HondaJet Light Business Jet Flies, Conforms With FAA

HondaJet light business jet, front view profile

Last month, on December 20, 2010, a HondaJet light business jet took off from Honda Aircraft Company’s facility at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina. Aside from marking a huge step forward in the company’s march to mass produce an advanced generation of business jets, the event was the first flight by a HondaJet that conforms to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s safety and performance rules and regulations.

In 2012, Honda Aircraft plans to deliver the first of the 100 orders the company has received so far for the light business jet. But before it can do that, the company has to conduct a series of demonstration and test flights by FAA-conforming HondaJets.

HondaJet, as seen from the accompanying aircraft

This 51-minute test flight is part of those efforts to comply with the FAA requirements.

During the flight, the plane’s flight performance and characteristics were recorded and analyzed in real time. Also, systems checks were conducted by Honda’s aeronautics engineers.

HondaJet, seen from the companion aircraft. (Note: all photos from Honda Aircraft's Web site)

I am a recovering aerophobic. But I am not turning down any invitation to fly in one of these light business jets.