Next Big Step Taken In Honda's Plans For The Business Aviation Market

The HondaJet has received provisional type certification (PTC) from the FAA. This achievement indicates the FAA's approval of the HondaJet design based on certification testing, design reviews, and analyses completed to date.

"Provisional type certification for the HondaJet is a tremendous milestone for the program, and we are pleased to reach this significant step toward customer deliveries and entry into service," said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino.

"Honda Aircraft has completed nearly all of the testing and reports required by the FAA, and we are very close to achieving final type certification for the world's most advanced light jet."

A provisional type certificate is a design approval by the FAA and is common for business jets when final certification is near. Honda Aircraft has demonstrated that the HondaJet is safe for flight and meets the airworthiness standards defined by the PTC.

Melvin Taylor, manager of the FAA's Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), said: "It is a pleasure for the Atlanta ACO to issue Honda Aircraft Company a provisional type certificate for the Model HA-420. It is a milestone event for a first time aircraft manufacturer to receive its first type certificate. This issuance speaks well to the hard work put forward by all the Honda and FAA staff working in a collaborative manner. The Atlanta ACO takes pride in being part of Honda's introduction of such an advanced and uniquely designed aircraft to the aviation market. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Honda as we move to final completion of their HA-420 approval."

Honda Aircraft is targeting final FAA type certification in the next few months, following the completion of final testing and approval by the FAA.

The four HondaJets in the flight test fleet have performed as expected and flown more than 2,500 hours. The flight test program has conducted extensive testing for certification at more than 70 locations in the United States.

The HondaJet is being manufactured at Honda Aircraft Company's world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, where aircraft production is underway in preparation for customer deliveries. The final assembly line is full with 12 aircraft and another five are currently in the production flow. Honda Aircraft will begin first deliveries after FAA type certification is achieved.

The HondaJet was developed from a clean sheet design and incorporates advanced technologies and innovations. The HondaJet Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, natural-laminar flow wing and composite fuselage were developed from long-term Honda research activities. These innovations combine to make the HondaJet the fastest, most spacious and most fuel-efficient jet in its class.

FMI: www.HondaJet.com, www.faa.gov