Brazil Certifies Embraer Phenom 300

The ANAC National Civil Aviation Authority of Brazil approved Embraer's Phenom 300 light jet for production last week. With the factory in São José dos Campos, Brazil, gearing up to meet orders, FAA certification and first deliveries are expected within the next few weeks. The $8.14 million, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535-E-powered twinjet has exceeded several preliminary design performance goals, including takeoff, landing, fuel efficiency and range. As certified, the airplane has a maximum range of 1,971 nautical miles (with six on board) and a balanced field length of 3,138 feet. Landing distance at max landing weight is 2,621 feet. The Phenom 300 climbs to its max cruising altitude of 45,000 feet in 26 minutes. The airplane is capable of single-pilot operation and includes Embraer's Garmin G1000-based Prodigy avionics suite as standard equipment.