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Based on the Swiss FFA P-16 ground attack jet fighter
The Learjet family of aircraft entered serial production in the 1960s. They are first and foremost known as business jets, but their roots are in military aviation. Certain design concepts used in the first Learjets were based on the Swiss FFA P-16 ground attack jet fighter designed in the 1950s.
The P-16 never entered service.
The manufacturing rights of a business jet progressively developed from the P-16 were purchased by the Lear Jet Corporation in the United States. William Lear adapted its efficient wing design for his new business jet, the Learjet 23, creating the first successful light business jet.
Production was subsequently taken over by the Gates company and even later by Bombardier Aerospace.
Learjet 24 pilot
Is it true that Learjets are particularly unforgiving, and the pilot can quickly find himself “behind the airplane”?
Edward Chevrette, former Learjet 24 pilot and author of the book Wings of Fortune: Personal tales from the Golden Age of General Aviation, explains on Quora;
‘As a former Learjet Pilot, I would like to take a quote from an article I wrote for General Aviation News. Flying The Learjet. “The Learjet is small compared to other transport category aircraft and requires a certain degree of diligence flying one. It is based on a fighter type aircraft that Lear converted to a civilian transport. The training is intensive and must be adhered to in order to obtain your Learjet Type Rating”
‘Like any other airplane it has its own characteristics that require proper piloting techniques. There were some incidents with the earlier models, but that was due to the fact the plots flew the airplane beyond its limitations as well as those of the pilots.
Very unforgiving
‘Misuse of the airplane and yes, it is very unforgiving. Not using proper piloting techniques, yes you can get behind the airplane very quickly. Understanding your limitations and that of the airplane is the key factor. I will always remember my instructor on the first day of my training. He handed me a piece of paper and told me to read its contents. The paper was titled “How to kill yourself in a Learjet” (That particular piece was given to me by my instructor, and he was the one who wrote it).’
Chevrette concludes;
‘I flew the airplane for several years and loved every minute of it. I found the airplane to be very responsive, comfortable and safe. This was one great airplane. I can relate to hand flying the Lear at altitude, it was an eye opener. And the noise, absolutely! I always had a certain amount of satisfaction knowing I was making all that noise.’
Photo credit: NASA
