Brazil's ANAC national civil aviation authority has approved the type certificate for Embraer's Phenom 100 very light jet, clearing the way for sales in Brazil and setting the stage for US Federal Aviation Administration approval under reciprocity agreements "shortly", says the airframer.
Embraer had originally planned for certification and first deliveries in the third quarter, but vendor issues with seats and flap software as well as additional icing tests required by the FAA slowed progress.
The company had expected FAA certification by the end of November with as many as 10 deliveries to US customers before year-end. European certification remains on track for the second quarter of next year.
The as-delivered Pratt & Whitney PW617F-E-powered twinjet has a 2,180km (1,180nm) range, up from the originally projected 2,145km with four on board and NBAA IFR reserves.
Embraer has also developed an optional "enhanced take-off" performance package as part of the certification, resulting in a 953m (3,130ft) ground run at the maximum take-off weight, down 84m from the nominal take-off length.
Landing distance was also shown to be 92m shorter than projected, coming in at 823m for the certificated aircraft at maximum landing weight. Embraer also says the certificated aircraft, cleared for visual flight rules, instrument flight rules and flight into known icing, is 10kt (18km/h) faster than the original performance metrics, topping out at 390kt (720km/h).
Embraer will not disclose specific sales numbers for the Phenom 100, but says it has chalked up around 850 orders combined for the VLJ and its larger light jet stablemate the Phenom 300. The Phenom 100's price tag is expected to jump in January from $2.98 million to $3.6 million.
Source: Flight International
