Learjet 31A

BRIEF HISTORY – LEARJET 31

BOMBARDIER LEARJET 31 (1988-1991) LEARJET 31A  (1991-2003)LEARJET 31ER (1991-2003)
In 1960, Bill Lear established the American Aviation Corporation. In 1962, the corporation was renamed the Lear Jet Corporation, and one year later, the original Lear Jet flew for the first time, Learjet 23. Based on its success, they began modifying and releasing variants. This is where you can trace all Learjet’s back to.  In 1967, facilities were also established in Tucson, Arizona to assist with production. Utilizing the advancements achieved on the Learjet 35 / 36 program with its fuselage and engines paired with a more modern wing from the Learjet 55 series and delta fins under the tail. The LJ31 had its first flight on May 11, 1987, and it was transferred to NASA in 1988. In 1990, Bombardier of Canada bought the company and renamed it Learjet, Inc. The Learjet 31 is a twin-engined, high-speed business jet produced in the United States. It is the successor to the Learjet 35 via the Learjet 29 and is manufactured by Learjet, a division of Bombardier Aviation. It has a capacity of eight passengers and two crew members.In 1990, the Learjet 31A was unveiled as a successor to the Learjet 31. The 31A first flew on August 15, 1991, and the 200th plane was delivered in the year 2000. The 31A is a seven-passenger light jet that is both fast and economical to operate per nautical mile. The Learjet 31A travels at altitudes ranging from 45,000 to 47,000 feet on a regular basis (13,716m to 14,326m) and it can ascend to 47,000 feet (14,326m) in only 27 minutes!  Many adjustments were made to the Model 31A, but the most significant changes were made to the flight deck. A total of 246 Learjet 31’s (including variants) were delivered throughout our lifespan.

CABIN COMFORTS – LEARJET 31
The cabin has 268 cubic feet (8.1 cubic meter) in volume and measures 12 feet 11 inches (3.94m) long , 4 feet 11 inches (1.49m) wide, and 4 feet 4 inches (1.32m) tall and with a floor width of 3.0 feet (0.91m) With the maximum arrangement seating 8, the dimensions make it comfortable for between 4-6 passengers. It has a baggage compartment measuring 40 cubic feet. It includes facilities such as a hot and cold beverage station, a spacious cabin, and a restroom. Please note, in most Learjet 31’s this is considered an “emergency lavatory”. The seat near the flight deck converts into a small lavatory with a curtain. A club-style three-seater couch, four Erda adjustable seats, and folding tables are included in the cabin. There is enough space to sit back, relax, and take in the gorgeous vistas below throughout the journey.There is 40 cubic feet (1.13 cubic meter) of interior luggage space, plus an external baggage locker measuring 12 cubic feet (0.34 cubic meter), bringing the total luggage capacity to almost 52 cubic feet (1.47 cubic meter). As with most other jets, if you are filling up the aircraft with passengers and baggage to its capacity, it will significantly reduce range and comfort.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE – LEARJET 31
The two Honeywell TFE73131-2 rear-mounted turbofan engines have a digital electronic engine control system, an engine synchronizer, and a Dee Howard thrust reverser. At take-off, the engines produce 3,498 lbf of thrust (15.56kN).The integral wing fuel tanks can contain 2,804 pounds (1,272kg) of fuel, and the overall fuel capacity can be expanded to 4,125 pounds (1,871kg) with the addition of an extra fuselage tank. The aircraft features a single point pressure refueling system, and gasoline is supplied to the fuselage through gravity or a pump.The aircraft can take off from runways as short as 3,280 feet (1,000m)  and ascend effortlessly to 45,000 feet (13,716m) with full seats and maximum fuel capacity. The maximum operating altitude is 51,000 feet (15,545m) and the max cruise speed for the Learjet 31A is 481 knots  (554 mph / 891 km/h). The aircraft’s maximum range is with a crew of two to four passengers is 1,455nm (2,695km | 1,674 mi). Maximum range for the Learjet 31A is 1,631 nautical miles (1,877 mi / 3,021 km). This was increased from the original Learjet 31’s range of a measly 1,252 nautical miles (2,319 km). Bombardier would also release in 1991 a faster, longer range version of the 31A marketed as the Learjet 31AER, with a range of 1,911 nautical miles (3,539 km) and a max cruise speed of 462 knots (532 mph | 856 km/h).

FLIGHT DECK – LEARJET 31
Among the improvements made to the Learjet 31A, most would involve the cockpit or a more advanced flight deck. Bendix King (now Honeywell after the merger with Allied Signal) Electronic Flight Information System 50 with Universal 1M, 1B, and 1C flight management system, a dual KFC 3100 two-axis autopilot and flight director with yaw damper, and dual Bendix King (Radios sold to Chelton Avionics when Allied Signal combined with Honeywell) VCS-40A com units, and VN-411B Series III navigation receivers.The Learjet 31A was redesigned in the year 2000. The weights for takeoff and landing have been raised. The thrust reversers became standard equipment after the original design N2 digital electronic engine control (DEEC) was replaced with a N1 DEEC. Honeywell’s TFE731-2a to -2C engine modification is another major improvement. The R12 freon air conditioning system was replaced with an R134A system that was divided into two zones: cockpit and cabin.

CHARTER A LEARJET 31A
Bill Lear did an incredible job dreaming, designing, and manufacturing these aircraft. When Bombardier added their touch to it they became the fastest, most luxurious business jets on the market. Boasting speeds not seen before in private aviation. With the updates and upgrades made over the years, this aircraft remains a popular choice for charter clients seeking a small, yet reliable aircraft that can accommodate around 4 adults comfortably for a 2-3 hour flight. CharterJets Inc. features the newest and highest safety rated Learjet 31A’s available. Reach out today to discuss your upcoming travel!