Company Applies For European Certification

Premier Aircraft, LLC tells ANN its Falcon 50 performance upgrade -- known as 50Dash4 -- is beating its guarantees for speed, range and time to climb, and has resulted in application to the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) for certification to satisfy growing demand in Europe.

The launch operator, a private foundation that uses the airplane world-wide and into remote areas, has logged over 40 flight hours in regular service operation, reporting up to 25 KTAS higher cruise speeds, 30% reduction in time to climb and 4,000 ft higher initial cruise altitudes. The reported fuel burn reductions are in the order of 8% to 10% per mission.

"The range/payload flexibility of the Falcon 50, already a good performer, has been raised to new heights with the 50Dash4 Upgrade," said Premier president Jim Swehla, "yielding operational advantages that are really paying off."

Premier also states the 50Dash4 upgrade results in the certification of the Falcon 50 to Stage 4 noise criteria, which will become a requirement in both the US and Europe.
As ANN reported, Premier received an FAA STC for the 50Dash4 performance upgrade in January of this year.

To meet growing demand for the upgrade from EU customers, Premier Aircraft has begun the formal process of seeking EASA certification. Ken Shimabukuro, 50Dash4 program manager, is coordinating the effort with the FAA's Long Beach Aircraft Certification Office (ACO).

"In addition to its outstanding performance, the 50Dash4 STC is certified to the upcoming Stage 4 noise criteria. This makes the Falcon 50 equipped with the 50Dash4 upgrade an attractive investment for existing or future owners," Shimabukuro says, adding he estimates EASA certification will be complete within six months.

FMI: www.50dash4.com