Challenger 300

The Challenger 300 falls into the “super-midsize” private jet class, along with jets like the Citation X and the Gulfstream G200. It can fly eight passengers coast-to-coast nonstop, and was designed to have low direct operating costs – making it a strong contender against other newly arrived super-midsized private jets.

The cabin of the Challenger 300 fits eight or nine passengers in a double-club configuration. Two-zone air conditioning keeps both the pilots and the passengers comfortable, and low-heat LED overhead lights (with a 10,000 hour life) give the cabin an open feel. The cabin itself stretches to a length (not including the cockpit) of 16.5 feet, a height of 6.1 feet, and a width of 7.2 feet. The 106 cubic feet of baggage (750 pounds) stored in an exterior compartment is accessible in-flight through the fully enclosed lavatory.

The real draw of the Challenger 300 is its range/payload capabilities. It can fly eight passengers 3,560 miles (3,100 nautical miles) at .80 Mach – quite a feat for a jet of its class. The Challenger 300’s top cruise speed is .82 Mach (470 ktas), but it usually flies at about .80 Mach (459 knots) and burns 1,577 pounds of fuel per hour.

The Challenger 300 uses the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system, with four 12x10 inch LCD screens. The EICAS (Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System) comes standard, which gives engine performance information such as fuel flow, oil and turbine temperatures, torque, and visual deicing and environmental control information. Other systems include the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) and the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II). Functions such as engine startup are almost completely automated.

The Challenger 300 is a solid private jet that will consistently deliver high performance and economy of operation. It was designed to be simple to operate and easy to maintain, so it will not encounter difficulties in regularly completing cross-country flights.

***

For more information about the Challenger 300, contact Kevin O'Leary at 303-410-1900 or koleary@jetadvisors.com

Premier 1

One of the main design objectives for the Premier 1 was to create a private jet that was uncomplicated and easy to operate, resulting in a jet that can be operated by a single pilot. The fully integrated Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system, designed specifically for the Premier 1, consolidates displays and functions to make the pilot’s job easier and to increase situational awareness. Two large-format 8x11 inch flat panel color LCD screens, one primary flight display and one multifunctional display, dominate the control panel. New LCD technology allows the pilots to see the screens clearly, regardless of the lighting in the cabin or the angle of viewing.

The fully integrated flight management system not only makes the pilot’s job easier, it ensures optimal system performance. The components of the avionics system – dual air data computers, ADF and DME radio, sold-state WXR-800 weather radar, and integral satellite-based GPS, to name a few – maximize situational awareness and make for a safe, uneventful private jet flight.

The Premier 1 is the first private business jet to use the electromagnetic expulsive deicing system (EMED) on the horizontal stabilizer. It produces electromagnetic waves across the surface of the metal which breaks the ice off. Deicing systems for the rest of the jet use engine bleed air.

The landing gear is controlled electronically and utilizes a hydraulically actuated gear and a free-fall landing gear for emergencies. An electronic anti-skid brake system is included, powered by two hydraulic engine pumps. These two engine-controlled pumps also control the landing gear, spoilers, and parts of the anti-ice system.

The swept wings on the Premier 1 are an original design from Raytheon. Their unique design minimizes drag and increases cruise speed and high altitude capabilities. Although the wing was enlarged to add an additional 250 pounds of fuel than was originally planned, the Premier 1 still manages a short enough takeoff distance to be able to utilize small airports.

The Premier 1 can take off in 3,792 feet and climb to 37,000 feet in seventeen minutes when loaded to its maximum takeoff capacity of 12,500 feet. Its cruise speeds can reach 461 ktas (.785 Mach). Its maximum range is 1,726 miles (1,500 nautical miles).

Embraer Legacy Shuttle (EMB-135LR)

The EMB-135LR is designed to work best on shorter trips. It can carry more passengers than its predecessor, and is designed to be used as a corporate shuttle for anywhere between 16 and 37 passengers, not as a luxurious office at 39,000 feet.

With that in mind, the Legacy Shuttle does meet its design objectives very well. It is extremely practical, an ideal private jet for day-to-day business use. It is extremely reliable, and has plenty of backup systems for each key function, as should be expected from a private jet originally designed for day-in, day-out commercial use.

The cabin of the Legacy Shuttle is the second-largest of any heavy jet (the late-generation Gulfstreams come in first place), with a cabin volume of 1,410 cubic feet. The cabin measures 6 feet high, 6.9 feet wide, and 42.4 feet long. The internal and external baggage compartments, totaling 142 cubic feet, can hold 1,415 pounds of baggage and are both accessible in-flight. The external baggage compartment is pressurized, air-conditioned, and has class C fire protection.

The exact interior configurations will vary greatly according to how many passengers the jet holds (16-37 passengers), but typical amenities include a galley with an oven, coffee maker and cold food storage. Airshow 400, single-channel satcom, and multiple AC power outlets are included in the standard interior configuration. The in-flight entertainment system consists of a 20-inch flat-panel screen mounted at the front of the cabin with DVD, VCR, and CD players with headphone jacks at each seat. Alternately, individual passenger screens may be installed, along with multi-channel satcom, various pieces of office equipment, a microwave, and so on.

The Legacy Shuttle is powered by two Rolls-Royce AE3007 A1/3 turbofan engines. Each engine is flat-rated to 7,057 pounds of thrust. Inspection is on-condition. FADEC makes engine startup almost entirely automatic and regulates their performance in-flight for optimal fuel burn and speed. They burn, on average, 313 gallons of fuel per hour.

Runway performance is not the Legacy Shuttle’s strong point, but it makes up for it with its ability to operate with heavy payloads and still fly a decent distance. On a sea level runway, the Legacy Shuttle requires 5,600 feet to take off. For a runway at 5,000 feet and a temperature of 77˚F, the requirement increases to 7,024 feet. Although the high-altitude takeoff length is longer than the average heavy private jet requirement, the Legacy Shuttle can fly 2,049 nautical miles (Seattle to Boston, for example) after such a takeoff. It would fly this distance by first climbing directly to its long-range cruise altitude of 37,000 feet in 22 minutes, then cruising at 387 ktas (.68 Mach). A high speed cruise of 446 ktas (.77 Mach) can also be achieved at 37,000 feet and will consume about 10% more fuel than consumption at the long-range speed. The Legacy Shuttle’s average speed, including climb and descent, is 371 ktas.

G1000: New Avionics Suite for Private Jets

Garmin’s G1000 avionics suite is one of the newest options on the market for private jets. The G1000 is an integrated avionics suite that fulfills the role of most standard-issue flight deck instruments, including radio navigation, communications, and GPS. It has received good reviews from pilots and aircraft manufacturers alike and has been selected for standard installation on private jets such as the Citation Mustang, the Phenom 100 and 300, and the HondaJet.

The configuration of the G1000 varies by aircraft manufacturer, and can include two 10- or 12- 15-inch LCDs. Private jet pilots can access a variety of screens through the Multi Function Display (MFD), including satellite weather, traffic awareness information, and checklists. In its standard mode, the MFD displays engine instrument information and a moving map. The two display screens are connected by a high-speed Ethernet data bus and each can display either the PFD or MFD, according to the pilot’s preference.

The two (or, in the case of Citation Mustang, three) LCDs offer private jet pilots a unique level of situational awareness. The G1000 has built-in database of terrain, navigation, and airport information. Jeppesen offers subscription services which provide updated aviation database information monthly, and updated terrain/obstacle information bi-monthly. The built-in database can be updated easily through inserting SD memory cards into slots in the PFD or MFD.

Garmin’s G1000 avionics suite optimizes flight performance through its advanced GFC 700 autopilot, which can handle most tasks throughout flight. It can maintain a steady airspeed and automatically optimizes the private jet’s performance during the climb and descent phases of flight. Perhaps most important of all, the GFC 700 has an emergency descent mode which is automatically activated in emergency situations .

In summary, the G1000 provides the high-caliber performance expected in private jet aviation while exceeding all expectations in its situational awareness capabilities. Pilots flying with the G1000 have almost every advantage technology can offer. Superior quality meets superior efficiency in Garmin’s G1000 avionics suite.

***

For more information about the Garmin's G1000 avionics suite, contact Kevin O'Leary at koleary@jetadvisors.com or 303-410-1900.

Fractional Options: Citation Shares

In the steadily expanding world of fractional private jet ownership, Cessna has established itself as a fractional company whose service and capabilities are as reliable as their aircraft. Needless to say, Citation Shares only operates Cessna business aircraft, most notable the CJ3, XLS, and Sovereign. A variety of pricing plans are available, as well as several premium-day options.

For a more detailed look at their services, check their website: www.citationshares.com

Private Jets Guide: Phenom 100

The Phenom 100 is a fairly new addition to the light private jet market. Below are some quick stats to give you an idea of its capabilities (all numbers have been taken from Embraer's published performance data).

VFR Range (with NBAA IFR reserves: 1,160 nm
High speed cruise: 380 ktas
Runway length at sea level: 3,400 ft
Cabin height: 4 ft 11 in
Cabin width: 5 ft 1 in

Under optimal conditions, the Phenom 100 could complete a flight from New York to Miami or from Las Vegas to Minneapolis. The Phenom 100's cabin can fit four passengers and has space for 50 cubic feet of baggage.

For more information on the Phenom 100, consult the websites of Embraer or Jet Advisors.