Honda Aircraft Company announced two significant milestones in the development of the world’s most advanced light jet. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued the first Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) certificate for the HondaJet and has certified Honda Aircraft Company’s customer service facility as a Part 145 repair station.
FAA grants HondaJet Type Inspection Authorization
“Achieving FAA Type Inspection Authorization is a tremendous milestone for the HondaJet program and a significant step toward type certification,” said Michimasa Fujino, president and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company. “We have successfully demonstrated through ground and flight testing that the HondaJet will meet certification requirements. We are now ready to begin the final flight testing with FAA pilot participation.”
Type Inspection Authorization is a pivotal point in the development and certification of a new aircraft. It signifies that the HondaJet meets type design requirements and is ready for FAA pilots to perform onboard flight tests required for certification. Nose-to-tail FAA review during this final testing phase will pave the way for HondaJet type certification and the first deliveries to HondaJet customers.
“We have been working closely with the FAA to finalize our certification schedule for the HondaJet,” said Fujino. “Based on the recent FAA type certification of the HF120 turbofan engine and the TIA milestone achievement, we can expect HondaJet type certification in the first quarter of 2015 with deliveries following immediately after.”
Customer Service Facility Receives FAA Part 145 Certification
“FAA certification of the customer service facility is a significant accomplishment and a key component of our goal to provide unsurpassed customer service and support from day one,” said Fujino. “I am proud that we could achieve this additional milestone in 2013.”
The Honda Aircraft customer service facility is located at the company’s world headquarters at the Piedmont Triad International Airport (KGSO) in Greensboro, N.C. Facility aircraft repair and service capabilities under the FAA Part 145 certificate will initially include component-level repairs and expand in 2014 to include heavy aircraft maintenance and major repair services to complement the HondaJet dealer network.
The customer service facility opened in October 2013 as an expansion of the company’s world headquarters that also includes state-of-the art R&D, headquarters and production facilities. The facility serves as a corporate base for the company’s customer service organization. In addition to heavy aircraft maintenance and major repair and overhaul work, the customer service team will provide warranty administration; service programs sales and administration; provide 24/7 technical support and training; and develop technical publications from the facility.
“The HondaJet program’s momentum is quickly building as we continue to reach and achieve milestones in our dream to bring the world’s most advanced light jet to market,” said Fujino. “We are looking forward to an exciting and challenging 2014.”
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