Chief pilot of Centreline Air Charter (CAC) Phil Parsons and super midsize fleet manager James Pyne have been hugely impressed with the company's Legacy 500 since it joined the fleet earlier this year. The aircraft is the only one of its type in the UK as well as the first to be commercially operated in Europe.

“The technology is fantastic and way ahead of just about any business jet out there,” says Parsons. “The Pro-Line Fusion avionics, coupled with an auto throttle and a full fly by wire system, makes the aircraft very easy to operate. It also gives the crew greater situational awareness and the built-in protection ensures a safe operation. Noise levels in the cabin are out of this world, and of all the aircraft I've flown in my career, this is the easiest to fly.

“You could talk to the pilots from the toilet if you really wanted to; that is how quiet it is. It is as technologically advanced as a Boeing 787.”

Adds Pyne: “The aircraft has very intelligent computer handling which is similar to that of the Airbus family. Once the pilots get used to the technology it takes only a short time for it to become intuitive. The aircraft is incredibly easy to handle whether in or out of autopilot and gives a smooth ride for passengers in turns and climbs. It has excellent high level cabin comfort and our customers always comment on how quiet it is.”

The Legacy is able to access many airports that other jets in its class cannot, including Dundee airport, with maximum passengers and fuel. CAC has line training captains for the type and hopes to have a Bristol-based engineer in place by November.

“From the pilot's position it's a fantastic aircraft to sit in and it has excellent air conditioners in the cockpit and cabin,” Pyne adds. “For passengers the seating arrangements can be converted into four very comfortable berths. You can just tell the amount of thought that has gone into the design of it.”

Concludes Parsons: “When you put a new aircraft type to the charter market you are always a little wary until you receive feedback. Every passenger has given great feedback and has requested repeat use of the aircraft without exception.”