Farnborough: Bombardier's CSeries Demo Flight

LONDON — Bombardier Commercial Aircraft is proud to have its newest product, the CSeries 100, available for display at the Farnborough International Air Show.

The Canadian manufacturer invited a group of media to three demo flights on Sunday, July 10 — a day before the air show officially begun.The flight, scheduled to last between 45 minutes to one hour, carried over 50 passengers, and demonstrated the aircraft's capabilities to operate in short field airports, such as London City (LCY).https://twitter.com/Enrique77W/status/752144474726363136Rob Dewar, Bombardier's vice president of the CSeries program, proudly noted how "the best aircraft in its category" was brought to Farnborough to showcase its flying capabilities days before Swiss International Air Lines launches its first revenue flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Paris (CDG) on July 15 — event that will be covered live by Airways.

Following a quick briefing by Bombardier's executives, passengers were invited to board Flight Test Vehicle (FTV) 5.Once inside the spacious cabin, all passengers were treated with an old-fashioned safety briefing by two Bombardier flight attendants.The aircraft's PW1500GTF engines were turned on and the whispering airliner taxied to Farnborough's main runway.

Dewar described the next phase as a "London City Takeoff," as the CS100 powerfully rolled down the runway for only 12 seconds before rotating to the skies in a rocket-like motion.

Passengers were astonished at the climbing capabilities of the CS100. Some light turbulence accompanied the jet as it climbed to cruising altitude.All attendees were invited to stand and mingle along the spacious and wide cabin, which features ultra large overhead bins, an ultra-wide aisle, and bigger than average windows, which illuminate the cabin giving a sense of airiness that's second to none.

Unlike in regular flights, the flight deck's door was kept open during most of the demo. Passengers were invited to step in and chat with the two Bombardier test pilots, who proudly showcased the magnificent and technological glass cockpit, with dual HUDs and grandiose windows.The approach into Farnborough was bumpy and rushed.

Passengers were invited to sit as the plane descended through 5,000 feet and deployed its landing gear.Landing was performed under the "short field" standard operating procedure, applying maximum breaks and reverse to simulate the LCY operation.

After landing, passengers applauded after Dewar delivered some closing remarks. The CS100 is finally ready to soar the skies, and Bombardier proved it right.