Company also granted joint type rating certification by FAA, TC, JAA and EASA

The Bombardier Global 5000 high speed intercontinental business jet has received type approval from the FAA. This certification paves the way for the entry into service of the aircraft in January 2005.

With FAA type approval, the Global 5000 has now completed its primary certification program. Transport Canada (TC), the lead regulatory agency in the program, awarded the aircraft full certification on March 12. The European Aviation Safety Association (EASA) granted type approval on July 15. The Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) issues its letter of recommendation to member countries on August 26.

"With FAA type approval and impending entry into service by year end, the Global 5000 program is solidly on track," said Peter Edwards, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft.

"The aircraft has also shown that its range and speed performance is what we promised when it was launched in February 2002. The July 16, 4,816 nm (8,919 km) record flight from San Francisco to London proved the Global 5000 can go the distance. And just two days ago, the record flight from Dublin to Las Vegas proved the aircraft delivers high-speed intercontinental missions," added Edwards.

Common Type Rating from TC, FAA, EASA and JAA

Transport Canada, EASA, JAA and the FAA have awarded a common type rating for both the Bombardier Global Express and the Bombardier Global 5000. "Common type rating" allows a pilot qualified on either aircraft to fly the other variant without extensive transition training.

The four regulatory authorities determined that the aircraft are functionally equivalent from a pilot's handling and operational perspective, and a review of the Global 5000 aircraft's flight manual or a "differences handout" satisfies the regulatory training requirements. The common type rating approach also holds true for maintenance technicians.

"No additional simulator training is required when transitioning to the Bombardier Global 5000," said Edwards. "Such common type rating approval gives operators much more operational flexibility in the utilization of pilots and aircraft."

New Interior Undergoing Extensive Reliability Testing

The Global 5000 is also finishing a battery of function and reliability testing to ensure that its new interior and advanced cabin systems are of the highest reliability. The aircraft features the industry leading Ethernet-based Airshow 21 Cabin Electronics System from Rockwell-Collins. Its all-digital architecture gives passengers and crew unprecedented control over communications, entertainment and cabin management.

The Global 5000 is the first application in corporate aviation for the newest version of Airshow 21, and the long-range airplane now sets the standard for cabin control.

The cabin also includes the latest advancementsin  ergonomics, productivity and ambiance technology, such as:

• Optional heat-activated seats that adjust to a passenger's body
• Larger window overlays that allow 40 percent more natural light
• Next generation LED's for more reliable cabin illumination

With all four type approvals in hand, the Global 5000 is ready to enter service with more speed and range than any aircraft in its class. With its high speed cruise of Mach 0.85, the aircraft will fly eight passengers and three crew more than 4,800 nm (8,889 km) on super-long distance routes and can save an hour or more over competing aircraft.

FMI: www.aero.bombardier.com