Skip to content

CRJ700 SERIES TYPE RATING

CRJ700 SERIES TYPE RATING is part of the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) family, developed by Bombardier Aerospace. It is a regional jet designed for short to medium-haul flights and typically serves regional airlines and feeder services for larger airlines. The CRJ700 is an improved and larger version of the CRJ200, offering increased capacity, better performance, and greater operational efficiency.

The CRJ700 is designed to offer a balance between cost-effectiveness and performance, making it one of the most successful regional jets in the world. It features a more spacious cabin than earlier models in the CRJ family, with upgraded engines and systems to accommodate longer routes while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency.

Key Features of the CRJ700:

CRJ700 (Original Model)

  • First Flight: May 27, 1999.
  • Manufacturer: Bombardier Aerospace.
  • Engine: The CRJ700 is powered by CF34-8C5 turbofan engines produced by General Electric, each providing 14,200 pounds of thrust.
  • Capacity: The CRJ700 typically seats 66-78 passengers, with different configurations depending on the airline’s needs. Most configurations include 2+2 seating in the economy class and a business class section.
  • Cruising Speed: Approximately 780 km/h (485 mph) or Mach 0.75.
  • Range: About 1,550 nautical miles (2,870 km), making it capable of flying both regional and longer medium-haul routes.
  • Wingspan: 24.8 meters (81 feet 5 inches).
  • Length: 29.9 meters (98 feet 1 inch).
  • Height: 7.5 meters (24 feet 7 inches).
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 31,900 kg (70,300 lbs).
  • Service Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,497 meters).

CRJ700ER (Extended Range)

  • First Flight: Introduced after the original CRJ700, the CRJ700ER offers slightly extended range capabilities, designed for airlines needing to serve longer regional routes without sacrificing capacity or operational efficiency.
  • Range: Up to 1,600 nautical miles (2,960 km) in the Extended Range version.

Design and Performance:

  • Regional Jet Configuration: The CRJ700 is designed specifically for regional airline operations, offering excellent fuel efficiency, good speed, and the ability to operate from smaller regional airports that larger jets cannot access.
  • Passenger Cabin: The CRJ700 features a spacious cabin compared to earlier CRJ models, providing more comfort for passengers on longer regional flights. It typically accommodates 66-78 passengers in a 2-2 seating configuration, which ensures that each passenger has access to a window and aisle seat. Business-class seating is available on some configurations.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The CF34 engines offer good fuel efficiency, making the CRJ700 highly cost-effective for airlines. This allows it to cover medium-haul routes with low operating costs while still offering the speed and comfort of a larger jet.
  • Avionics and Systems: The CRJ700 is equipped with modern avionics and cockpit systems, which help reduce pilot workload and improve safety. The aircraft’s digital flight control systems, autopilot, and glass cockpit ensure that the jet is easy to fly and operates safely under a wide range of conditions.

Operational Uses:

The CRJ700 is primarily used for:

  • Regional Airline Operations: The CRJ700 is popular with regional carriers, providing reliable service on short to medium-haul routes. Its range and capacity make it an ideal choice for connecting smaller cities to larger hubs, as well as operating direct services on longer regional flights.
  • Feeder Routes for Major Airlines: The CRJ700 is used by major airlines as a feeder jet, flying passengers from smaller regional airports to larger hubs where they can connect to international flights. Airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have operated the CRJ700 as part of their regional fleet.
  • Charter and Private Operations: The CRJ700 is also used for private charter operations or by corporate fleets, offering a comfortable and cost-efficient option for business travel. Its spacious cabin allows it to carry several passengers and their luggage on medium-range trips.

Legacy and Popularity:

The Bombardier CRJ700 has been one of the most successful regional jets ever built, with over 1,000 units delivered since its first flight. It is widely recognized for its efficiency, reliability, and performance, making it a favorite for airlines looking to serve regional markets effectively.

While it is gradually being replaced by the CRJ900 and CRJ1000 models (which offer larger capacities), the CRJ700 continues to play a key role in regional aviation, particularly in North America and Europe. The aircraft has been instrumental in shaping the regional aviation market and remains one of Bombardier’s most popular aircraft for regional services.

Notable Characteristics:

  • Improved Cabin Comfort: The CRJ700’s larger cabin, compared to earlier CRJ models, provides more space and comfort for passengers. The aircraft offers more legroom and better overall passenger comfort, especially for longer regional flights.
  • Advanced Cockpit Systems: The CRJ700 is equipped with modern avionics and cockpit systems, including the Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics suite, which reduces pilot workload and enhances safety.
  • Fuel Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: The CRJ700 offers excellent fuel efficiency, which translates into lower operating costs compared to older turboprop aircraft or larger jets. This makes it an attractive choice for regional airlines.
  • Short Field Performance: The CRJ700’s short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities allow it to operate from smaller airports with shorter runways, providing airlines with more route flexibility.

Conclusion:

The Bombardier CRJ700 is a key player in the regional jet market, offering a combination of performance, comfort, and efficiency that makes it an ideal choice for regional airlines and feeder services. With its increased passenger capacity, fuel efficiency, and improved cabin comfort, the CRJ700 has become one of the most successful and reliable regional aircraft. Although newer models like the CRJ900 and CRJ1000 have taken its place in many fleets, the CRJ700 continues to serve a vital role in connecting regional cities and providing efficient service for airlines worldwide.