Embraer is seeking regulatory approval for a common type rating this year for the Phenom 100 and 300 light jets.
The Brazilian airframer confirms it is working with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the consolidated rating that can streamline transition training.
The two jets were originally fielded with dissimilar type ratings because the FAA did not have the resources available to consider a standard rating during the development phase, the company says.
Although sharing the Phenom brand, the 100 and 300 jets actually have several major differences. The Phenom 300, for example, has a very different wing optimized for higher speed. It also features a significantly more powerful engine with greater thrust-to-weight ratio.
The Phenom 100 also differs from its larger sibling in other ways. It uses an electrical powerpack to pressurize the hydraulic system, while the Phenom 300 has a conventional 3,000psi hydraulic system. The Phenom 100 also lacks the Phenom 300's speed break spoilers.
Despite these differences, Embraer believes there is enough commonality in the cockpit and performance characteristics to justify a common type rating between the two jets.
Source: Flight International
