Honda Aircraft Co. Launches Fifth Jet Prototype

The plane, which conforms to Federal Aviation Administration standards, will go through what is known as function and reliability or F&R testing. The tests include cabin systems and interior components. The pilots also checked the airplane’s instruments and handling at low and high speeds.

The HondaJet’s development, which stretches back decades, reflects what some companies including Honda see as growing interest in light aircraft among an audience that previously did not consider them feasible.

“An aircraft’s first flight is an important and emotional milestone,” said Honda Aircraft Co. president and chief executive Michimasa Fujino. “This is especially true for our fifth FAA-conforming HondaJet,” he said.

In a flight lasting about an hour, the new jet climbed to 12,000 feet and reached speeds around 300 knots or 345 miles an hour. 

About a year ago Honda test-flew its fourth FAA-conforming  version of the light jet, which some call the Civic of the air because Honda applied many of its automotive-manufacturing techniques and philosophies to the plane.  For example, like many of its cars, Honda’s jet comes with a narrowed-down choice of two interior trims.

Honda also touts the plane for its fuel efficiency, an attribute its car customers would find familiar. The jet’s price of $4.5 million, however, might give the average Accord owner sticker shock.