FAA: Special Conditions Needed for HA-420

As it did for the Embraer Phenom 100 earlier this year, the FAA is proposing special conditions for certification of Honda Aircraft’s HA-420 HondaJet that would require a fire-extinguishing system even though FAR Part 23 does not require them. With engines mounted outside the pilots’ field of view, “early visual detection of engine fires is precluded,” according to the FAA. Honda Aircraft expects to define the certification basis for the HondaJet by year-end. FAA certification and deliveries are expected in 2010.