Twenty Years Later: Rembembering the Historic First Flight of the HondaJet Prototype | Aviation International News

Twenty Years Later: First Flight of the HondaJet Prototype

After three years of intense effort, the HondaJet prototype took to the skies

HondaJet proof-of-concept prototype 2003 — After three years of intense effort, the HondaJet proof-of-concept prototype took to the skies in 2003. (Photo: HondaJet)

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

December 1, 2023

Behind the closed doors of a hangar at the Atlantic Aero FBO more than two decades ago at Greensboro, North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad International Airport (KGSO), a team of engineers and technicians assembled an oddly configured twin-engine very light business jet. This was the proof-of-concept (POC) prototype of what would become the best-selling HondaJet very light jet. The team’s work culminated on Dec. 3, 2003, when the POC took flight and a new business jet family was born.

The Honda team worked overtime to achieve the goal of flying the POC by the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight on Dec. 17, 1903. “So this date of December 3 gave us a little bit of contingency in case any unforeseen issues might arise,” recalled engineering consultant David Danner, one of the many employees who witnessed the first flight. “There were many [issues], but somehow all were overcome and the day arrived.

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