Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

The Embraer Legacy 500 made a “flawless” one-hour 45-minute first flight today from the aircraft manufacturer’s headquarters at Brazil’s São José dos Campos Airport, marking the beginning of the midsize jet’s flight-test program. Embraer test pilots Mozart Louzada and Eduardo Camelier, along with flight-test engineers Gustavo Paixão and Alexandre Figueiredo, flew the fly-by-wire aircraft, performing handling and performance characteristics evaluation.
As a result of the extensive use of simulation and ground testing, the aircraft was able to cover a “significant flight envelope” on the maiden flight, though the company hasn’t yet released speed or altitude data. Aircraft systems were assessed during the flight, including landing-gear retraction.
“This is the aircraft that will move us from industry player to industry leader,” said Embraer Executive Jets president Ernest Edwards. “The Legacy 500 breaks through the traditional midsize jet envelope to offer something that has never been done before. It is hard to overstate the importance of fly-by-wire technology. Fly-by-wire does for business aviation what GPS has done for navigation. It will empower more precision, efficiency, safety and comfort every time the aircraft flies.”
Certification and initial deliveries of the Legacy 500 are expected in early 2014. Its mid-light sibling, the Legacy 450, is slated to cross the certification finish line about a year after that.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Embraer Legacy 500 Makes 'Flawless' First Flight

A one-hour 45-minute first flight from Embraer's headquarters at Brazil’s São José dos Campos Airport.

Embraer Legacy 500 Makes a one-hour 45-minute first flight from Embraer's headquarters at Brazil’s São José dos Campos Airport.

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