TD, first, congrats on stepping up to the Challenger as your first jet. I spent 8 years and 2500 hrs flying, instructing and examining on the Challenger series from 600, 601 to 604. Spent time flying with Bombardier and TC certification test pilots for the Challenger as well.
It is critical to keep the wings clean. Having said that, I had no issues during grim winter ops as long as I followed the AFM. Full shutdown to reset electrical/EICAS issues usually worked well. Although a bit of a dog in the climb, if the book says you can do it...it will. Word from the test pilots was never get slow... Most efficient range vs speed is @ M77. Most of the time you can go to 410 at AUW but the climb schedule says 250/M70. It just won't get there at that speed. Better off cruise climbing @ 300-500 fpm in VS and M74 or greater. It will get there...
Great cabin but windows a little low in the cabin.
Happy flying,
RCAF914