Bombardier CSeries aircraft takes flight, begins flight tests on path to customer delivery

MONTRÉAL, 16 Sept. 2013. Flight test pilots flew the first Bombardier Aerospace CSeries aircraft, marking a major milestone in the development of the company’s all-new family of aircraft designed for the 100- to 149-seat market segment.

This maiden flight marks the start of the CSeries aircraft’s flight test program, which will culminate in the first customer delivery.

“The performance of the CSeries aircraft was very impressive! We couldn’t have wished for a better maiden flight,” Capt. Ellis explains. “FTV1’s state-of-the-art flight deck was responsive and comfortable, and the aircraft handled exactly as expected. Overall, we had a very productive first flight and an excellent start to the flight test program.”

The historic flight of CSeries flight test vehicle one (FTV1), a CS100 jetliner bearing Canadian registration markings C-FBCS, took place under the command of Captain Charles (Chuck) Ellis, chief flight test pilot, Bombardier Flight Test Center. Capt. Ellis, assisted by Capt. Andris (Andy) Litavniks and Andreas Hartono in the roles of First Officer and Flight Test Engineer, respectively. The flight departed from Montréal–Mirabel International Airport at approximately 9:55 EDT and returned at approximately 12:25 EDT.

“This is a very proud day for Bombardier and a true validation of the CSeries aircraft’s design and development, and of our extensive ground test program,” says Rob Dewar, vice president and general manager, CSeries Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Five years in the making, the CSeries aircraft’s first flight is the culmination of an incredible amount of hard work and dedication from our employees, partners, and suppliers around the world.

“During its maiden flight, CSeries FTV1 reached an altitude of 12,500 feet (3,810 metres) and an air speed of 230 knots (426 km/h). In-flight tests included flap and landing gear retractions and extensions; in-flight manoeuvres that included a simulated landing; and early validation of the flight control system. Additionally, we’re also delighted that many of our guests commented on the impressive and quiet performance during takeoff and landing,” Dewar adds.

“The patience, care and quality that has gone into the CSeries aircraft’s development program shone through today as we celebrate this milestone achievement of the first all-new, single-aisle aircraft that will revolutionize the 100- to 149-seat commercial aircraft market–with its outstanding economics, reduced environmental footprint, and exceptional flying experience,” says Bombardier Commercial Aircraft President Mike Arcamone. “This flight takes us one step closer to putting the game-changing CSeries aircraft into service with our customers and their passengers.”

The first CSeries aircraft was greeted by more than 3,000 Bombardier employees and Board members, customers, partners, and suppliers, upon its return to the company’s Mirabel, Québec, facility, where the final assembly line for theCSeries aircraft program is now under construction.

A total of five CS100 flight test vehicles, all of which are currently in various stages of assembly, will join the flight test program in the coming months.