Beechcraft Premier Aircraft Parts, Equipment, and Tooling List

The Hawker Beechcraft Premier (Beechcraft 390 Premier I / Premier IA) is a composite fuselage, twin-engine light business jet designed by Raytheon to compete with the Cessna CitationJet family. Powered by a pair of Williams FJ44 2A turbofans, the Premier typically seats six passengers plus two pilots, cruises around 430-450 knots, and offers a large stand up style cabin cross section for its class thanks to its carbon/epoxy fuselage barrels.

Key Specifications (Hawker Beechcraft Premier I / Premier IA)

• Manufacturer: Raytheon Aircraft Company / Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, United States
• Type certificate: Beechcraft 390 (Premier I / Premier IA)
• Role: Light business jet for corporate, charter, and owner pilot operations
• Production years: 2001-2012, with about 290-295 aircraft built across Premier I and IA variants
• Engines: Two Williams / Rolls Royce FJ44 2A turbofans, 2,300 lbf (10.2 kN) thrust each
• Typical seating: 1-2 pilots plus 6 passengers in a club plus two layout
• Maximum takeoff weight: About 12,500 lb (5,670 kg) for Premier I; Premier IA similar MTOW
• Typical basic operating weight: Roughly 7,500-8,000 lb depending on interior and avionics fit
• Wingspan: Approx. 44 ft 6 in (13.6 m); Length: about 46 ft (14.0 m); Height: about 15 ft 4 in (4.7 m)
• Cabin dimensions: Cabin length about 13 ft 6 in (4.1 m), width around 5 ft 5 in, height about 5 ft 5 in, among the largest cross sections in its light jet class
• Maximum cruise speed: Up to about 451-461 knots for Premier I/IA, depending on source and conditions
• Typical range: Roughly 1,300-1,500 nautical miles with four passengers and NBAA reserves
• Service ceiling: 41,000 ft

Overview and History

Design work on the Premier began in the mid 1990s as Raytheon project PD 374, with the goal of producing a new generation light jet that would beat CitationJets on cabin size while matching their runway and operating economics. The program was officially launched in 1995, the prototype flew in 1998, and certification followed in 2001 as the Beechcraft Premier I.

To meet its cabin goals without a large weight penalty, Raytheon used an advanced, computer controlled “Viper” filament winding process to build the fuselage from graphite/epoxy barrels, joined to a conventional aluminum wing and tail. The result is a light jet with a notably tall and wide cabin for its size, flat floor feel, and fully enclosed lavatory, while still fitting into typical light jet hangars and parking spots.

The initial Premier I established the type in the market but drew some criticism for early avionics and environmental control details. Raytheon and later Hawker Beechcraft responded with the Premier IA, introduced around 2005-2006 with improved interior, cockpit, and systems refinements while retaining the same airframe and FJ44 2A engines.

For aviation maintenance professionals, the Premier series combines composite fuselage structure, Williams turbofans, and typical light jet systems into a compact package that still demands business jet level maintenance practices, tooling, and GSE.

Variants and Sub Variants

Within PJi®’s Hawker Beechcraft Premier category, you will mainly see two closely related models sharing the same basic airframe, engines, and landing gear geometry:

Premier I (Beechcraft 390)

Original production model certified in 2001. Equipped with two FJ44 2A engines, Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, and early generation cabin and environmental systems. Cruise and range are typical of light jets, with standout cabin volume for class.

Premier IA

Updated model introduced mid 2000s. Keeps the same FJ44 2A powerplant and composite structure, but adds refinements such as upgraded Pro Line 21 features, improved cabin materials and lighting, redesigned interior details, and incremental systems improvements that enhance reliability and ergonomics. Performance and weights remain broadly similar to Premier I.

Because both variants use the same Williams FJ44-2A engine family at the same thrust rating, a separate multi row engine series table is not required for this aircraft category. Differences that matter day to day are driven more by avionics software loads, interior options, and minor systems changes than by engine type.

Highlights and Implications for Parts and Equipment Selection

• Light jet weight class with composite fuselage
  At around 12,500 lb MTOW and a relatively compact footprint, the Premier sits firmly in the light jet category. Maintenance shops should plan for light to medium tripod jacks rated for this class, Premier specific wing and fuselage jack pads, and slim axle jacks that fit under the low stance main gear. Because of the composite fuselage, support equipment must avoid point loading on the skin when using fuselage stands or access platforms.
• Williams FJ44-2A engine support
  Both Premier I and IA use the 2,300 lbf FJ44-2A, a small two spool turbofan with strong OEM support. Aviation maintenance professionals will want FJ44 compatible engine stands, inlet and exhaust covers, borescopes, and FADEC or ECU test interfaces, and should be prepared to support engine trend monitoring programs coordinated with Williams International.
• Pro Line 21 avionics and light jet systems
  The cockpit centers on Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, with the IA featuring more mature software loads and options. Supporting these aircraft calls for a dependable 28 VDC ground power unit, RVSM capable pitot static and transponder test sets where applicable, and data loading capability for FMS and software updates. Environmental control, pressurization, and anti ice systems are similar in complexity to other light jets and should be considered in GSE planning.
• Cabin and interior focus
  The Premier’s selling point is its roomy, six seat cabin with club seating and an aft lavatory. High utilization charter and owner flown aircraft will consume seat components, cabinet hardware, lighting, PSU parts, and lavatory service supplies. Compact cabin access stands sized to the Premier’s door sill speed interior and avionics work.
• Runway and brake usage
  Light jets like the Premier routinely operate from shorter runways and smaller airports, driving higher brake and tire loads. Stocking Premier compatible wheels, tires, and brake assemblies, plus nitrogen carts and brake bleed tooling, helps minimize AOG time on busy business and charter schedules.

Maintenance and Ownership Tips

• Engine data and trend monitoring
  Williams FJ44 engines benefit from consistent trend monitoring and digital data capture. Build procedures into your maintenance program to download engine data, watch EGT margin and vibration trends, and coordinate with Williams support or engine program providers to catch issues early.
• Composite structure inspection
  The carbon/epoxy fuselage resists classic aluminum corrosion but requires composite friendly inspection and repair practices. Use appropriate non destructive inspection methods for impact damage and delamination, and follow OEM guidance on allowable repairs, cure schedules, and surface preparation. Avoid unapproved drilling or grinding that could compromise composite laminates.
• Landing gear and steering
  Premier gear design is relatively simple for a jet but still requires disciplined lubrication, rigging, and leak checks. Include periodic up jack gear swings, nosewheel steering system checks, and attention to shock strut servicing and seals, especially on aircraft that see frequent short leg operations.
• Configuration control between Premier I and IA
  While the airframe and engines match, Premier I aircraft often differ from IA models in avionics options, interior kits, and SB or STC incorporation. Keeping an accurate equipment list, SB/STC library, and wiring diagrams for each tail number helps avoid parts mismatches and ensures you apply the correct maintenance data and test procedures.

Role in the Light Jet Market

The Hawker Beechcraft Premier series stands out in the light jet class by combining near midsize cabin width with light jet operating economics. Its composite fuselage, Williams engines, and Pro Line 21 avionics give operators a modern, efficient aircraft that is comfortable for typical 600-900 nm business trips and capable of longer legs when needed.

For aviation maintenance professionals, the Premier I and IA offer a steady stream of work in engine support, composite inspection, gear and brake maintenance, and avionics modernization on a platform with strong OEM backing and an active global fleet.

Ready to Support Your Hawker Beechcraft Premier?

PJi® supports Hawker Beechcraft Premier I and Premier IA operators with a targeted range of parts, consumables, and ground support equipment tailored to light business jets. From correctly rated tripod and axle jacks, tow bars, and tugs to FJ44 engine inlet and exhaust covers, nitrogen and oxygen service carts, brake and strut service tooling, and RVSM capable pitot static and transponder test sets, we help aviation maintenance professionals keep Premier aircraft safe and on schedule.

Whether you manage a single Premier IA for executive travel or maintain a mixed fleet of light and midsize jets in charter or corporate service, our expert aviation specialists are ready to help you choose the right parts, tooling, and GSE for your operation. Contact us via phone, email, or chat to keep your Hawker Beechcraft Premier flying efficiently and ready for its next mission.