572 MPH On Carlsbad - Bangor Flight

While the past week contained stories of near-Mach 10 aerial achievement, something a little less speedy still managed to make its way into the record books. A new Flexjet Bombardier Challenger 300 set a world speed record for this class of aircraft on a trip from Carlsbad, Calif., to Bangor, Maine.

The Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft departed the 4,897-foot runway, 4,600-foot usable length, in Carlsbad at 7:58 AM PST with two Bombardier Flexjet pilots, eight passengers and their baggage. The average tail wind during the flight was 47 knots and the temperature at take off was 61 degrees Fahrenheit.

The aircraft arrived at Bangor International Airport four hours and 41 minutes after cruising at an average speed of 572 mph at a maximum cruising level of 41,000 feet, landing with full fuel reserves and establishing a new record for this 2,712 statute mile route.

The speed record has been certified by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and ratification is now pending from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).

“The aircraft performed flawlessly, demonstrating its superior takeoff, speed and range capabilities,” said Rick Handschuch, Chief Pilot for Bombardier Flexjet and pilot-in-command of the flight and along with co-captain Kip Knuth.

“The Challenger 300 is ideal for Flexjet owners as they routinely fly long distances with greater passenger loads out of smaller, less congested airfields,” said Bob Knebel, Vice President, Sales, Bombardier Flexjet.

This latest achievement follows earlier speed records set by Bombardier for routes that include Miami to Seattle, Maui to Houston and Boston to Paris.

The first Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft entered service with Bombardier Flexjet in January 2004. The Flexjet Bombardier Challenger 300 fleet will grow to nine aircraft this year and to 18 by the end of next year.

FMI: www.bombardier.com