Within Weight Limits

The Lineage 1000 is certified to take off at up to 120,150 pounds, and it is the maximum certified takeoff weight that many thought Teterboro restricts. In reality, the 100,000-pound limit applies to the weight of the airplane as it lands and takes off. What Embraer wanted to show off when it flew into Teterboro in early November was that the airplane can carry enough fuel to fly to Los Angeles while still staying within the Teterboro weight limit, while the other airliner-derived business jets cannot.

The Lineage is a big airplane by business-jet standards, measuring about 119 feet in length with a wingspan of just over 94 feet. The cabin is more than 84 feet long and 8 feet wide and has 6 feet 7 inches of headroom. There is enough space for five different passenger-seating zones, plus the galley, lavatories and a welcome area just inside the main cabin door. Even though there is lots of room, the number of passengers is typically limited to 19 because FAA operating rules change and become more restrictive above that number.

Owners can create an almost unlimited number of individualized floor plans with so much space. The cabin can be finished using more than 400 types of leather, 700 fabric styles, 60 types of carpet and 35 wood veneers. The airplane has the largest in-flight-accessible baggage compartment available and also has room for a private bedroom and shower. You get the picture.

The Lineage 1000 is really all about cabin room and comfort, because it doesn't quite match the large-cabin business jets in speed, range and cruise altitude. Not that the Lineage is a slouch with 470-knot high-speed cruise and a maximum range of 4,500 nm, but the Gulfstreams, Falcons and Global Expresses do better. Despite its size, the Lineage is nimble enough to fly the required steep approach onto the short London City Airport runway, and can also fly lengthy trips out of Teterboro and Aspen that the other airline-style bizjets cannot.

The Lineage 1000 has all of the redundant systems and robust design that have made the Embraer 170 and 190 "E-jets" successful worldwide in airline service. Despite its size, the estimated direct operating costs with fuel priced at $4.25 a gallon is $3,227.47 per hour, including scheduled maintenance and parts expense. Price of the completed 1000 is $48 million, and Embraer has sold 20 with the first few just recently entering service.