Learjets: The ultimate accessory

The Learjet 35: One of a popular range

Learjets have long been synonymous with the rich and famous - from sportsmen to Hollywood stars - who see the plane as the ultimate status symbol.

For Formula 1 drivers the plane serves a dual purpose - ferrying them to circuits and flying them on luxury holidays.

Learjet crashes

2000: David Coulthard's Learjet crashes killing two people

1999: Golfer Payne Stewart one of five killed in Learjet crash

1996: Learjet overshoots runway at RAF Northolt, west London, and collides with van on A40

1994: Learjet slams into two apartment buildings in Fresno, California, killing 21 people

David Coulthard was flying for a between-race break with his fiance when his Lear encountered problems and it was forced to land at Lyons, France.

Last year American golfer Payne Stewart died when his Lear crashed while on a flight in the US.

Learjets, with speeds of up to 550mph and capable of flying at altitudes up to 45,000ft, is the world's most popular executive jet company.

"The Learjet is the quintessential executive jet and has been described as the sports car of the sky," said Kieran Daly, editor of Internet news service Air Transport Intelligence.

'Unforgiving plane'

"It's a very sporty plane but is quite a handful to fly. It's a real challenge for pilots as it's such a high-performance aircraft.

"It really is very demanding and has almost fighter aircraft-style handling. Pilots really need to be in control as it's an unforgiving plane."

Despite the company's celebrity status most are owned by large companies who view them as a relatively efficient way of transporting their top managers to meetings around the world and ensuring they arrive ready to do business.

It is also used by a number of international air ambulance firms.

The original concept for the jet was designed in the 1950s when US entrepreneur and inventor William Lear drew up plans for an aircraft to meet the needs of wealthy businessmen seeking a small and comparatively inexpensive jet.

The first Learjet - the model 23 - took off in October 1963, one of the first corporate aircraft to be powered by jet as opposed to piston-driven engines.

Since then more than more than 2,000 Learjets have been built.

There have been numerous changes to the original Learjet which has room for six passengers and two crew.

Three models are currently available from the Learjet portfolio - the Lear 31A, 45 and 60, costing $5-12m - all of which are built at the company's plant in Wichita, Kansas.