It was early when I walked out onto the Exeter (EGTE) ramp with my co-pilot to take charge of our brand new Embrear 195 supplied by a leading developer. The morning sun was glistening on the fuselage and the aircraft looked in great condition.After getting any info from the crew we were taking over from, I instructed my FO to do, the walk around while I programmed the FMC for our trip to Palma (LEPA). It was a holiday special for 'Flybe'.After the fuel was loaded we started to board the passengers and we had almost a full load. This would be a good test for the performance. The FO rejoined me on the flight deck and we asked for clearance.The load sheet was handed to me and I made the necessary adjustments to the FMC.Just as the sunshine broke through the cockpit glass, we were ready for push back and start. This we obtained promptly as this was a quiet period for Exeter. The start was carried out during push back and we taxied to the holding point for runway 26. The taxiing was carried out with just a whiff of thrust to gain speed. We was given departure clearance so we taxied along RW 08 to the turning area and turned faultlessly to point towards our takeoff heading.I increased the thrust to 40% while holding the brakes and then let off the brakes while giving full thrust. The engine sounds were awesome as we quickly attained 'v1' and 'V2'.Powering into the air I noticed some people waving to us on the outskirts of the airport. I realised they wouldn't see me wave back because of the sun on the windows but I waved anyway. The aircraft was handling beautifully and we made a gradual ascent over the main M5 motorway and a gradual left turn for the 'Berry Head' VOR. Passing over that at FL 700 we turned again in a southerly direction. Any clouds there was present was now below us and we emerged into the blue sky. It would be this way for the rest of the trip.As we flew across the English Channel, the sea looked calm but very cold. Approaching Paris now and I was reminiscing to my FO of my many road trips to the south of France that seemed to take an age to complete as here we was flying at 527MPH ground speed. It felt very good. A while later we were over Perpingnon and preparing for our descent, I remembered my package tours to the 'Costa's in the 70's flying in aircraft like the BAC 1-11, Comet 4B and Boeing 727. It was the only way us Brits, could get a sunshine holiday at the time and the talk was about going back to an ice-age.Passing over the south coast of Spain we started our descent remembering not to descend more than 11,000 ft due to the mountains that shield Palma from the winds from the north. The Mediterranean looked blue and very inviting.As we passed over Palma's mountains the aircraft made a gradual turn to the west to intercept the localiser for Palma's runway 10L. I could here already the castenets and visions of Flamenco dancers in my head. The short period of fantasizing was soon over as we successfully intercepted the ILS beacon and found the glide slope. Passing over the main road to the airport's roundabout, I disconnected the autopilot to make a 'greaser' landing using a little more runway than normal as this was our first trip in this aircraft without conversion instructors.The auto brake worked efficiently and we turned off the runway and taxied to the ramp following the marshals car. As the passengers disembarked we were already programming the FMC for the return flight to Exeter.The time went so quickly while we were waiting for new passengers and clearance. As we turned onto runway 10R I gave the "You have control" command to my FO who would fly this shining new bird back to EGTE.

FL 700

Nice story, but FL700? What were you flying, an SR-71? Just kidding, I think you meant FL070. Nonetheless, great story and thanks for sharing!Tim

Nice story, but FL700? What were you flying, an SR-71? Just kidding, I think you meant FL070. Nonetheless, great story and thanks for sharing!Tim

Thanks Tim and yes, you are correct.

Dave, worth buying then? I've already got the 170/190, just wondering if it's really worth buying this new version.Thanks for any comments.

Dave, worth buying then? I've already got the 170/190, just wondering if it's really worth buying this new version.Thanks for any comments.

Hi Gavin, hope your well mate? :)Well I thought so, it's far better than the other ones, I reckon it's their best ever. ;)

Very well thanks and you? Just about to fly off to Northern Spain/Basque Country for a short break :( Thanks for the advice, I'll probably buy it after my hols.