New Embraer Legacy 500 business jet finally emerges The Embraer Legacy 500 business jet program was affected by delays and setbacks due to problems associated with the aircraft's unique fly-by-wire control system. These challenges derailed the schedule for maiden test flights significantly. In fact, the first of four flight-test aircraft was rolled out last December, however, when the problems with the fly-by-wire system arose Embraer withdrew the aircraft from the public's view. Instead of an anticipated maiden test flight late last year, that has now been slated for fourth quarter 2012. Embraer worked very hard on rectifying the complicated issue and just recently unveiled a fully-painted (all-white) test aircraft. On October 5th 2012 Embraer allowed journalist to board the new test business-jet and even let them make side-stick inputs to move the flight controls of the parked aircraft. The work isn't over ahead of the anticipated first flight as final validation for crucial software needed for the flight control system moves apace. When the Embraer 500 business jet enters service it will directly compete with jets in the mid-size jet category from Bombardier (Learjet 65XR, Latitude), Cessna (Sovereign) and HBC's (Hawker 950). For more information: Embraer Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 2170 São Paulo, São José dos Campos 12227-901 Brazil www.embraer.com ***
