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use nearly 1,100 feet less runway. At 27C, the difference is even more dramatic. The Elite can depart with over 1,000 lbs more weight and still use 600 feet less runway. With a total fuel capac- ity of 2,900 lbs, the performance increase and increased runway safety have a dramatic impact on capabilities.
Options for Existing HondaJet Owners
Honda Aircraft is offering its existing 92 HondaJet owners the Advanced Performance Modification Group (APMG) upgrade which offers many (but not all) of the upgrades in the Elite. For $250,000, owners will receive the aerodynamic improvements on the tail, aileron, and winglets as well as the MTOW increase of 100 lbs, higher Zero Fuel Weight, and some of the software updates to the G3000 avionics suite. Since the Elite has the lat- est generation of G1000 displays and autopilot, capabilities such as enroute and sectional chart overlays, enhanced stability and underspeed protection (USP) are not available.
The upgrade also does not include the engine inlet acoustic improvement or the 90 pounds of extra fuel. However, a HondaJet owner opting for the upgrade will still see their range increase by approximately 100 nautical miles at max range cruise and improved performance. The expense may be worth it for the improved performance in certain situations.
In summary, the HondaJet Elite offers the owner-pilot several enticing features not currently available in many business jets. With a list price of $5.5 million (includes most popular options), it is priced above its direct competitors. As with all aircraft decisions, the total cost of ownership and mission applicability including range can be the determining factors.
After 11,000 hours of piloting over 90 aircraft models, Rich Pickett still has a passion for flying. Rich holds an ATP, CFII SME, SES, glider licenses, and type ratings in the L29, L39, Citation 500/510s/525s, Eclipse 500S and DA10. His company, Personal Wings, provides training, mentoring and aircraft services. You can contact Rich at rich@personalwings.com.
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14 • TWIN & TURBINE
January 2019
HondaJet Elite by the Numbers
Max Speed* >>>>>>>>>> 422/386KTAS Fuel Flow Max Speed* >>>> 1090/637PPH Max Ramp Weight >>>>>> 10,870 MTOW (SL, ISA) >>>>>>>> 10,700 Useful Load>>>>>>>>>>> 3,501
Fuel Capacity >>>>>>>>> 2,944
Max Fuel Payload** >>>>> 734
Base Price >>>>>>>>>>> $5.25 Million N420EX as Flown >>>>>>> $5.80 Million
*Mid Weight 9,500 lbs **Based on Max Ramp Wgt