The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau performed four familiarization flights aboard the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) between August 5 and 7 at Moses Lake Flight Test Center (MFC). During the course of three days with clear skies and warm temperatures, flights were conducted in airspace near Grant County International Airport and three JCAB pilots took turns piloting FTA-4.
Prior to the familiarization flights, the JCAB coordinated both classroom and flight simulator training to help pilots become thoroughly accustomed to MRJ flight operation. Subsequently, all four familiarization flights were completed as planned.
These flights represent an important step toward acquiring type certification and were also the first flights conducted by pilots other than those of Mitsubishi Aircraft.