The Jet Met Or Exceeded
All Specification Targets:
Embraer’s Phenom 100
entry level executive jet received its type
certificate last month from Australia’s
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This
certification joins the Phenom 100’s
approval by the FAA and Brazil’s National
Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) in December
2008, and the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), in April 2009.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Embraer Rolls Out Its First
Phenom 300 Light Jet
Sees Light Of Day... And
Soon, Light Under Its Wheels
Embraer tells ANN the Brazilian planemaker
finished assembling its first Phenom 300 jet
at the Gavião Peixoto plant in São Paulo,
Brazil, on April 12. The rollout precedes a
series of ground tests to be conducted in
preparation for the jet's first flight in
mid-2008. Final assembly of the second
Phenom 300 has also begun at the same plant.
"We are thrilled to see the Phenom 300
become a reality," said Luís Carlos Affonso,
Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive
Jets. "The Phenom 300, with its premium
comfort, best-in-class performance and low
operating cost, will set a new standard for
the Light Jet category."
"The roll-out of the first Phenom 300 is a
rewarding achievement, a direct result of
the unwavering commitment and relentless
drive of our engineering, manufacturing and
quality teams," said Henrique Langenegger,
Embraer Vice President, Programs – Executive
Jets. "Over 400 engineers were commissioned
to the Phenom 300 program. The deployment of
state-of-theart technologies enabled a
paperless design process, efficient
integration of over 50 suppliers, serial
production tooling for the very first
aircraft, and fully-digital quality
assurance."
The Phenom 300 rollout occurred just 10
months after the smaller Phenom 100 was
unveiled for the first time in June 2007.
The first metal cut of the Phenom 300 took
place in late March 2007, with wings and
engines installed at the end of February
2008. March 2008 saw the first electrical
power-on. The sub-sections were assembled at
the Botucatu plant.
Different from the Phenom 100, the Phenom
300 went through final assembly at the
Gavião Peixoto plant, where the program's
test campaign will also take place. Despite
a strong familial resemblance between the
two aircraft, the Phenom 100 and 300 share
relatively few common components, according
to Embraer.
The nine-seat Phenom 300 is designed for
high utilization and availability. Powered
by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines
rated at 3,200 pounds of thrust each, the
Phenom 300's range with six occupants will
be 1,800 nautical miles (3,334 km or 2,071
miles) with NBAA IFR reserves, 35 minutes
and 100 nm alternate.
The aircraft is capable of flying at 45,000
feet (13,716 meters) at a maximum operating
speed of Mach 0.78 and is also designed for
short-field takeoffs, while standard
anti-skid brakes will aid in short-field
landings.
Based on Garmin's all-glass,
fully-integrated avionics suite, the Prodigy
flight deck offers Phenom 300 jet operators
more advantages than any other avionics
suite on today's market. The cockpit
features three interchangeable 12-inch
displays -- two Primary Flight Displays
(PFD) and one Multi-Function Display (MFD).
The system integrates all primary flight,
navigation, communication, terrain, traffic,
weather, engine instrumentation, and
crew-alerting system data and presents the
composite information in brilliant,
sunlight-readable color on three
high-definition displays.
Expected to enter service in the second half
of 2009, the Phenom 300 is priced at US$
6.65 million, based on January 2005 economic
conditions, in the baseline configuration,
for FAA certification.
FMI:
www.embraer.com
Embraer Reveals First
Phenom Customer In India
Bangalore-Based Aviators India Takes Two
Phenom 100s
Last week, Embraer disclosed a contract
with Indian business aviation solutions
company Aviators India Pvt. Ltd. for two
Phenom 100 executive jets, totaling US$ 5.96
million, at list price. This order,
announced at the Extravaganza Mumbai 2008,
February 22-23, in India, is already
included in Embraer’s firm order backlog.
Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2009.
Aviators India has over ten years of
experience in the Indian marketplace. Their
choice of the Phenom 100 underscores our
confidence in the suitability of the
aircraft for this market," said Capt.
Manfred Baudzus, Embraer Director of
Marketing and Sales for Asia Pacific -
Executive Aviation. "We believe Aviators
will enjoy operating the Phenom 100
executive jet, whose comfort, high rate of
availability, performance and low operating
costs are standard setters in the Very Light
Jet category."
The Indian company is active in
consultancy services for aircraft
management, purchasing airplanes and
helicopters, and setting up corporate flight
departments.
"Amongst the aircraft in its class, the
Phenom 100 provides the best value for
investment and is a great personal
aircraft," said Capt. Arun Sharma, Managing
Director of Aviators India Pvt. Ltd.. "The
jet’s style, performance and comfort, in my
opinion, beat every aircraft in the market
and I have no doubt that the Phenom 100 will
become the preferred aircraft in India. We
are looking forward to receiving our
aircraft next year."
Aviators has been in business since 1994
and has bases in Bangalore (also
headquarters), Mumbai, Calcutta and Delhi.
The company says it provides "a holistic and
customer-centered approach" to business
aviation, offering in-flight information
services, aircraft and fuel sales, airplane
and helicopter charters (domestic and
international), aircraft charter sales
management, and operational support for
international flights.
FMI:
www.aviatorsindia.com,
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.
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.
General characteristics
General
characteristics
- Crew:
1 pilot
- Capacity:
4 passengers
standard (6
maximum)
-
Payload:
595 kg (1,312
lb)
- Length:
12.80 m (42 ft 1
in)
-
Wingspan:
12.30 m (40 ft 4
in)
- Height:
4.4 m (14 ft 3
in)
- Empty
weight:
3,235 kg (7,132
lb)
- Useful
load: 1,535
kg (3,384 lb)
-
Max takeoff
weight:
4,750 kg (10,472
lb)
-
Powerplant:
2×
Pratt & Whitney
Canada PW617F-E
turbofans, 7.2
kN (1,695 lbf)
each
Performance
Related content
Related development:
Embraer Phenom 300
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