Published in Midwest Flyer – Aug/Sept 2016
On a three Midwestern city tour, including Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 7, and Appleton and Madison, Wisconsin on June 8, 2016, the HA-420 HondaJet drew a lot of attention. The aircraft received certification on December 8, 2015, following more than 3,000 hours of flight testing.
The HondaJet’s innovative over-the-wing engine mount configuration, natural-laminar flow wing and composite fuselage makes it a higher performance, more fuel-efficient and more spacious light jet than any other aircraft in its class. The HondaJet is the fastest jet in its class at 420 knots (483 mph).
With type certification achieved, Honda Aircraft has ramped up production with 25 aircraft on the final assembly line with a total workforce nearing 1,700 people. The sticker price for the HondaJet is $4.9 million, plus options.
The Midwest distributor for Honda Aircraft Company – HondaJet Midwest – displayed the aircraft on the tour. HondaJet Midwest has offices in Des Moines and Chicago. For additional information call 800-622-8311 (www.hondajetmidwest.com).
Also on display was the 2016 Piper M500. Representatives from Des Moines Flying Service were on hand to answer questions and take orders. For additional information call 800-622-8311 (www.dmfs.com).
Also featured on the expo flightline were the aircraft owned and manufactured by Textron Aviation – Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker.
