Melbourne, FL – March 28, 2013 – Embraer Executive Jetsset three speed records for the light weight class C-1.f Group III (13,225 to 19,842 pounds), when a Phenom 300 flew from the Company’s headquarters at Melbourne International Airport (MLB) in Melbourne, FL, to Daugherty Field (LGB) in Long Beach, CA, with only one fuel stop.
In the first leg, the aircraft travelled over a recognized course from MLB to El Paso International Airport (ELP) in El Paso, TX. The second leg traversed a recognized course between ELP and Long Beach. In addition, a record was claimed for an East-to-West course between MLB and LGB. The aircraft was headed to a static display in Long Beach and will also be used for demonstration flights in California.
“These record-setting flights further validate the speed, efficiency and reliability of the Phenom 300,” said Robert Knebel, Vice President Sales – North America, Embraer Executive Jets. “Enabling our customers to perform a wide range of missions, including trips over U.S. transcontinental distances, was always part of our Phenom 300 design intent. Establishing these records highlights this capability. Making this milestone more significant is the fact that westerly winds have been especially strong recently. We elected to set a record under these circumstances particularly to emphasize the speed, range and quick-turn performance afforded by our single-point refueling system.”
The flights, commanded by Captain Richard Brimer, Captain Doug Owenby and Pierce Brooks, took off at 16:43:42Z on February 27, 2013 when N505EE, the first Phenom 300 to be produced at Embraer Executive Jets’ assembly facility in Melbourne, took four hours, 16 minutes and 33 seconds at an average ground speed of 330 knots with headwinds of 100 knots to reach El Paso, a course of 1,380nm. After a 27-minute fuel stop, the aircraft proceeded on to Long Beach, completing the ELP-LGB leg at 21:26:25Z. The Phenom 300 landed at 23:21:45Z for a total time of one hour, 55 minutes and 20 seconds at an average ground speed of 340 knots with a 100-knot headwind, a course of 607nm miles. In addition, the Phenom 300 claimed the Melbourne, FL – ELP – Long Beach, CA record of six hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds. The complete transcontinental time was six hours and 38 minutes at an average ground speed of 330 knots, a course of 1,987nm.
Embraer Executive Jets is claiming records for Transcontinental Speed, East to West from Melbourne to Long Beach; speed over a recognized course between Melbourne and El Paso and speed over a recognized course between El Paso and Long Beach.
These records are pending certification by the U.S. National Aeronautic Association in the United States which certifies U.S. records.
Judged one of the top 15 most influential business aircraft of all time by industry press, the Phenom 300 is the roomiest in its class. The eight- to 11-seat aircraft has the top climb and field performance. It is designed for 15% lower operating costs and offers the most range and speed in its class. The Phenom 300, as with all Embraer Executive Jet aircraft, set a new standard for light business jets and is the recipient of many international design and innovation awards.
