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Solo Flight in the Sport-Jet

Submitted by James M. Stewart, Flight Research Test Pilot

Thursday, May 25, 2006, turned out to be a great day for my first solo flight in the Sport- Jet designed and built by Excel-Jet & Mr. Bob Bornhofen. First flights in new aircraft hold a special place in my memory because it is the time when you get to explore and be alone with the airplane, its switches, and the performance envelope.

The Sport-Jet lived up to my expectations as I took the left seat for start up, taxi and takeoff. The right seat was devoid of someone wanting to share the flying or ruin the quiet of the early morning flight. Starting the Sport Jet is an extremely simple process thanks to the Williams FJ33-4a engine and the Full Authority Digital Electronic Control. One hand on the starter switch and the other on the thrust lever brings the engine to life followed immediately by the generator and other flight systems.

As I taxied to the runway, I knew all eyes were on the Sport-Jet as it opens a new chapter in General Aviation with jet power for the private pilot. Rotation was barely noticed as I passed 60 knots accelerating rapidly. After cleaning up the jet, I was passing 10,000 feet on my way to 14,500. At this point, I was able to really appreciate the expanse of glass which provides an exceptional view from wingtip to wingtip. With Pikes Peak on the horizon and the cloudless morning sky, I wondered why this jet was not around 10 or 15 years ago when my general aviation flying started. After years in America's finest fighters like the F-4, F-106 and F-15, it is great to see a sleek design and a powerful aircraft finally entering the realm of reality for the pilot/owner.

In the skies away from the airport, I practiced some slow flight, moderate turns, and airspeed changes to familiarize myself with the feel of the jet. Even with a little turbulence, the airplane was a solid platform begging to go faster. I was particularly impressed with the low cabin noise level even before efforts are made to insulate and control cabin noise.

A check of the fuel gauge reminded me of the need to return to Colorado Springs. Slowing the jet requires a specific plan and mine included speed brakes, landing gear and flaps at a distance from the airport. The plan worked and I was at 90 knots prior to reaching a visual glideslope for the active runway. Finding the runway in the flare was easy compared with my Mooney as the Sport-Jet's visibility over the nose is excellent. Getting that exact flare height will come with another landing or two.

Pilot's Conclusion

The airframe is sexy and functional. The engine is a dream powerplant. The mission to get from A to B in style and with minimum time and effort is something any pilot can accept. The Sport-Jet is that personal jet package and my solo flight is a great aviation memory.

James M. Stewart is a Flight Research Test Pilot