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Honda incorporated a perforated honeycomb index structure ahead of the engine fan blades, contributing to a quieter cabin.
The Garmin G3000 avionics suite offers a plethora of new capabilities such as enhanced stability and underspeed protection (USP) and enroute and sectional chart overlays.
The Elite’s Active Performance Planning feature incorporates data from all phases of ight as well as forecasts winds aloft to determine accurate data.
larger than the Embraer Phenom 100EV or the Cessna Citation M2. However, the M2 continues to offer the highest external baggage weight limit despite Honda increasing the forward baggage weight limit to 200 pounds. While most operators run out of baggage space before reaching a weight limit, it is still a consideration for some operations.
The side windows have a more pronounced curve than some other jets. I asked Fujino about this design, and he offered some interesting observations, many of which I had never considered. The slight curve, along with the shape, offers pilots the ability to have a vertical view that approaches that of a much larger window while reducing the glare that is inevitable flying at high altitudes above the clouds. This glare reduction not only reduces eye strain but also improves the readability of the displays – an important factor in aircraft with extensive use of full glass panels.
Interior
The HondaJet Elite used for the flight, N420EX, was equipped with virtually all available options including the refreshment center, complete with a coffee maker. In addition to the engine inlet change, Honda further reduced interior noise by optimizing insulation and quieting the air conditioner and avionics cooling noise in the cockpit.
This particular Elite also offered a unique sound system from Bonjiovi Acoustics, which features 24 transducers mounted to the interior panels to offer immersive sound not previously available in any aircraft. I tested it in flight while sitting in the cabin with Michelle and found it very impressive, especially
with the quieter interior. Progressing to the rear of the cabin, you find the lavatory, now with a belted seat option to offer another legal passenger seat for takeoff and landing. This is not just your typical light jet toilet as it offers not one, but two small skylights, and an optional sink with running water activated by a motion sensor. Fujino informed me they wanted to ensure the lavatory provided an inviting environment, rather than a dark, closed area for passengers.
I counted 23 interior furnishing options available, ranging in price from $5,600 for leather crew seats to $44,500 for the lava- tory sink to $167,900 for Gogo Talk & Text. As with any option, each choice reduces the useful load.
On to the Flight
The HondaJet Elite offers the latest version of the Garmin G3000 avionics suite. This version incorporates improved displays, up- graded processors and higher resolution which enables a number of new capabilities. Some of these new features can be installed on the existing fleet with a software update including the use of visual approaches with vertical advisory guidance, AOA indica- tor on the PFD, plain language TAFs, altitude constraints on the MFD and others.
The Elite’s G3000 also features two innovative features, Advanced Integrated Takeoff and Landing (TOLD) and predic- tive performance – Active Performance Planning. The new TOLD feature, in addition to the typical Vspeed calculations and field length requirements, displays the net climb and descent gradi- ents. The inclusion of the climb gradients is extremely useful when determining whether your plane can meet the departure procedure requirements.
Many aircraft can provide pilots with simplified performance data including range, fuel at destination, time en route. The estimates use ground speed at a single point in time which may change along the flight. The Elite’s Active Performance Planning incorporates data from all phases of flight as well as forecasts winds aloft to determine accurate data. The G3000 can integrate winds aloft information directly from the Sirius XM weather data stream to provide the pilot with significant precision. And in case remote weather data isn’t available, pilots can enter average winds for use in the calculations.
The updated avionics suite also includes an optional Enhanced Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) Stabil- ity and Protection and Electronic Coupled Go-Around with Underspeed Protection (USP). Pilots now can use the autopilot for the entire approach, including a missed procedure if required. The Underspeed Protection reduces the chance of inadvertent stalls while under autopilot control by reducing pitch to a safe level, which has been available in other platforms.
Starting the plane is simple. Power up the avionics, run your checks using the electronic checklists (which have also been expanded with the Elite) and push the Start button. The Honda GE FADEC does the rest. This automation is also extended to other functions such as the deicing system and activating light- ing at appropriate phases of flight.
Taxiing from the Cutter Aviation ramp for departure was easy with electrically assisted steering. A firm push on the right rudder pedal and I made a quick 180-degree turn in almost no
12 • TWIN & TURBINE
January 2019
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