Photo Credit: Alan Lebeda

Embraer

Embraer continues to hold the favor of making the world’s best-selling light jet for 11 years running. However, Embraer began long before in August of 1969. Initially known as the Brazilian government’s “Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica,” Embraer worked at producing military aircraft for its country. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo.

Since the 1940s, the Brazilian government has led both its Ministry of Aeronautics and the Technological Institute of Aeronautics. The government also chose alumnus, Ozires Silva, of the Technological Institute of Aeronautics to be Embraer’s first President.

By 1973, Embraer launched its first aircraft, the Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante. Translated into English means “pioneer.” The 110 Bandeirante is a turboprop regional aircraft with a capacity of 15 to 21 passengers. Produced until 1990, Embraer delivered a total of 501 aircraft. Less than 50 aircraft are still in operation.

After years of developing various military aircraft for Brazil’s government and beyond, it created an iconic fighter jet in the 1980s. Embraer’s AMX fighter aircraft became the work of Embraer and its Italian partners Aeritália (Alenia) and Macchi (Aermacchi). In 1987, Embraer bought Aerotec – another aviation company that produced military aircraft.

Government-owned Embraer was ready to go private by the early 1990s. In 1994, it sold to investors with the help of its former President, Ozires Silva. By 1995, Embraer went public listing on the New York and Brazilian stock exchanges.

In recent years, competition between Chinese and Russian manufacturers has moved quickly. While Embraer is known for its jets, the company continues to forge relationships with larger entities so that they may take over Embraer’s commercial aircraft division and boost sales.

A Very Light Business Jet With Luxurious Features

Embraer’s Phenom 100 is one of the most popular very-light luxury jets in the world. Recent models start at just over $4 million. Pilots enjoy flying the Phenom 100 as it can comfortably seat up to 7 people, cruise at 405 knots, climb faster than other light jets, and is capable of reaching impressive speeds.

When Embraer began production of its Phenom 100 in 2008, aircraft buyers could purchase one new at $3.18 million. However, many 100 owners purchased one used and in good condition for about $2 million or less. This particular aircraft is loved by corporate and private flyers alike.

Working With BMW DesignworksUSA

Announced in 2010, Embraer started working with BMW DesignworksUSA (BMW Group subsidiary) to elevate its interior design with premium leather and wood features. Starting with 7 color schemes, BMW also made luggage compartments integrated into the Phenom’s walls and seating to create a minimal, clean look.

Country of Origin: Brazil

Embraer Phenom 100

The following are statistics for the latest Phenom 100 variation.

Embraer Phenom 100E (2017) Statistics

  • Maximum Speed: 390 kts
  • Maximum Range: 1,160 nm
  • Maximum Occupants: 7
  • Range Of Years Manufactured: 2008–2017
  • Total Aircraft Build: 369
  • Current Operational Aircraft: About 338
  • Useful Load: 3,384 lbs
  • Average Sale Value: $3,695,000

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Embraer Phenom 100 Details

Below includes descriptions for the latest Phenom 100E variation (2017).

Embraer Phenom 100E

Interior

The Phenom 100EV is an extremely impressive very-light business jet equipped with an Oval Lite® cabin that holds room for a refreshment center and optional belted lavatory. This variation is configured to seat a total of 7 people and offers 70 feet of storage. Its state-of-the-art flight deck is touch controlled and uses a Synthetic Vision System, SurfaceWatch™ vertical navigation, and Garmin 3000 avionics. Its interior also features Embraer’s signature ram’s-horn control yokes.

Designed to look clean and spacious, this particular Phenom 100 offers the most leg and headroom of many other entry-level jets. It also has oversized windows to allow more natural light in. Interior club seating is flexible and customizable in 10 earth-toned leather finishes including amber, bronzite, crystal, emerald, mystic, pearl, ruby, sapphire, smokey quartz, sunstone, and tiffany – each with complementary trims.

Exterior

Embraer’s 2017 Phenom has a high stance and sleek body with a large entrance door featuring a handrail and LED step lighting. Its long, slender nose makes it recognizable among aviation enthusiasts. This variation is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PW617F1-E engine. This aircraft also offers multifunction spoilers that serve as speed brakes and assist in ground braking, FADEC engine controls, and brake-by-wire systems.

Avionics

The Embraer Phenom 100 may or may not contain the following avionics:

Embraer Phenom 100E (2017)

  • G3000 avionics suite

Specifications

Embraer Phenom 100E

  • Configuration: Twin Engine, Fanjet Engine
  • Max Seats: 7
  • Cruise: 380 kts
  • Landing: 3,000 ft.
  • Landing 100E: 2,722 ft.
  • Wing Span: 40 ft. 4 in.
  • Height: 14 ft. 4in.
  • Cruise 100E: 390 kts
  • Range: 1,160 nm
  • Take Off 100E: 3,125 ft.
  • Take Off: 3,400 ft.
  • Length: 42 ft.
  • Range 100E: 1,178 nm

Embraer Phenom 100 Models

EMB-500

Embraer’s very first 100 is also known as the EMB-500. While it’s more commonly referred to as the Phenom 100, EMB-500 is its official model name. This very light twin-engine aircraft made its first flight on July 26, 2007. It then received its type certificate from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Authority on December 9, 2008. Just a few days later, Embraer delivered its first 100 – one of a total of 355 produced.

Phenom 100

Embraer’s first Phenom variant in 2009 used “Phenom 100” as its marketed name and featured G1000 avionics and two PW617F-E engines.

Phenom 100E

Welcomed into the Phenom family in 2014, this updated variant includes multifunction spoilers and upgraded interior options. This variant includes G1000 avionics, PW617F-E engines, and spoiler panels.

Phenom 100EV Evolution

Introduced in 2017, the EV 100 variant includes a weight savings and thrust increase from 1,695 lbs. to 1,730 lbs., which shortens its time to climb to 41,000 ft. from 33 minutes to 25 minutes. This upgrade also reduces takeoff distance at high-altitude and high-temperature airports from 6,609 ft. to 5,663 ft. Avionics includes Garmin’s G3000 touch-screen flight deck which made its first delivery on March 31, 2017. This variant has two PW617F1-E engines with a starting price of $4.5 million.

U-100

Brazil used two Embraer Phenom 100EVs as aircraft for military designation.

Phenom T1

The United Kingdom used Phenom 100s for military designation, operated by the Royal Air Force.

Top Embraer Phenom 100 Questions

The following are some of the most popular questions regarding the Embraer Phenom 100:

How Much Does An Embraer Phenom 100 Cost?

Within the very-light business jet category, the most recent (2023) Phenom 100EV has a starting price of $4.5 million. Pre-owned Phenom 100s start at around $1 million. Pilots and passengers alike love this particular business jet for its ample cabin room and modern features.

How Fast Is An Embraer Phenom 100?

While extremely light, Embraer’s Phenom 100EV is still a powerful aircraft with a max cruise speed of 406 knots or about 467 miles per hour. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW617F1-E engines.

What’s Included With Garmin’s G3000 Suite Avionics?

Garmin’s G3000 avionics suite includes an advanced flight deck with bright high-resolution displays and SVT™, which allows pilots to see more clearly even in IFR conditions.

Garmin’s displays divide into two pages to show multiple systems and sensors. Furthermore, its intuitive touchscreen interface displays shallow menus and audible feedback. This particular avionics suite also includes automatic flight guidance and control systems showing weather, charts, traffic, terrain, and global connectivity options.

What Is EMB-500 Type Rating?

According to Florida’s Flight Center, the EMB-500 type rating requires a checkride conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). Certified under Part 23 of the FAR, the Phenom 100 allows for single pilot operations. However, there is an option to take the checkride to single pilot standards or crew. “SIC Required” will be added to the EMB-500 Type Rating under pilot certificate “Limitations” if a crew is selected.

How Much Does A Praetor 500 Cost?

Embraer’s midsize jet has an average pre-owned price of $16,995,000 USD.

How Much Does An Embraer Legacy 500 Cost?

Another one of Embraer’s midsize jets, the Legacy 500 costs $20 million USD.

What Are All Business Jets Ever Produced By Embraer?

Embraer produced the following business jets throughout the years:

  • Embraer Phenom 100 (very-light jet)
  • Embraer Phenom 100 (light jet)
  • Embraer Praetor 500 (mid-size jet)
  • Embraer Praetor 600 (super mid-size jet)
  • Embraer Legacy 450 (mid-size jet)
  • Embraer Legacy 500 (super mid-size jet)
  • Embraer Legacy 600/650 (large jet, developed from the ERJ family)
  • Embraer Lineage 1000 (ultra-large jet, developed from the E-Jet family)

Where Are Embraer-Approved Maintenance Centers In The US?

The following locations are Embraer-approved maintenance centers within the United States:

  • Hillsboro, Oregon – KHIO: Aero Air
  • Provo, Utah – KPVU: Duncan Aviation
  • Grand Junction, Colorado – KGJT: West Star Aviation
  • Van Nuys, California – KVNY: Clay Lacy Aviation
  • Meza, Arizona – KIWA: Embraer Service Center
  • Dallas, Texas – KDAL: West Star Aviation
  • Lincoln, Nebraska – KLNK: Duncan Aviation
  • Moline, Illinois – KMLI: Elliott Aviation
  • Battle Creek, Michigan – KBTL: Duncan Aviation
  • Indianapolis, Indiana – KEYE: Eagle Creek Aviation
  • Greenville, South Carolina – KGSP/KGYH: Stevens Aviation
  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida – KFLL: Embraer Service Center
  • Ronkonkoma, New York – KISP: Eastway Jet Services
  • Windsor Locks, Connecticut – KBDL: Embraer Service Center

Embraer also has maintenance centers in Europe, the Middle East, India, South America, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Africa, and Singapore.

What Happened Between Embraer & Boeing?

Boeing Brasil–Commercial was supposed to be a major turning point for Embraer. It would work closely with Boeing as its new majority owner (80%), producing commercial aircraft on a global scale. While both companies expected to close the deal in June 2020, Boeing terminated the impending venture during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Boeing says Embraer failed to satisfy the conditions established in their agreement, therefore bringing the potential $4.2 billion deal to a close. However, Embraer has denied those claims and says because of the negative effects of the pandemic, Boeing terminated the deal in lieu of receiving emergency funds from the U.S. government. Embraer might still file a suit to recover anywhere between $100 and $120 million spent separating its commercial and military units in preparation for the takeover.

Does The Phenom 100 Have A Toilet?

Yes. The Phenom 100 has a private, enclosed lavatory with a sink and toilet on board.

Did Embraer Build Piper Aircraft?

Yes. Embraer produced Piper aircraft under license in 1974 using knock-down kits from its U.S. factory. Embraer assembled and marketed these aircraft in Brazil and Latin America between 1974 and 2000. About 2,500 licensed-built Pipers were produced during this time.

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