 First flight of the prototype aircraft took place on October 7, 1995 – the 32nd anniversary of the first flight of the original Learjet 23.FAA certification was delayed, and finally granted in September 1997, with the first customer aircraft subsequently delivered in mid-1998.The aviation magazine "Flying" reported that the Lear 45 was first certified under FAR Part 25 (transport category rules) in 1998.