The entire current production Dassault Falcon fleet is now certificated by both the US Federal Aviation Agency and the European Aviation Safety Agency for steep approaches, permitting the aircraft to operate at restricted airports with approach angles of up to 6˚.
"With the ability to make steep approaches into challenging airports, while complying with noise abatement procedures, Falcons continue to be the most flexible and capable of business aircraft," says Dassault Falcon president and chief executive John Rosanvallon. The flagship Falcon 7X was certificated for steep approaches by EASA in 2008 and by the FAA in 2009. The Falcon 7X has the longest range and the largest cabin size of any business jet permitted to fly into and out of the UK's London City airport, a particularly challenging approach that requires special training and certification to perform.
The Falcon 2000EX EASy aircraft retrofitted with autobrakes, and the 2000LX, which has autobrakes as standard equipment, are certificated to operate out of London City airport, as are the Falcon 900 series aircraft.
City airport, in the heart of London is a popular destination, because of the importance of the city as a financial hub. London will also be the location of the 2012 Olympic Games, which are expected to generate especially heavy traffic at the airport because of its convenient location.
Other airports requiring steep approach certification - and now accessible to the Falcon fleet, include Lugano-Agno, with a 6.65˚ approach angle, and Sion airport, both in Switzerland.
Source: Flight Daily News
