immediately and for years to come. It’s more than just an upgrade—it’s a transformation. From substantial performance enhancements and fuel savings to higher resale values and safety benefits, the return on your investment is as clear as your view at altitude.
Originally published May 2023. Updated June 2025.
