Pilot Report: Learjet 75

To say the Learjet 70 and 75 are versions of the 40/45 updated with new Garmin G5000 avionics is accurate, but there is more to the newer models than just the flight deck. Every upgrade is an opportunity to improve the marque, and Bombardier engineers certainly did that.

The $13.8 million Learjet 75 is the pinnacle of the classic Bill Lear design that probably did more to usher in the business jet than any other aircraft. It retains the classic Learjet layout but is equipped with the latest Garmin G5000 integrated flight deck and a modern interior that maximizes space in Bombardier’s sole light jet product. The 40/45 was Bombardier’s first new design in the iconic Learjet line after the purchase of Learjet in 1990. The 70/75 was the first jet to enter service with Garmin’s G5000 touchscreen-controlled flight deck and also the first to be designed with a pocket door.

In 2017, Bombardier celebrated delivery of the 3,000th Learjet, 54 years after the Learjet 23 was certified.

To Bombardier's credit, it has kept the Learjet production line running in Wichita, even though sales of the 70/75 have dropped. During this production run, Bombardier has delivered 132 Learjet 40/40XRs, 454 45/45XRs, and nearly 130 70/75s.

Bombardier remains committed to the Learjet line, and both the 70 and 75 remain in production. During the first three quarters of 2018 Bombardier delivered nine of both the Learjet 70 and 75, and final quarter sales were expected to climb thanks to the new U.S. tax law’s bonus depreciation. The total reached 14 in 2017 and 24 in 2016.

The 70 and 75 are basically the same airplane, both powered by the 3,850 pound thrust Honeywell TFE731-40BR turbofan, but differing in cabin length and range/payload capability. The Learjet 70’s cabin is 17 feet, 8 inches long and seats up to seven passengers.

Maximum range with four passengers and two pilots is 2,060 nm, and maximum payload is 175 lb greater than the Learjet 75’s at 2,285 pounds versus 2,110 pounds. Both have the same maximum takeoff weight (mtow) of 21,500 pounds and carry the same amount of fuel, 6,062 pounds. The Learjet 75’s cabin measures 19 feet, 10 inches and range is nearly the same at 2,040 nm, with a typically equipped capacity of up to nine passengers. Stay on the leading edge of the business jet industry with AIN's free daily newsletter.

Source - https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2019-01-17/pilot-report-learjet-75

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