The FAA revealed in its special conditions for the Phenom 100 a preliminary number for the very light jet’s maximum takeoff weight. At 9,700 pounds, this figure
meets Embraer’s previous specification that the Phenom 100 should weigh less than 10,000 pounds. According to an Embraer spokesman, “The official mtow hasn’t been confirmed yet. And so far, weight is under control.” He added that a fourth Phenom 100 is about to join the first three test airplanes, which had logged more than 400
hours in more than 380 flights as of the end of last month. The special conditions also require Embraer to add fire-detection and -suppression systems to the Phenom
100 because normal Part 23 certification regulations don’t address fire-extinguishing systems in airplanes with engines not visible to the pilot.