Since receiving its FAA type certification in 2003, the Bombardier Learjet 40 has been a popular option among the light jet category—Business Jet Traveler says the Learjet 40 “delivers midsize-cabin comfort at a light jet price.” The Learjet 40 offers cabin space, cruise speed, and technological developments greater than previous Learjets and other light jets. The aircraft offers longer range, greater passenger capacity, and the ability to achieve shorter takeoff distances compared to its predecessor, the Learjet 31A. The Learjet 40 combines typical light jet capabilities with an increased size comparable to a midsize jet. An updated version, the Learjet 40XR, was released in 2006.
Learjet 40 Features
Interior
The Learjet 40 cabin includes a refreshment center and coat closet available for the convenience of the passenger. Its seven-passenger cabin measures 17 feet 8 inches long, 5 feet 1 inch wide, and 4 feet 11 inches high for a total cabin volume of 368 cubic feet, making it one of the most spacious in its class. As mentioned in Business Jet Traveler, the overall cabin volume of the Learjet 40 is 53 cubic feet more than that of the Encore and 57 more than that of the Hawker 400XP. The additional space provided by the Learjet 40 makes the passengers feel as if they are flying on a mid-sized jet instead of a light jet.
The Lear 40 also includes an internal baggage component of 15 cubic feet, with external capacity of 50 cubic feet. The jet is also equipped with swivel chairs arranged in a forward club-four configuration that can recline at the passenger’s ease. Additional amenities included in the cabin are fold-out tables, a large lavatory with a sink, and a belted flushing toilet.
Performance
The Learjet 40 is equipped with dual Honeywell TFE731-20AR-1B engines, which enable the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 436 ktas and produce 3,500 pounds of thrust per engine. The Learjet 40 provides an average range of 1,573 nautical miles when traveling with 6 passengers and NBAA IFR reserves. Compared with the Citation Encore, the Learjet 40 provides 5 knots faster cruise speed and 200 nautical miles of additional range. The engines perform with a consumption rate of 199 gallons per hour, making the Learjet 40 an extremely fuel-efficient aircraft. The jet comes with carbon brakes and wing spoilers that yield smoother landings, as well as delta fins for increased stability. With such figures, Plane & Pilot Magazine boasts that “With four passengers, it will travel from New York to Chicago in one hour and 35 minutes.”
Avionics
The avionics system that is operated in the Learjet 40 is the Honeywell Primus 1000 integrated avionics suite. The system includes an electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) screen that can display engine instrument and crew alerting system (EICAS) messages. It also comes with A GPS receiver and UNS-1E management system located in the cockpit to help guide the pilot during flight. These systems included in the flight deck authorize the pilot to have reduced workload, with each system easy to access and use.
