Cessna began issuing layoff notices to 1,600 of the 2,300 employees that will lose their jobs by the end of June.  On top of the layoffs, Cessna has decided to shelve what was to be their new top of the line aircraft, the Columbus.  Cessna is also closing The Bend, Ore, plant it inherited through the acquisition of Columbia Aircraft.  CEO, Jack Pelton said that suspending work on the Columbus was difficult, but they need to be realistic in current economic times.  They expect to refund around 50 million in deposits on the columbus.