I flew on a $20 million Embraer Legacy 500 private jet and understand why Jackie Chan bought one
According to Embraer, the Legacy 500 has a range of nearly 3,600 miles and can make non-stop flight between the east and west coast of the US. The Embraer also has a maximum cruising speed of 536 mph.
In addition, the Legacy 500 features fly-by-wire control flight technology with side-stick controls. Pilots also have access to a full head-up display.
The Legacy 500's cockpit features a fully integrated Rockwell Collins Pro Line avionics suite with four 15.1 inch high-definition displays.
Speaking of technology, the Legacy 500 is equipped with wifi connectivity, a full in-flight entertainment system, and a touchscreen cabin control system.
Since private jets are meant to have a service life that spans multiple decades, Jay has hidden of the plane's tech to give the interior a more timeless look.
According to Jay, when it comes to private jet interiors, the devil is in the details. For instance, a few minor tweaks are the difference between whether a simple cup holder is elegant or plain.
In the Legacy 500, the cupholders have a metal ring separating the plastic and the fine wood veneer. It creates the illusion that the plane makers had to drill through a layer of wood and a layer of metal just to install the cup holder.
During the flight, I was able to chat with Embraer's vice president of interior design, Jay Beever.
Jay is famous for his stunning concept interiors that evokes everything from a Texas ranch to a Japanese zen garden. From the glamour of Hollywood to the elegance of a classic luxury yacht.
... A glass of Champagne. The Legacy 500's maximum operating altitude is 45,000 feet.
After the plane reached its cruising altitude, we had a light dinner and...
Since I was facing backward, the thrust pushed me firmly against my seatbelt rather than into my seat.
As well launch down Teterboro's runway, the Honeywell turbofan engines roars to life. Although the cabin remains fairly quiet. The thrust from the engine is forceful, but not jarring.
... I take my seat at the front of the cabin. It's one of the few instances where you get to experience intense acceleration while facing backward.
As we prepared for takeoff,...
... Stone flooring.
In between the passenger cabin and the cockpit is the plane's galley complete with...
Normally, the toilet is hidden under a cushioned seat.
... A toilet.
In the back of the Legacy 500, you'll find a bathroom complete with...
All of the seats can be converted into beds for sleeping passengers.
...With an optional divan.
The Legacy's cabin is pretty adaptable. It can be optioned with individual lounge seats or...
In total, the Legacy 500 can seat 8 to 12 passengers depending on how the customer configures the aircraft.
According to Embraer, the Legacy 500 has the roomiest cabin in its class and the only one that allows passengers to stand up without the need of a footwell running along the middle of the plane.
Step inside and the Legacy 500 really starts to impress.
In addition, the plane is equipped with a Honeywell auxiliary power unit in the tail of the plane that can generate electricity and be used to start its engines.
The Legacy 500 is powered by two Honeywell HTF 7500E turbofan engines, each production more than 7,000 pounds of thrust.
Aesthetically, the Legacy 500 is eye-catching but does so without the imposing physique of a big Gulfstream G650 or the quirky design of little HondaJet. In other words, it exudes a certain understated elegance.
While our demonstrator was built in Brazil, production of the Legacy 500 has shifted to Embraer's factory in Melbourne, Florida.
Introduced in 2014, it is the Brazilian airplane maker's latest midsize private jet.
Overall, the Legacy 500 is 68 feet long and 21 feet tall with a 66 and a half-foot wingspan.
We arrived at Teterboro Airport on a sunny July afternoon. Waiting for us on the airport's busy tarmac was a silver and blue Legacy 500.
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