Embraer Conducts Experimental Flights with E175 at High-Altitude Airport in Colorado
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, located about 80 miles south of Aspen, was selected for the initial test flights.
Embraer has conducted a series of experimental flights with the E175-E1 jet to evaluate its performance in challenging terrain. To ensure safe operations, the initial tests were carried out at Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, located about 80 miles south of Aspen, Colorado.
Testing in One of the Most Challenging Airports in the U.S.
Aspen’s airport is known for its demanding weather conditions and high altitude, making it one of the most challenging airfields in the United States. Surrounded by mountains, it presents complex operational conditions for pilots and aircraft.
According to Aeroin, our partner media outlet, Gunnison was chosen for the initial landings and go-around maneuvers, simulating Aspen’s conditions before conducting final tests at the main airport.
- Gunnison’s runway: 2,667 meters (8,750 feet)
- Aspen’s runway: 2,438 meters (8,007 feet)
The longer runway at Gunnison provided additional safety margins for testing, while the lower air traffic density ensured a controlled environment.
Specialized Crew and Key Findings
The tests were carried out by a specialized Embraer team, including:
- Geraldo Curcio Neto (Test Pilot)
- Mario Ito (Test Pilot)
- Rogério Kyoshi Makita (Propulsion Systems Engineer)
According to the test crew, these evaluations were critical for optimizing the E175’s performance in Aspen, a high-end destination that demands advanced aircraft capabilities.
E175 Operations and Future Prospects
The E175 is the largest aircraft that regularly operates in Aspen. United Airlines launched daily flights from its Denver hub on December 3, 2023.
Part of Embraer’s regional jet family, the E175 is widely used by U.S. airlines. The tests aimed to ensure operational efficiency and safety, particularly regarding the new power limits of the General Electric CF34-8E engines, reaffirming the aircraft’s capability to handle adverse conditions.
Embraer shared an official video detailing the challenges and results of the tests, highlighting the importance of these evaluations for future high-altitude operations.
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