The HondaJet is an important step closer to its market introduction after the FAA on Friday awarded the light jet’s provisional type certification.
Honda Aircraft is planning for initial customer deliveries to start after remaining flight testing is completed in the next couple of months. Provisional type certification is a common design approval awarded to aircraft manufacturers just prior to full type certification that allows the production line to continue moving smoothly.
“Honda Aircraft has completed nearly all of the testing and reports required by the FAA,” said company president and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “We are very close to achieving final type certification for the world’s most advanced light jet. Provisional type certification for the HondaJet is a tremendous milestone for the program, and we are pleased to reach this significant step toward customer deliveries and entry into service.”
Four HondaJet prototypes have flown in excess of 2,500 hours during the flight test program in Greensboro, North Carolina, the site of the state-of-the-art Honda Aircraft factory and headquarters.
The HondaJet features an over-the-wing engine mounting configuration and sleek composite fuselage that make the business jet readily identifiable on the ramp. The configuration provides extra space in the cabin, allowing the HondaJet to carry seven passengers and include an enclosed lavatory.
The factory assembly line is at full capacity with 12 of the $4.5 million jets in various stages of completion.
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