The story
The Beechcraft Premier I, born in the company's Raytheon years, pairs a carbon-fibre fuselage with a metal swept wing. When it was certified in 2001 it was the fastest and roomiest jet in its light-jet class. A hidden gem in business aviation.
Its composite fuselage was laid down by a computer-controlled fibre-placement machine instead of by hand, which Beechcraft said halved the assembly hours compared with a King Air.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Premier I/IA?
Stubby light jet with a swept wing and a swept T-tail — the tell versus the straight-winged Citation CJs it was built to beat. Engines high on the rear fuselage, small round cabin windows.
What does a Premier I/IA sound like?
FJ44 — Williams' light jet engine, smooth and reliable.
How fast is the Premier I/IA?
Top speed is 451 kts.
How many passengers does the Premier I/IA carry?
Up to 7. A typical layout is 6 (executive).
How far can the Premier I/IA fly?
Range is about 1,485 nmi.
How big is the Premier I/IA?
It is 46 ft 0 in long and 44 ft 6 in across the wings.
When did the Premier I/IA first fly?
Its first flight was in 1998.
How many Premier I/IAs have been built?
292 built.
How rare is a Premier I/IA in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Premier I/IA catch is worth 25 points.
