Phenom 100 Takes to the Sky

The Phenom 100, Embraer’s four-place, $2.98 million entry into the very light jet market, flew for the first time this morning from São Jose dos Campos, Brazil. According to the company, the one hour, thirty-six minute flight was successful. Test pilot captain Antonio Bragança Silva said, “We had a successful first flight. All maneuvers and tests were performed as planned.” Company president and CEO Frederico Fleury Curado said, “This is a key milestone for Embraer and a very special and rewarding moment for the entire Embraer team. To see our new baby bird taking off is highly satisfying.” Additional flight testing, as well as static and fatigue testing, will lead to the jet’s scheduled certification in Brazil and the U.S. Embraer is planning for that to happen in the middle of next year, followed by EASA certification by the spring of 2009.