Fairchild Dornier 328 Jet

The Fairchild Dornier 328JET is a unique ‘engine swap’ success story, taking the rugged airframe of the 328 turboprop and mounting Pratt & Whitney PW306B turbofans. The result is a regional jet with an oversized cabin and exceptional short-field performance that rivals or exceeds many purpose-built business jets. For the General Aviation buyer, it offers a ‘heavy jet’ experience (G-IV sized cabin) at the acquisition price of a mid-size turboprop.

Key Features for GA Buyers

• Massive Cabin: Features a 6‘2” stand-up headroom and a wide 3-abreast seating layout. In corporate ‘Envoy’ configurations, it provides a luxury environment far beyond traditional light/mid-size jets.
• Short-Field Prowess: Unlike most jets of this size, it can operate out of runways shorter than 4,500 ft, significantly expanding the list of accessible regional airports.
• Steep Approach Capability: Built for rugged European regional operations, it handles challenging approaches and mountainous terrain with ease.
• Modern Glass Cockpit: Equipped with the Honeywell Primus 2000 avionics suite, offering high-end features like FMS and integrated radio systems.

Trade-offs

• Wing Configuration: Corrected to High Wing. The high-mounted engines stay clear of debris but contribute to a higher center of gravity and specific handling characteristics.
• Speed vs. Fuel: While much faster than the turboprop version, it cruises at ~400 knots, which is slower than competitors like the Embraer ERJ-135 or CRJ-200.
• Support Longevity: Since the manufacturer is no longer in business, parts sourcing (specifically landing gear components) can lead to longer maintenance downtimes.