Bombardier’s Learjet 85 Aircraft Takes Flight Bombardier Aerospace today announced that the Learjet 85 aircraft successfully completed its first flight, achieving a major milestone in a business aircraft development program that will redefine the midsize segment. This first flight marks the start of the Learjet 85 aircraft’s flight test program leading up to the first customer delivery. The Learjet 85 flight test vehicle one (FTV1) was flown by Captain Ed Grabman, Chief Flight Test Pilot, Bombardier Flight Test Center; assisted by his co-pilot, Jim Dwyer; and Flight Test Engineer Nick Weyers. The flight departed from Wichita-Mid Continent International Airport at 8:19 am CST. During its maiden flight which lasted approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, the Learjet 85 aircraft reached an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 metres) and an air speed of 250 knots (463 km/h; 287 mph). All flight controls were exercised with the systems and aircraft performing as expected. “The first flight of the Learjet 85 aircraft was a very proud and thrilling moment for all Bombardier employees,” said Éric Martel, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Incredible hard work and dedication from our people went into this aircraft development program. This includes our sites in Wichita, Querétaro and Montréal, as well as our facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland. We are all very excited to see this new aircraft, the fastest and most spacious Learjet aircraft, take to the skies, and we look forward to a very successful flight test program.” Bombardier employees along with suppliers were on hand at the Bombardier Wichita facility to celebrate this milestone flight and greet the Learjet 85 aircraft and test flight crew upon landing. “Today marks a significant accomplishment for the Learjet 85 team. The aircraft performed very well. I would like to congratulate all the employees who have played a role in achieving FTV1’s maiden flight,” added Ralph Acs, Vice President and General Manager, Learjet 85 program. For more information: Bombardier Aerospace 400 Côte-Vertu Road West Dorval, Quebec H45 1Y9 Canada www.bombardier.com ***
