Story ID: 
Special Conditions Notice Reveals Phenom 100 Weight
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: The FAA on Friday issued a request for comments on special conditions that would apply to Embraer’s Phenom 100 VLJ to cover “novel or unusual design featur
Word Count: 194
The FAA on Friday issued a request for comments on special conditions that would apply to Embraer’s Phenom 100 VLJ to cover “novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with aft-mounted engine fire protection.” In the request, the FAA included information about the Phenom 100’s maximum takeoff weight, one of the specifications for the jet that Embraer has not revealed publicly thus far. According to the FAA, the Phenom 100’s maximum takeoff weight is 9,700 pounds, which is in line with previous Embraer guidance of an mtow around 10,000 pounds. The special conditions are necessary, according to the FAA, because “Part 23 did not envision the type of configuration of the [Phenom 100, which] incorporates two turbofan engines located on pylons on either side of the aft fuselage. These engines are not in the pilots’ field of view. With the location on the aft fuselage, the ability to visually detect a fire is minimal.” Part 23 aircraft, historically, have engines that the pilots can see and performance that allows a quick landing in case of a fire. The special conditions will allow the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617-powered Phenom 100 to meet the safety requirements by including fire-extinguishing capability.