Honda Aircraft Co. marked a milestone toward certification of its HondaJet May 4 with the first flight of its fourth FAA-conforming test aircraft, the company announced at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exposition in Geneva, Switzerland.
The aircraft flew from Honda Aircraft’s world headquarters at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, N.C.
Pilots Stefan Johansson and Howard Judd performed operational checks during the 74-minute flight including takeoff and climb; landing gear and flap operations; aircraft handling; air data system checks; and an ILS approach using the flight director, the company said in a news release. The aircraft flew to an altitude of 11,500 feet and to 313 knots true airspeed.
Company President Michimasa Fujino said the flight marked “steady advancement” of the aircraft’s development. Three conforming aircraft are in a flight test fleet. The fourth aircraft is in structural ground tests.
Founded in 2006, Honda Aircraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co.
Dan Namowitz
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