CSeries makes successful maiden flight

Bombardier's CSeries aircraft made its much delayed maiden flight today. The programme provides an all-new family of aircraft specifically designed for the 100- to 149-seat market segment.

The debut was also the first flight for Pratt & Whitney’s new Geared Turbofan PurePower engine.
The historic flight of CSeries flight test vehicle one (FTV1) – a CS100 jetliner bearing Canadian registration markings C-FBCS – was conducted under the command of Captain Charles (Chuck) Ellis, Bombardier’s chief flight test pilot, assisted by his colleagues, 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 at 14:55 GMT and returned at approximately 16:25 GMT.
“The performance of the CSeries aircraft was very impressive! We couldn’t have wished for a better maiden flight,” said Capt. Ellis. “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.”
CSeries programme manager Rob Dewar said: “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 programme,”
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.
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 the CSeries 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 programme in the coming months.