LEARJET 40

The Learjet is quite a contender in the competitive private jet market. Its cruise speed, cabin space, and technological advancements are greater than other light private jets. It has excellent range/payload flexibility and climbs quickly to elevations far above most air traffic and bad weather. Its range allows for nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco or from Singapore to Hong Kong — trips that few other light private jets could complete.

The Learjet 40’s cabin is, to the pleasure of its marketing department, the biggest of its class. It stretches to a length of 17.7 feet, a width of 5.1 feet, and a height of 4.9 feet, totaling a cabin volume of 363 cubic feet. There are seats available for seven passengers, and baggage compartments that can store 65 cubic feet of baggage.

The Learjet 40 also outperforms the competition while in the air. Its long range cruise speed is 428 ktas (.79 Mach), but can cruise as fast as 457 ktas (.81 Mach). It can fly up to 2,248 miles (1,954 nautical miles) nonstop and take off in 4,330 feet at high altitudes. Its runway capabilities at sea level are less than 3,400 pounds.  Even when loaded to its maximum takeoff weight of 20,350 pounds, it can take off in just 4,250 feet from a sea level runway.

Despite the high speeds of the Learjet 40, its fuel consumption remains relatively economical due to an aerodynamic design (cutting down on drag) and two fuel-efficient Honeywell TFE731-20AR-1B engines.

The Honeywell Primus 1000 digital avionics suite is certainly up to par with the high-performing jet; its four cathode ray tube screens are located at logical positions on the control panel. The designers of the Learjet 40 paid a lot of attention to arranging the avionics in an easy-to-use, logical layout, ultimately making the pilot’s job easier – and each flight safer.

Other details, such as carbon brakes and wing spoilers, provide soft landings, and “delta fins” on the vertical stabilizer increase stability, allowing for better control in stalls. The Learjet 40 meets the FAA’s rigorous part 25 safety requirements, as well as the FAR-36 noise levels (74.4 EPNdB on takeoff).

In the world of light private jets, the Learjet 40 garners a lot of well-earned envy. It flies long distances quickly and even provides enough room for optimal passenger comfort. The Lear 40 is a jet that deserves the hype.