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São José dos Campos, July 29, 2009 – Embraer Executive Jets Service Center in Le Bourget received, this month, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification to perform maintenance services on the Phenom 100 jet. The maintenance staff went through theoretical classes at Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) and practical training at Embraer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil. {load position articleinset}“We are very proud to announce this important milestone and to add the Phenom 100 to our maintenance capability list,” said Sébastien Albouy, Senior Manager, Embraer Executive Jet Service Center – Le Bourget. “We are looking forward to building successful relationships with our Phenom customers, as the first deliveries begin in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.”

04-09-2009: 
Embraer Phenom Pilot Training Program Soaring at CAE
Nearly 50 customers have completed Phenom 100 pilot training at Embraer CAE Flight Training Services, a joint venture between CAE and Embraer, CAE told AIN. In addition, several FAA, EASA and Brazilian ANAC officials have also completed the 14-day Phenom training course, which has been conducted at CAE’s Dallas facility since September. A second Phenom 100/300 simulator is being assembled at CAE’s Burgess Hill location in the UK and is expected to be ready for training in the third quarter. Phenom 300 pilot training will also start at both locations late this year. In other news at CAE, the company recently pledged to invest about $577 million in Project Falcon, a research and development program that will span five years. The goal of Project Falcon is to expand CAE’s current modeling and simulation technologies, develop new ones and increase its capabilities beyond training. Project Falcon will focus on applying investments into six main technology thrusts, including development of an “augmented visionics system,” a technology that would allow a pilot to take off and land safely even when visibility outside the cockpit is restricted.

03-18-2009:
Flaps Retrofit Set for Early Embraer Phenom 100s
Embraer is paying for a service bulletin to replace flap-controller units in the first 10 to 20 Phenom 100 very light jets. The new controller units will have updated software to fix a “nuisance failure” problem that causes the flaps not to work. “The failure does not actually exist,” explained Embraer’s Mauricio Martins de Almeida Filho, “but the system interprets it as a ‘flap fail’ condition and triggers a fail-safe shutdown. In most occurrences a new command on the [flap] lever is capable of recovering the system, but in a few cases maintenance action (a system re-rig) is required.” An Airworthiness Directive (AD2009-05-06) also affects the flap system and calls for new procedures and limitations section revisions in the AFM, due to “a possibility that during a go-around procedure with a flap system failed the stall warning and the stick pusher triggering angles are anticipated reducing the margin between the real angle of attack and the stick pusher triggering angle.”

Duncan Aviation Ready for Embraer Phenom Service
Owners and operators of Embraer Phenom 100s that are entering into service can have their new very light jets serviced at Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln, Neb., and Battle Creek, Mich. facilities, which in 2006 were named authorized service centers for the Legacy 600 and Phenom 100 and 300. Duncan recently completed paint work on a Phenom 100 and also was named a line maintenance center for the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F-E turbofan that powers the jet. Additionally, Duncan Aviation expanded its helicopter-component, repair-and-overhaul capabilities and signed a new Honeywell service-center agreement covering mechanical components. According to Honeywell, this agreement “allows Duncan Aviation to offer extremely competitive pricing for parts, labor flat-rates and exchange units.” Components covered include those found on Hawker Beechcraft King Airs and Hawkers, Bombardier Challengers and Learjets, IAI Westwinds and Astras, Dassault Falcons and Cessna Citations.

02-20-2009:  Embraer Announces Workforce Reduction, Lowers Delivery Forecasts
Roughly 20 Percent Of Global Jobs Will Be Cut

Brazilian planemaker Embraer is the latest aircraft manufacturer to announce massive layoffs, blaming a likely reduction in orders and production during what looks to be a very difficult year.

In a communique issued Thursday, Embraer announced it plans to lay off about 20 percent of its 21,362 employees, with the majority of job losses coming from the production and administrative areas. The company will also cut an entire level in the company's current management structure.

"[I]t has become inevitable to implement a revision to its cost structure and workforce, adjusting them to the new reality of demand for commercial and executive aircraft," Embraer stated. "Although Embraer has its headquarters in Brazil, the Company depends primarily on export markets and on global economic performance -- over 90 percent of its revenues are generated abroad.

"Therefore, the resiliency that the Brazilian domestic market has been demonstrating through the crisis does not significantly alter this adverse scenario."

Embraer added the "significant majority" of the engineering workforce will be kept engaged in programs for development of new products and technologies, which will be kept unchanged.

As a result of those layoffs, Embraer also revised its revenue projections for 2009 to US$ 5.5 billion, projecting 242 commercial and executive aircraft deliveries.

"Embraer expresses its profound respect for the people who are now leaving their positions with the Company," the planemaker added. "Respect for the work they performed, for their professional and personal contributions during their tenure, and for the difficult moment they are facing."

FMI: www.embraer.com

Embraer Selects First Authorized Service Center In India
Indamer Named To Worldwide Support Network

Embraer has named India's Indamer Company Pvt. Ltd. as an authorized executive jet service center. This is the first Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) company to serve Embraer's Phenom and Legacy 600 jet customers in India.

"The fast growth of the executive jet fleet in India led Embraer to choose Indamer to provide support in the region," said Edson Mallaco, Embraer Vice President, Customer Support and Services, Executive Jets. "The reputation of Indamer, which has been operating in India since 1947, and the quality of its services were decisive factors in Embraer's choice."

Based in Mumbai, Indamer has 12,900 square feet of space for its hangar and facilities, and can provide warranty support and heavy maintenance services for customers of the Phenom and Legacy 600 jets. The service center will handle routine checks and scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and will offer trained rescue teams for these aircraft. Operations are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2009.

"Embraer has been doing good business in India. With the authorized service center now coming on line, its customers will enjoy prompt and superior services," said Mr. Rajeev Wadhwa, EAHC Managing Director & Chief Operations Officer. "We will handle different aircraft, right from warranty support to heavy maintenance work. The company has rich experience in MRO and the right engineering skills. We will further invest in training and infrastructure enhancements to meet the stringent quality norms laid down by Embraer."

Founded in 1947, Indamer performs maintenance on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft for private owners, charter services, State governments and training institutes.

FMI: www.embraer.com, www.indamer.com

Friday Dec. 12th, 2008:

FAA Certified! Embraer's Phenom 100
No Asterisk This Time
When Embraer said its Phenom 100 would receive its FAA approval "soon" after the entry level executive jet earned Brazilian certification, they meant it. On Friday, Embraer announced the FAA has certified the aircraft, and first deliveries will begin next week.  "We are thrilled to announce that the Phenom 100 is certified by the FAA, as planned, confirming all of the exceptional performance characteristics previously approved by ANAC," said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. "US certification validates the jet’s design and its suitability for one of the most important business aviation markets."  The FAA granted US Type Certificate based upon Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency’s (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil – ANAC) Type Certificate, which as ANN reported was issued on December 9. EASA certification is expected for the second quarter of 2009.  As with the Brazilian approval, the FAA certified the Phenom 100 for operation in all conditions -- day and night, VFR and IFR, and for flight into known icing.

FMI: www.embraer.com

Certified! Embraer's Phenom 100
In Brazil... FAA Approval Expected Soon

Embraer's smallest jet has been given approval to operate in its home market... and should soon be approved for its largest market, as well. The Phenom 100 entry level executive jet received its Type Certificate from Brazil's National Civil Aviation Authority (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil – ANAC), in a ceremony held Tuesday at Embraer headquarters in São José dos Campos.

"In 2005, we promised to design and build a revolutionary jet with premium comfort, outstanding performance, docile flying qualities, and a low operating cost," said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. "We have relentlessly pursued these design goals and, now, I am thrilled to announce that the Phenom 100 has not only met all original specification targets, but has also surpassed several performance goals."

"This certification makes all of us at Embraer very proud. The Phenom 100 was conceived, developed, and certified in less than four years, which is very noteworthy," said Emilio Matsuo, Embraer's Senior Vice President, Engineering. "Furthermore, the performance figures obtained demonstrate the product's excellent design."

The Phenom 100's maximum range, originally projected to be 1,160 nautical miles, has been extended to 1,178 nautical miles with four occupants and NBAA IFR reserves. An optional enhanced take-off performance package was included in the aircraft certification, resulting in a 3,125 feet take-off field length at maximum take-off weight.  The standard take-off field length is 3,400 feet as initially specified.

For departures from airports with restrictions due to high temperatures or high elevations, or both, take-off climb performance has also surpassed the design target, providing up to 300 nautical miles extra range. Another performance improvement was achieved with the landing distance, verified to be only 2,699 feet at maximum landing weight, 301 feet shorter than initially specified.

The maximum ramp weight for the Phenom 100 in standard configuration is 10,516 lbs, with max takeoff weight of 10,472 lbs. The jet sports a 3,384 lbs useful load, with maximum usable fuel load of 2,804 lbs. Embraer adds the Phenom 100's fuel consumption rates are slightly better than originally forecast.

The flight test campaign also validated the Phenom 100's top speed of 390 knots (true air speed), 10 knots faster than initially projected. The aircraft is capable of climbing directly to its maximum cruise altitude of 41,000 feet, even at maximum take-off weight.

Certified without restrictions, the Phenom 100 is able to fly under Visual and Instrument Flight Rules conditions, day or night, and into known or forecasted icing conditions. The aircraft also operates well within Stage IV external noise requirements, establishing by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), having been certified with a cumulative margin of 33 EPNdB.

"We congratulate all Embraer teams and our partners, who made this best-in-class jet a reality, in such record-breaking time," said Affonso. "Embraer's hundreds of employees involved in the Phenom 100 program can be proud of having achieved, and even surpassed, the jet's challenging design goals. This achievement goes well beyond the certification of an aircraft. It represents a major building block for the future of Embraer Business Aviation."

Certification of the Phenom 100 by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected soon. Both the Brazilian and the US certifications will enable the Phenom 100 deliveries to begin in the coming weeks.

As of January 5, 2009, the Phenom 100 will be priced at US$ 3.18 million for FAA certification, and US$ 3.25 million for ANAC certification, both based on January 2005 economic conditions for a baseline configuration. Brought to January 2009 economic conditions, the price will be US$ 3.6 million for FAA certification and US$ 3.68 million for ANAC and EASA certifications, subject to escalation until delivery.

FMI: www.embraerexecutivejets.com

First Phenom 100 Customers Conclude Pilot Training
Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) Completes Inaugural Program

The first Phenom 100 customers have successfully passed the practical test with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the new Embraer entry level executive jet, at Alliance Airport, in Fort Worth, TX.

James Frost, the first Phenom 100 customer authorized to fly the aircraft, is a real estate and mineral executive, and already holds an Air Transport Pilot certificate, with 2,500 hours logged in 35 years of experience. Frost's wife, Elizabeth, who has also successfully completed the program, is the first woman to be certified as a Phenom 100 pilot.

"We congratulate the first Phenom 100 customer pilots," said Edson Carlos Mallaco, Embraer Vice President, Customer Support and Services -- Executive Jets. "The successful conclusion of the training program shows Embraer's commitment to offering premium and timely services, from innovative products to first-rate training and support."

"The conclusion of the training program made me feel even more excited to fly my own Phenom 100 jet. I was attracted to the jet by its high level of automation and clean sheet design and, through the practical classes, I experienced the jet's comfortable cabin, friendly cockpit, and high-end systems," said owner James Frost.

The general pilot training program will have two new Full-Flight Simulators (FFS) built by CAE, located in the US, and another one in Burgess Hill, United Kingdom. Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) is a joint venture that was formed by Embraer and CAE, in 2007, to provide comprehensive pilot and ground crew training programs for Phenom customers.

FMI: www.embraer.com

Embraer Opens Third Executive Jet Center In Two Months
FLL Facility Joins Connecticut, Arizona Centers

For a company that had little-to-no presence in the business aircraft market just three short years ago, Embraer continues to go all-in with its plans to rival industry giants like Cessna and Bombardier. The Brazilian planemaker cut the ribbon Monday at its third company-owned executive jet service center in the United States.

Located at Ft. Lauderdale -Hollywood International Airport (FLL), the 55,500-square-foot facility will provide full-service care for the existing Legacy 600 business jet... as well as the upcoming Phenom 100, Phenom 300, Legacy 450, and Legacy 500 aircraft. Embraer recently christened two other US facilities, located at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, AZ.

"These three new company-owned service centers are strategically located to offer greater customer convenience for full product support and services, including parts inventory," said Edson Carlos Mallaco, Embraer Vice President, Customer Support and Services, Executive Jets. "With this facility, which will provide comprehensive support for our Phenom and Legacy customers in Southeastern US, Embraer achieves its goal of having seven wholly-owned service centers in operation, worldwide, in 2008."

Embraer's executive jet service centers consist of a hangar, workshops and office space. They offer full aircraft service, including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance; 24/7 technical assistance and parts, airframe, engine, avionics, and other system repairs; Aircraft On Ground (AOG) mobile rescue teams; and an inventory of expendable and repairable parts. The Fort Lauderdale facility will have an additional 7,500 square feet (697 square meters) of office space.

Embraer expects each of the three new centers to create approximately 60 jobs over the next five years.

"I welcome the success and positive economic impact that is sure to come from this expansion," said Governor Charlie Crist. "Embraer’s presence in Florida is testimony to our dedication and commitment to strengthening the local and state economy."

The Embraer executive jet service center in Fort Lauderdale is part of a local investment of approximately US$ 17 million, which also includes a spare parts distribution center for the Commercial Aviation division of the Company, and overall infrastructure improvements throughout the Embraer campus, which currently has another four buildings and about 280 employees.

FMI: www.embraerexecutivejets.com

Embraer CAE Training J-V Launches Phenom 100 Programs
First Pilot Training Began In September

CAE and Embraer’s training joint venture, Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) announced at NBAA last week it has launched its first pilot and technical training programs for the Phenom 100 aircraft at CAE’s facility in Dallas, TX. The joint venture was established in October 2006 to provide pilot and ground crew training to Embraer customers of the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 jets.

"We are delighted to see these milestone events successfully achieved," said Simon Newitt, Embraer’s Director of Customer Training. "These first pilot and technical training programs are the result of months of groundwork, and ensure that our Phenom 100 customers are fully prepared, as the time approaches for the aircraft to enter service."

To support the program, the world's first Phenom 100 full-flight simulator (FFS), built by CAE, is located at CAE's facility in Dallas. A second Phenom 100/300 FFS is scheduled to be deployed at CAE's Burgess Hill training center in the UK, in the first quarter of 2009. ECTS plans to add a third Phenom 100 FFS in the future, at a yet-to-be-defined location in North America.

"CAE and Embraer created a best-in-class, advanced training program for pilots and technical staff for Phenom 100 customers," said Jeff Roberts, CAE's Group President, Innovation and Civil Training & Services. "Pilots and technicians will receive operationally-oriented training for Phenom 100 jets, ensuring the highest levels of safety."

The program's first technical training course, which is instructor-led and computer-based, began in August, with additional courses underway and scheduled to take place on a regular basis. They may take place either at CAE's center in Dallas or on-site at customer facilities.

The first pilot training began in September, with additional courses also underway and scheduled to take place on a regular basis. The program includes up to 23 hours of computer-based training, followed by 40 hours of instructor-led ground school, involving Integrated Procedures Trainer (IPT) sessions, and approximately 32 simulator-hours based on a two-person crew.

FMI: www.embraer.com, www.cae.com

Certified! P&WC's PW617F Light Jet Turbofan
Latest In Series Will Power Embraer's Phenom 100

Pratt & Whitney Canada has received Transport Canada and FAA type certification for its new PW617F engine, selected to power the Embraer Phenom 100 very light jet (VLJ).

"This is a great milestone, and reflects our excellent teamwork with Embraer in meeting the Phenom 100 program targets," said Keyvan Fard, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, P&WC. "We expect that the follow-on approvals from US and European airworthiness authorities will be granted very shortly."

The PW617F engine, chosen by Embraer in May 2005 to power the Phenom 100, provides 1,615 pounds of thrust and features a dual-channel, full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system.

P&WC’s new PW600 engine series incorporates the latest advanced technologies to set a new standard in customer value and environmental friendliness, offering a step change in performance, operating economics and durability with excellent fuel consumption combined with very low carbon emissions.

Members of the family have captured a significant share of the emerging VLJ market with the PW615F selected to power Cessna Aircraft’s Citation Mustang and the PW610F powering the Eclipse 500, in addition to the PW617F and Phenom 100 combination.

FMI: www.pwc.ca, www.embraer.com

Embraer Selects Melbourne, FL For US Phenom Assembly Line

Will Invest $50 Million To Establish Facility At MLB

ANN REALTIME UPDATE 05.13.08 1700 EDT: It's official! Embraer announced Tuesday it plans to invest an estimated US$ 50 million for the establishment of a new facility in the United States dedicated to its executive jets business. The new 150,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will house a final assembly line, the first for Embraer in the U.S. It will be capable of producing both the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 executive jet models, as well as a paint shop and a delivery and customer design center.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting involving Melbourne mayor Harry Goode, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Enterprise Florida, and other state and local officials.

After a rigorous and thorough site selection process, the preferred location for the project is Melbourne International Airport, in Melbourne, Florida, which best satisfies all applicable operational requirements and strategies. A Memorandum of Intent has been executed between all of the necessary parties, and a final decision is predicated on approval by the State and local governments.

Embraer expects to create approximately 200 skilled positions by 2011. These will be necessary to operate all aspects of the facility, including aircraft assembly, production planning, logistics and quality, aircraft interior design, corporate administration, engineering, and aircraft painting, delivery, and flight testing functions.

"Developing this new facility will allow Embraer to respond to the growing demands of its executive jets business and reaffirms our commitment to meet and exceed customer requirements and expectations," said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO. "We are very excited and confident that our new location, in Melbourne, Florida, will be a successful step and a special milestone for the Company. We look forward to working with local officials to finalize the proposal and begin the development of this new facility."

"We welcome Embraer as a key player in Florida’s expanding aviation sector," Governor Crist said. "With this announcement, the Sunshine State again demonstrates its ability to attract world-class companies able to compete in the competitive global economy."

Original Report

1200 EDT: A meeting scheduled for Tuesday in Melbourne, FL may lead to Brazilian planemaker Embraer locating a showroom and production facility for its upcoming Phenom 100 and 300 light jets in the Sunshine State.

Florida Today reports Governor Charlie Crist will discuss details of the $41 million deal with executives from Embraer. The meeting comes following weeks of closed-door discussions between the two sides.

The first phase of the plan would include building a assembly facility on a 15-acre site at Melbourne International Airport, according to sources. As many as 200 jobs would be created by the new plant, which could be operational by January 2010.

Embraer wants $1.8 million in economic incentives to secure the deal... and local officials are reportedly eager to talk, as the new jobs would carry an average annual wage of $50,000 -- close to $11,000 higher than current average wages in Brevard County.

Last month, Embraer's Phenom 100 very-light-jet made its first appearance in the United States, undergoing cold-soak testing in the climate lab at Eglin Air Force Base (above).

FMI: www.embraer.com

Embraer's Phenom 100 Completes Cold Soak Trials

Plane Gets 'Chilly' Reception On First US Trip

Embraer’s fourth Phenom 100 jet successfully concluded its cold soak tests on April 14, moving ahead with the aircraft’s maturity campaign. The test was performed at a well-known climate laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Its objective is to certify the aircraft’s strength and the functioning of the plane and its components under condition of extreme cold.

"The maturity campaign is an important phase in the development of the Phenom 100 jet," said Henrique Langenegger, Embraer Vice President, Programs – Executive Jets. "The tests in Florida were conducted as planned and presented very satisfactory results. Now, the campaign will continue in Brazil over the coming months."

On its first trip to the United States, the Phenom 100 jet remained in a cold chamber for over 12 hours, down to a temperature of -40°F. The engines, systems, batteries, opening and closing of the door, and internal temperature were tested, among other things. All of the results were very positive. The cold soak tests not only certify the airplane’s functioning under extreme temperature conditions, but also provide valuable information for more robust and simplified procedures for operations in a cold climate.

The fourth Phenom 100 jet flew for the first time on March 26, this year, at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto plant, in outstate São Paulo. It is taking part in the maturity campaign, consisting of an intensive schedule of tests under real operating conditions, including exposure to extremes of heat and cold.

At the same time, Embraer is carrying out the certification campaign with the first three Phenom 100 aircraft. So far, vibration, stall, flight quality, performance, and the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), as well as other systems and aircraft features, have been tested.

Certification of the Phenom 100 is expected during the second half of 2008. The first Phenom 100 due for customer delivery is already in the final pre-assembly stage, according to the Brazilian planemaker.

FMI: www.embraer.com

Embraer's Light Jet Makes Phenom-enal First Flight

Phenom 300 Takes To Skies Earlier Than Forecast

Embraer's Phenom 300 successfully took to the air on its maiden flight Tuesday from the company’s Gavião Peixoto test runway. In the coming months, the first Phenom 300, serial number 99801, will participate in the flight test campaign along with three additional Phenom 300 jets. It is expected to enter service in the second semester of 2009.

"This first flight of the Phenom 300 executive jet is a very special and historic moment for all of us at Embraer, and I congratulate every Embraer employee for making this possible," said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President and CEO. "We unveiled the Phenom jets nearly three years ago, making a clear statement to the business aviation community of our commitment to becoming a long-term player in the executive aviation market. The first flight of the Phenom 300 further confirms our determination and is another solid step in Embraer’s strategy to offer its customers a product line that fully meets increasingly demanding customer expectations."

The aircraft’s entirely digital development process, as well as the total commitment of the teams involved in the program, allowed moving up this flight, which had originally been scheduled for mid-year.

"We are thrilled with the Phenom 300’s successful first flight, which gives us great confidence for the upcoming program milestones," said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. "The Phenom 300 will deliver an unequalled travel experience with the highest level of comfort and performance in the light jet category."

During the one hour and twenty-two minute flight, Captain John Sevalho Corção and Embraer Chief Pilot Eduardo Alves Menini -- who also was a crew member of the first flight of the Phenom 100 -- were accompanied by flight test engineer Jens Peter Theodor Geiger Wentz. The crew put the plane through a number of maneuvers, checking the aircraft’s flight characteristics and the operation of its systems. Simultaneously, the engineering teams involved in the Phenom 300 flight test campaign were analyzing flight data transmitted in real time and supporting the flight test crew from the ground.

"The crew is honored to have participated in this important event, representing the great work of hundreds of people whom we congratulate," said Capt. Corção. "The quality of the Phenom 300 design and onboard high technology provided a very smooth and pleasant flight, increasing the thrill of flying the aircraft for the first time."

On a schedule similar to that of the Phenom 100 very-light-jet, three Phenom 300 jets will spend approximately 1,400 hours in the certification program, and a fourth aircraft will be dedicated to the maturity campaign. The tests to be conducted with the 99801 aircraft will focus on performance and defining the aerodynamic configuration. Other tests, such as those dealing with systems functions and reliability, vibrations on the ground, flying qualities, flutter, water spray, single-point refueling system, and so on, will be shared by the first three test aircraft.

FMI: www.embraer.com

Third Phenom 100 Takes Flight
Engine Mounting For Larger 300 Expected Soon

Just in time for the holidays, Embraer updated ANN on the progress of the Brazilian planemaker's light-jet program.  The third Phenom 100 jet took its first flight Friday from the test runway at the Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility, outstate São Paulo, Brazil. The aircraft will join the flight test campaign, performing interior function and reliability tests.

The jet -- the first to be completed in the newly-inaugurated hangar at the same site -- will be outfitted with the interior designed in partnership with BMW DesignworksUSA. The fourth aircraft is in the final assembly stage and will be used in the Phenom 100 maturity campaign.

"The Phenom 100 flight test campaign has accrued over 250 hours on more than 260 flights," said Henrique Langenegger, Embraer Vice President, Programs - Executive Jets. "The aircraft dispatch reliability has been excellent, showing that all investments made in product maturity were worthwhile."

As ANN reported, the first Phenom 100 flew July 27. The test program now include three Phenom 100 jets, which have recently completed performance, flying qualities, flutter, water ingestion, and artificial ice tests.

As the Phenom 100 progresses, Embraer also announced the first fuselage for the larger Phenom 300 is also ready. The first pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines has arrived at Embraer for installation on the jet, once the wing-fuselage mating occurs.

Final assembly of the Phenom 300 will take place in the new Phenom production hangar at the Gavião Peixoto facility.

FMI: www.embraer.com

Second Phenom 100 Takes Flight
Embraer VLJ Sees Light Under Its Gear

Embraer performed the maiden flight of its second Phenom 100 jet, registration PP-XOM, Wednesday. Captain Marcio Brisolla Jordão, Captain Antonio Bragança Silva, and flight engineer Carlos Roberto Silveira Filho.

“The flight test campaign is steadily progressing, confirming the quality and trueness of the project design of these jets,” said Henrique Langenegger, Embraer Vice President, Programs – Executive Jets. “Flight tests are producing the first results, and the assembly of the third plane moves efficiently ahead.”

The tests to be performed by this aircraft deal with systems functioning, In-Flight Thrust Determination (IFTD), and flutter.

The full test campaign of the Phenom 100 will be carried out by four aircraft. With this flight, there are now two jets in the test phase to confirm design features, as well as to provide data for certification.

The first and second Phenom 100 jets are fully instrumented, while the third and fourth aircraft will be outfitted with the interior designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA.

FMI: www.embraer.com

Will deliver premium comfort, outstanding performance and low operating cost. These are the key design drivers for this jet. It will be designed for high utilization and high availability. Its pilot-friendly cockpit and docile flying qualities will enable single-pilot operation and an easy transition for less experienced pilots.  The Phenom 100 will carry up to eight people and be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW617F engine, with 1,615 pounds of thrust. Its range will be 1,160 nautical miles (NBAA IFR reserves with 100 nm alternate) with four people onboard and it will have a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.7. The airplane is designed for a short takeoff distance and is capable of flying at 41,000 feet. The Phenom 100 is expected to enter service in mid-2008 and will be priced at $2.75 million in 2005 economic conditions. 

Embraer's Very Light Jet Takes To The Skies
Phenom 100 Completes First Flight In Brazil

Embraer's Phenom 100 Very Light Jet made its first flight Thursday at the company's main facility in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. The jet was able to take off in a pocket of clear sky as weather... has been postponing the flight for the past few days.

Vice president of Embraer's executive jets, Luis Carlos Affonso told the press Tuesday the program crew was waiting out the weather before completing high-speed runway tests.  As it turns out the crew had loftier ideas for their test once the weather cleared.  "We said we would have first flight in mid-2007, and I am happy we have made that target," Luis Carlos Affonso said.Phenom serial number 99801 was piloted by Capt. Antonio Braganca Silva and Capt Eduardo Alves Menini. The flight test engineer onboard was Marcelo Toledo Basile.  The flight lasted for about one and half hours, during which several maneuvers were performed to test flight characteristics.  The jet left terra firma at 10:55am and was taken to an altitude of 15,000ft. The first flight was completed with the Phenom's landing gears down.

"Now that the first flight is done we will begin flight testing until May," said.  According to Embraer the flight testing will include static and fatigue tests until mid-2008. The first tests will satisfy the requirements of Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency. Following will be certification with the FAA before entering service in mid-2008. European certification is planned for completion in the first semester of 2009.  "Because it was flown on time as per our plans it makes all the chances for first delivery in 2008," Affonso said.  Embraer has already boasted 450 firm orders for its Phenom family. Of those firm orders Embraer says a mere 20% of those orders are owner/operators.  When asked where deliveries will take place, Affonso said most of the initial deliveries will happen in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He explained that it wasn't Embraer's intention to have customers take delivery of their aircraft in Brazil. The customers have been deciding to take a vacation in Sao Paulo to pick up their aircraft.  Commenting on the shear size of the Phenom 100 as a VLJ, Affonso suggested it was "in a class of its own. It's much larger than any of the other very light jets."

FMI: www.embraerexecutivejets.com

The Phenom 100 is a Very Light Jet (VLJ) developed by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. It has a capacity for 4 passengers in its normal configuration, but it can carry up to 6 passengers if the lavatory is removed. It has a maximum flying range of 1,320 nautical miles. Its price is estimated at US$ 2.75 million, with a production date of mid 2008.

Embraer Counts Down Days To First Flight Of Phenom 100; Ground Tests Now Underway

Embraer tells ANN the Brazilian planemaker is currently performing the ground tests for the Phenom 100 very light jet, in preparation for its first flight. Engineers are making steady progress, according to representatives with the company, as they confirm the design quality of the aircraft and test the functionalities and integration of its systems.

"The Phenom 100 test campaign has begun and steadily advances," said Alexandre Figueiredo, Embraer Senior Manager, Phenom Programs. "The ground tests prepare the aircraft for its first flight and provide results for the certification process, which is scheduled to be completed in mid-2008."

These tests are an integral part of the development program, to make sure the aircraft meets its performance and availability goals. The first test conducted was the engine run, when the Phenom's engines were powered up after being mounted on the aircraft. They had already been thoroughly tested at Pratt & Whitney Canada’s facilities in Canada, and flown on its test-bed aircraft.

The Ground Vibration Test (GVT) is being conducted, with the objective of validating the aero-elastic model of the aircraft. During the test, the aircraft is suspended with elastic cables in order to float as if in flight.

Flight controls will be tested for flexibility, validating the primary control systems. The entire circuit of cables and brackets will be tested with a full surface load on the ailerons, rudder and elevator, confirming attrition and deflection conditions and no jamming.

Systems functionality and integration are the object of the main group of ground tests. All systems are evaluated both individually and jointly, confirming the aircraft’s operational capabilities, from taxiing through the first flight.

The engines are powered up, in order to generate and distribute electricity to all systems. The gyromagnetic compass, Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) will be verified. System failure simulations will be performed to guarantee the safety of the aircraft during its first flight.

Electromagnetic interferences will be applied to the aircraft to ensure accurate systems operation. Finally, the test crew will perform low and high-speed taxi runs to confirm controllability of the steering, braking and emergency systems on the ground.

The first flight of the Phenom 100 will occur in the near future, upon completion of ground tests.

FMI: www.embraer.com

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