HondaJet ready for FAA flight tests

With certification of its all-new turbofan engines on Dec. 13, and now on Dec. 20 an announcement that the HondaJet has achieved FAA type inspection authorization (TIA), the model seems on a fast track toward final FAA certification. Honda Aircraft Co. also announced that its customer service facility has been awarded FAA Part 145 certification, which paves the way for component-level repairs at the state-of-the-art center next to the factory in Greensboro, N.C. In 2014, the authorization will be expanded to include heavy aircraft maintenance and major repair services.

The efforts all lead to a planned certification and delivery of HondaJets in early 2015.

Honda officials describe the TIA as a pivotal point in the development and certification of the twin-engine business jet. While the FAA has been involved in development and testing of the airplane, this is the point where FAA pilots begin to perform onboard flight tests and inspections in preparation for final certification.

“We have been working closely with the FAA to finalize our certification schedule for the HondaJet,” said Michimasa Fujino, designer of the unique airplane and president and CEO of the company. “Based on the recent FAA type certification of the HF120 turbofan engine and this TIA milestone achievement, we can expect aircraft type certification in the first quarter of 2015 with deliveries following immediately after.”