Project Phoenix cheered the first flight of its high specification Phoenix CRJ No 1 (Serial No 7211) on June 12, 2009. The aircraft took to the air for one hour and 10 minutes from completion center Flying Colours' facility at Peterborough, Ontario.
"The aircraft handled and performed perfectly with all systems and avionics operational," said test pilot Captain Larry Ross. "Our flight engineer reported an extremely quiet cabin."
The aircrafts new 15-seat luxury interior includes state-of-the-art cabin management systems and IFE, with Airshow 4000, ipod stations, and full internet and SatCom communications. The aircraft has been well received by both owner Ritz Pacific and Jet Asia (which will fly the aircraft on its AOC).
The Phoenix CRJ will have a payload of more than 1,200 pounds with full fuel, including the long range auxiliary tank – which equates to six passengers.
"This is extremely gratifying news and pretty much what we predicted. Well done to Flying Colours for their weight reduction program,” said Project Phoenix President and CEO Mike Cappuccitti.
Phoenix CRJ No. 1 has been fitted with Flying Colours own long range fuel tanks, providing a maximum range in excess of 3,000 nm and giving U.S. coast-to-coast capability. Project Phoenix worked with Skyservice at Toronto Pearson Airport on an extensive maintenance program and with Flying Colours of Peterborough for the interior and completions process. The aircraft will shortly enter service with Jet Asia in Macau.
