A Falcon for the Ages
Cruising Heights|May 2023
The Dassault Falcon is arguably one of the finest business jets the world has seen. And it all began with the Falcon 20 which celebrated its 60th birthday on May 4. A special report
A Falcon for the Ages

"For an aircraft to fly well, it must be - beautiful, Marcel Dassault, the founder of Dassault Aviation famously said. Already well known for the sleek Mirage fighters, Dassault --the man and the company proved the adage once again on May 4, 1963, with the first flight of the Mystere 20, the company's first business jet. It was later renamed the Dassault Falcon 20.

With used prices that start as low as $176,000, the eight-to-nine passenger (executive) There are so many firsts that the Dassault Falcon 20 twinjet (FA-20) achieved that it calls it the greatest business jet ever built would perhaps be pretty appropriate.

  • It was the first civil aircraft to fly on 100 per cent biofuel (2012)
  • The first and only business jet to fly with an experimental afterburner (1988)
  • First to flight test a composite wing (1985)
  • And the launch fleet FedEx in 1973

Originally called the Mystere 20, the aircraft that was designed in 1961 to military specifications had its first fight on May 4, 1963. It was test-flown to Mach 1. Pan Am was initially the first to market the aircraft in North America, placing the first big order for 160 aircraft to be delivered between 1963 and 1968. Aviation legend Charles Lindbergh inspects the new aircraft on behalf of Pan Am on the day of the first flight soon after, Lindbergh told Pan Am CEO Juan Trippe: "I've found our bird." The airline ordered 160 of these planes to establish Pan Am Business Jets for its executive jet operations.

The launch aircraft took off from an airport in Bordeaux, under the command of test pilots Rene Bigand and Jean Dilliare "gave it the gas, as one historical account recalls, taking the aircraft that would be renamed the Falcon 20 for an inaugural one-hour flight.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2023 de Cruising Heights.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2023 de Cruising Heights.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE CRUISING HEIGHTSVer todo
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
Cruising Heights

Jets, Tech, And Green Goals

The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.

time-read
10 minutos  |
August 2024
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
Cruising Heights

FREIGHT IN FLIGHT

In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2024
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Cruising Heights

ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights

time-read
6 minutos  |
August 2024
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Cruising Heights

CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM

Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by

time-read
7 minutos  |
August 2024
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
Cruising Heights

PITCHING FOR SUPPORT

India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports

time-read
8 minutos  |
August 2024
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
Cruising Heights

BATTLE FOR THE SKIES

As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses

time-read
7 minutos  |
August 2024
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
Cruising Heights

"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"

In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2024
POWERING UP
Cruising Heights

POWERING UP

Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports

time-read
6 minutos  |
August 2024
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
Cruising Heights

Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach

In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.

time-read
5 minutos  |
August 2024
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
Cruising Heights

POWERING A GREEN FUTURE

FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.

time-read
10 minutos  |
August 2024