For those unfamiliar with Learjets, their name is synonymous with speed. The Learjet 31A can reach a cruise speed of .81 Mach after climbing to its cruise level in just 28 minutes — way beyond the capabilities of any competing light private jet. It has great runway performance and a low fuel burn, making it a great candidate for efficient, fast private jet travel.
The Learjet 31A can carry up to eight passengers in its 17.1 foot-long cabin. Sixty-seven feet of baggage space is available.
Two Garret TFE 731-2-4-3B engines provide 3,500 pounds of thrust each, giving this jet the ability to outperform the rest of the private jets in its class. It has a range of 1252 nautical miles with four passengers, and performs well even in extreme temperatures and at high altitudes.
At its maximum take-off weight, the 31A can take off in 3490 feet at sea level, significantly surpassing other light jets’ runway performance. Another area in which the Learjet 31A outperforms its competitors is in its climb rate – it can reach an altitude of 47,000 feet in only 28 minutes. Furthermore, at cruise altitude, it flies at .81 Mach (456 ktas), making it the fastest light private jet in the speed category as well.
The Learjet 31A has excellent in-flight performance. Its rapid acceleration and rapid response capabilities make it a favorite among pilots. This jet is known for its smooth flights and good performance even outside the recommended flight envelope.
The strong point of the Learjet 31A is its avionics system. The Bendix/King suite has a KFC 3100 autopilot system, complete with automatic climb and descent modes that control the jet’s flight for the best possible performance. The control board is configured to make the pilot’s job as straightforward as possible – systems and circuit breakers are grouped together by function and have small EFIS displays to summarize activity. The layout of the controls makes the systems easier to read and cuts back on clutter. With systems that are so comprehensive, the Learjet 31A meets the FAA safety standards mandatory for major airliners.
In short, the Learjet 31A cuts no corners when it comes to speed, economy, and performance – a great combination.