BOMBARDIER LEARJET 31

• Passengers 7
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Renowned for its high-altitude abilities, the Bombardier Learjet 31 is a speedy charter solution in the light jet category.

About this aircraft

• Introduced in 1988, the Learjet 31 is the last design tracing back to Bill Lear’s original Model 23 from 1963.
• While interior layouts vary, the aircraft typically seats seven passengers. A smaller eighth passenger (such as a child) can sit in the middle of the rear divan.
• The baggage compartment can hold four suitcases and small items of hand luggage.
• The Learjet 31 can fly from London to Madrid and New York to Miami.
• The improved 31A was delivered in 1994, with several modifications including new avionics. Most Learjet 31s in operation today are 31As.
• Over 200 Learjet 31s were delivered until 2002, when production shifted to Bombardier’s first clean sheet design, the Learjet 45 family.

Like other Model 23 descendants, the Learjet 31 and its upgrades can comfortably cruise at an impressive 51,000 feet. The cabin has plenty of space for six or seven passengers.

Interior design

The Learjet 31’s comfortable cabin offers a generous amount of space for an aircraft in this class. Most are configured to seat six or seven passengers, but some layouts can accommodate a smaller eighth passenger in the middle of the rear divan.

A well-thought-out internal layout means every passenger has a large and luxurious leather seat for the duration of the journey. The Erda adjustable seats can be reclined, swivelled and altered to suit the passenger’s needs, from catching a few moments of quiet to finalising a business proposal. Foldaway tables and ample lighting keep the space usable at all times.

Below are two typical configurations found on a Learjet 31 (31A). (should be two in the folder)

Interesting facts to learn before you fly

• The forward lavatory is usually for emergency use only, as it has forward and aft privacy curtains and isn’t enclosed.
• The Learjet 31 competes with the Cessna Citation II and Citation S/II, which have larger cabins and factory-standard external baggage compartments but cruise at much slower speeds. The Hawker 400 and 400A have roomier cabins and are almost as fast.
• Introduced after Bombardier acquired Learjet, the 31A/ER has an extended range and improved takeoff weight compared to the 31A.
• Learjet pilots are often seen sporting ‘510’ pins on their lapels in reference to the 31’s impressive cruise speed of 51,000 feet. Flying at high altitude means passengers are likely to enjoy a smoother journey with less turbulence.

Technological features

The original Learjet 31 is powered by two Honeywell TFE731-2 turbofans with 3,500 pounds of thrust. Collins avionics, a Bendix King RDS-81 radar and a J.E.T FC-530 flight control system can be found in the cockpit. The aircraft’s design combines the fuselage and wings of other Learjet models, with added delta fins for improved yaw stability and a ski locker for storing skiing and golfing gear.

The Learjet 31A was introduced in October 1990 with advanced avionics, including the Bendix King Electronic Flight Information 50; Universal 1M, 1B and 1C flight management system; a redundant KFC 3100 pitch and roll autopilot; and a flight director coupled with the yaw damper. The aircraft was later upgraded again with more powerful and fuel-efficient TFE731-2C engines, but kept the same designation.

The Learjet 31AER is an extended-range derivative with expanded fuel tanks.

History

The Bombardier Learjet 31 was produced between 1988 and 1991. A successor to the Learjet 29, it incorporates tried-and-tested components from older Learjets, mating the 55’s Longhorn wing with the classic 35A fuselage. Many of the aircraft’s systems were also inherited, including the parallel bus, a DC electrical system with bus-tie breakers, a bleed air system operated by on/off switches in the cockpit, an analogue pressurisation system, and an entry door that is manually opened but retracted with a motor.

The upgraded Learjet 31A was first delivered in 1994 and became the line’s chief offering in the category. The final derivative, the Learjet 31AER, had expanded fuel tanks that brought its range in line with the Learjet 35. Production ceased in 2002.

Manufacturer

Bombardier Aviation (formerly Bombardier Aerospace) manufactures business, commercial and specialised aircraft. The company began with the acquisition of several established aviation companies, starting with Canadair in 1986 and followed by Short Brothers in 1989, Learjet in 1990 and Boeing subsidiary De Havilland Aircraft of Canada in 1992.

Following commercial aviation partnerships with Chinese state-owned manufacturer Comac and multinational aerospace corporation Airbus, Bombardier eventually sold de Havilland and its aerostructures division to focus solely on business aircraft.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, today Bombardier has over 60,000 employees and is a leading global manufacturer of aircraft and trains with sites in 25 countries.

Cost

Many factors affect a Learjet 31’s resale value, including modifications, maintenance status, remaining engine life and overall condition. The average price for a used aircraft in the Learjet 31 family ranges from $650,000 and $800,000 (USD).

Charter rates

Charter rates for the Bombardier Learjet 31 can vary greatly depending on the length of the journey you have planned, as well as the airports you decide to fly in and out of.

Wet lease rates

ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) wet lease rates for the Bombardier Learjet 31 can vary depending on the age of the aircraft, length of the lease term, the number of block hours being guaranteed and the average cycle ratio.

Key Details

•Aircraft Type: Light Jet

•Passengers: Up to 7

•Cruise Speed: 829 KM/H (515 MPH)

•Range: 3021 KM (1877 Miles)

Specifications:

•Luggage Space: 30 ft³

•Enclosed Lavatory: No

•Flight Attendant: Yes

•Pressurised Cabin: Yes