Both CTA and JAA Issue Cert for Steep Approach Landing Operations

Embraer announced that its ERJ 135 aircraft was granted steep approach certification issued by both Brazilian and European regulatory authorities, respectively CTA (Centro Tecnico Aeroespacial) and JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities).

With such certification, the ERJ 135 becomes the first Embraer jet authorized to operate at London City (LCY) airport, located in downtown London, England. London City is a favorite airport for business passengers, as it is located very close to the city's financial center.

"The possibility of operating at London City adds an important competitive edge to the ERJ 135 in the European market," said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer's Executive Vice-President, Civil Aircraft. "Now Embraer jets become an option for European airlines that currently fly turboprops in and out of London City".

Instrument landing approach procedure is deemed as steep when the glide slope is greater than or equals 4.5 degrees in relation to horizon. While the standard instrument landing glide slope angle is 3.0 degrees, at LCY the glide angle is as great as 5.5 degrees. Normally the steep approach instrument landing procedure is used over great urban centers such as London to reduce noise, or in areas surrounded by mountains such as Lugano, Switzerland.

The ERJ 135 test campaign to obtain steep approach certification started in April 2003, and included development and certification flights in which CTA and JAA representatives took part, at Sao Jose dos Campos (Brazil), Blyte (USA) and Conventry (England). The campaign was completed after confirmation flights were made at London City airport during the month of September.

EMBRAER 170 On Track for Certification

The EMBRAER 170 certification campaign continues at full steam, following the company's definition of November 2003 as the certification date for the model.

The EMBRAER 170 is designed to operate from airports such as LCY, and is scheduled to start the steep approach certification campaign right after completing basic certification in November. The first customer that opted for this capability is SWISS, which is scheduled to take delivery of its first aircraft in August, 2004.

The EMBRAER 175 successfully performed its maiden flight on June 14th, and its certification is due in the 2nd Quarter 2004. The EMBRAER 190 certification program is scheduled for the 3rd Quarter 2005, followed by the EMBRAER 195 certification in the 2nd Quarter 2006. As of June 30, 2003, the EMBRAER 170/190 family has 244 firm orders and 309 purchase options from SWISS, Air Caraibes, Alitalia, GECAS, LOT, US Airways and JetBlue.

FMI: www.embraer.com