Late yesterday, Embraer simultaneously received the type and production certificates for its Phenom 300 from Brazil’s civil aviation authority, Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC). The type approval is for both VFR and IFR operations, as well as flight into known icing conditions. FAA type approval is expected “in the coming weeks,” the São José dos Campos, Brazil-based aircraft manufacturer said.

“When we launched the Phenom 300 program [in May 2005], we wanted to bring an unparalleled product into the light jet category,” said Embraer executive vice president of executive jets Luís Carlos Affonso. “The Phenom 300 has not only met all original specification targets, but has also surpassed many performance goals.”

In fact, the Phenom 300’s NBAA IFR range was originally expected to be 1,800 nm, but was extended to 1,971 nm with six occupants. Runway performance also improved over the initial targets: takeoff field length at mtow is now 3,138 feet versus 3,700 feet, while landing distance at maximum landing weight was shortened by 329 feet to 2,621 feet. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E-powered Phenom 300’s fuel consumption is also 6 percent better than original estimates.

According to Embraer, its executive jet service network is ready to handle the Phenom 300 when the first copies enter service later this month. At least two of the light jets are scheduled to be delivered by the end of the month.

Effective February 1, the list price of the Phenom 300 will rise to $8.14 million (2010 dollars) for FAA-certified versions. Embraer said it has orders for about 800 Phenom 100s and 300s.