Bombardier Learjet 60 XR maiden flight

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BOMBARDIER LEARJET 60 XR FLIGHT DECK SHINES ON MAIDEN FLIGHT

The new Bombardier Learjet 60 XR successfully executed a rigorous two-hour, 20-minute first flight. The aircraft combines one of the most advanced flight decks in corporate aviation with the superior performance and speed of the legendary Learjet family.

The first Learjet 60 XR (serial number 60-294) departed Eastern Iowa Airport at Cedar Rapids under sunny and windy conditions at 1:47 p.m. and returned on schedule at 4:07 p.m. CST. It achieved a maximum first flight altitude of 17,500 feet (5,334 m) and a maximum true airspeed of 310 knots (357 mph; 575 km/h). Carrying 5,300 pounds (2,409 kg) of fuel, the weight at takeoff was 20,000 pounds (9,071 kg).

The aircraft’s maiden flight was dedicated to testing the general functionality of the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite. System operations were exercised specifically during multiple approaches. The three-man crew, which included Capt. Douglas May, a 15-year career pilot, flight test engineer Bernie Hayes and co-pilot Keith Kankelfitz of Rockwell Collins, conducted specific testing to evaluate the system’s integrated displays, including the edge-to-edge ADIs (Attitude Deviation Indicators), and the FMS (Flight Management Systems) to avionics interface.

The integral chart features, capable of displaying electronic charts, were evaluated during the approaches back into the Eastern Iowa Airport. “With its large displays and improved access to flight information, the new avionics system certainly proved its worth, making it simpler to stay connected with the world outside the aircraft,” reported Capt. May. “The ADIs provided an easy-to-interpret reference for all aircraft attitudes. The FMS-to-avionics interface successfully delivered more critical flight information with greater ease; and chart operations were intuitive and provided exceptional situational awareness.”