NBAA CONVENTION NEWS
DAY 3
OCTOBER 16, 2025
ainonline.com Go Rentals attracted a large crowd yesterday afternoon when it drew the winner for its 2025 Mercedes-Benz oneyear lease giveaway. Congratulations to Brittany Favero of Air Center San Diego on her new ride!
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FLYING ON OTTO PILOT By Matt Thurber When a large-enough spot opened up on the NBAA-BACE 2025 exhibit floor, Otto Aerospace jumped at the opportunity to bring a mockup of its all-composite Phantom 3500 light twinjet to the show. Showgoers have expressed surprise at the size of the airplane, which is designed to deliver midsize-jet performance in a Part 23 light jet with an mtow of 19,000 pounds. Uniquely, the Phantom 3500 has a cabin volume of more than 800 sq ft, much larger than that of typical light jets, and the interior dimensions are also significantly bigger. Cabin height is 6.4 feet and width 7.5 feet, larger than even the average super-midsize jet, according to Otto. With an NBAA IFR range of 3,200 nm (four passengers), the jet will be powered by Williams International FJ44-4
turbofans and cruise most efficiently at its FL510 maximum altitude. Even more unique is the Phantom 3500’s lack of cabin windows, except for the mandatory aft lavatory emergency exit porthole. Instead of windows, passengers will be able to view the outside world via external cameras delivering imagery to large 4K displays on the cabin walls and ceiling. The display is an engineering mockup, according to Otto Aerospace CEO Paul Touw. “We wanted to see how it all looked, to make sure we got all the angles correct. And the only way to do that is to build it.” That said, Otto is building more mockups; this one isn’t the final shape. Subtle changes to the cockpit windows are planned. Otto Aerospace’s team members are well aware of the challenges of building composite aircraft. continues on page 30
INTERIORS Seats made for a King AvFab introduces special-mission seats for King Airs | 27
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