Jimmie Johnson’s Learjet 31A Business Jet

Since this photo was taken Jimmie Johnson has traded this Learjet 31A for a Gulfstream G150.

Is that a move up? Let’s put it this way, if the Learjet is the Cadillac of corporate jets, then the Gulfstream is the Rolls Royce.

The 31A is a light, rear engine business jet which was produced by Bombardier Aerospace’s Learjet division from 1994 until 2003.

It’s a 7 passenger private jet powered by twin Honeywell jet engines which produce 3,500 pounds of thrust at takeoff. Combine that with a maximum take-off weight of 17,000 and you have an awesome power to weight ratio.

Typical cruising altitude for the Learjet 31A is 45,000 feet, but it can cruise at a maximum of 51,000 feet in order to avoid weather and minimize fuel consumption.

The plane is equipped with Honeywell digital avionics including EFIS 50 flight instrumentation and a KFC 3100 autopilot system.

The cabin seats 6 passengers comfortably, and has room for 1 additional passenger if room permits. 4 club seats are positioned mid-cabin and face each other with a fold down table between. This provides a great work area to maximize your productivity in flight, or just relax and socialize with your passengers.

The cabin is small, but not too tightly cramped. Cabin height is just over 4 feet, and width is almost 5 feet. NASCAR drivers Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson own a Learjet 31A.

This airplane is extremely versatile. It can take off from runways as short as 3,500 feet, expanding your choice of destinations. The Lear 31A can climb to cruising altitude in just under 20 minutes, and cruises at a maximum speed of 535 mph.

Maximum range without refueling is 1,455 miles making the Learjet 31A well suited for most short and medium length flights.

Photo courtesy Jason Whitebird.