São José dos Campos, July 3, 2007 – Embraer is currently performing the ground tests forthe Phenom 100 very light jet, in preparation for its first flight. Progress is steady asengineering teams confirm the design quality of the aircraft and test the unctionalities and integration of its systems.“The Phenom 100 test campaign has begun and steadily advances,” said AlexandreFigueiredo, Embraer Senior Manager, Phenom Programs. “The ground tests prepare the aircraft for its first flight and provide results for the certification process, which is scheduled to be completed in mid-2008.” 

These tests are an integral part of the quality program that focuses on delivering to customers an aircraft with excellent performance and high availability. The first test conducted was the engine run, when the Phenom’s engines were powered up after being mounted on the aircraft. They had already been thoroughly tested at Pratt & Whitney Canada’s facilities in Canada, and flown on its test-bed aircraft. 

The Ground Vibration Test (GVT) is being conducted, with the objective of validating the aero-elastic model of the aircraft. During the test, the aircraft is suspended with elastic cables in order to float as if in flight.Flight controls will be tested for flexibility, validating the primary control systems. The entire circuit of cables and brackets will be tested with a full surface load on the ailerons, rudder and elevator, confirming attrition and deflection conditions and no jamming.