I just read the latest B&CA mag (May 2014) today in an FBO and this article about the Legacy 500 has me convinced that this will be a game changer aircraft. And yet no fractionals will fly them.... Given the inroads made by Embraer at Netjets and Flight Options that still surprises me. According to the article below (click on the link), this less-expensive Legacy 500 blows the CL300/350 out of the water in terms of innovative technology and handling and yet has a nearly comparable cabin. Don't get me wrong, I have nearly 2,000 hours in the CL300 and I loved it, but this sounds like a serious step-up in technology for a lower price. And it sounds like an awesome airplane to fly - no doubt I will be showing this to my boss...
I included the last couple of paragraphs from the actual article below (the author's final conclusions) and then the article link at the very bottom.
Embraer Rewrites the Game Rules
Marco Tulio Pelligrini, president and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets, calls the Legacy 500 a "game changer," and based upon our observations that seems understated.
The FBW system transforms the Legacy 500 into the nicest flying midsize or super-midsize aircraft we've yet flown. In fact, we know of no other purpose-built business aircraft, at any price, that's easier to fly and more confidence inspiring.
The Pro Line Fusion flight deck provides superb situational awareness. In keeping with Embraer's "less is more" philosophy, the color palette on the flight displays, symbology and systems synoptics are as simple as possible, minimizing cockpit clutter and potential confusion. And when the new HGS-3500 head-up guidance systems and EVS-3000 IR sensor become available, the aircraft will become even easier to fly.
Most importantly, the cabin environment is on a par with the best offerings in super midsize. The Ovation Select CMS, galley capabilities and lavatory amenities provide passengers with a level of convenience and comfort that previously was available only in some Gulfstream products.
This also is a rugged aircraft, backed by a 10-year/10,000-hr. warranty. No other midsize or super midsize has longer scheduled maintenance intervals. Embraer's product support now trails only Gulfstream in customer satisfaction.
The Legacy 500 will soon be joined by the $16 million, 2,500-nm range, slightly truncated Legacy 450, which is slated to enter service in 2015. It's going to compete head on with the $15 million, 2,500-nm range Cessna Citation Latitude, a matchup in which the former boasts a wider, larger cabin, FBW controls and faster cruise speeds.
With the Legacy 500 and 450, the Brazilians have declared that they will set the standards of capability, affordability, comfort and reliability that others will be forced to meet or risk losing market share. Business aircraft buyers will benefit from the challenge.
http://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/pilot-report-legacy-500
I included the last couple of paragraphs from the actual article below (the author's final conclusions) and then the article link at the very bottom.
Embraer Rewrites the Game Rules
Marco Tulio Pelligrini, president and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets, calls the Legacy 500 a "game changer," and based upon our observations that seems understated.
The FBW system transforms the Legacy 500 into the nicest flying midsize or super-midsize aircraft we've yet flown. In fact, we know of no other purpose-built business aircraft, at any price, that's easier to fly and more confidence inspiring.
The Pro Line Fusion flight deck provides superb situational awareness. In keeping with Embraer's "less is more" philosophy, the color palette on the flight displays, symbology and systems synoptics are as simple as possible, minimizing cockpit clutter and potential confusion. And when the new HGS-3500 head-up guidance systems and EVS-3000 IR sensor become available, the aircraft will become even easier to fly.
Most importantly, the cabin environment is on a par with the best offerings in super midsize. The Ovation Select CMS, galley capabilities and lavatory amenities provide passengers with a level of convenience and comfort that previously was available only in some Gulfstream products.
This also is a rugged aircraft, backed by a 10-year/10,000-hr. warranty. No other midsize or super midsize has longer scheduled maintenance intervals. Embraer's product support now trails only Gulfstream in customer satisfaction.
The Legacy 500 will soon be joined by the $16 million, 2,500-nm range, slightly truncated Legacy 450, which is slated to enter service in 2015. It's going to compete head on with the $15 million, 2,500-nm range Cessna Citation Latitude, a matchup in which the former boasts a wider, larger cabin, FBW controls and faster cruise speeds.
With the Legacy 500 and 450, the Brazilians have declared that they will set the standards of capability, affordability, comfort and reliability that others will be forced to meet or risk losing market share. Business aircraft buyers will benefit from the challenge.
http://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/pilot-report-legacy-500
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