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I am, today, turning my focus on the VLJ (Very Light Jet) generation emerging from its various stages of development and implementation into the general aviation world. VLJs as per the NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) are defined as “turbojet aircraft weighing 10,000 pounds or less that are certificated for single pilot operations...VLJs possess at least some of the following features: (1) advanced cockpit automation such as moving map GPS and multi-function displays; (2) automated engine and systems management; and (3) integrated autoflight, autopilot and flight-guidance systems. VLJs are normally able to accommodate between four to seven passengers.” That definition by itself doesn’t excite me, but the possibilities do! So, what does this mean, and why am I so excited? Well, I’m excited because VLJs are able to land on shorter runways, on average 3,000 ft, which opens up the doors to a jet being able to fly routes traditionally served only by turbo-prop aircrafts. The turbo-fan engines allow for extremely quiet operation, for example the PW610F-powered Eclipse 500 is the quietest business jet in the world and betters FAA Stage 4 noise requirements by a 40 dB margin. Not only are they quiet, but VLJs have cheaper acquisition and operating costs. Here is a rundown of acquisition costs and features of the major players:

Eclipse 500: $1.75 million - 6 seats, year of delivery 2007,built in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Stand out feature: Quietest business jet, can take-off on a short runway of 2,155 ft.

Hondajet: $3.65 million - 6 seats, year of delivery 2010, built in Greensboro, North Carolina. Stand out feature: large interior cabin, long range and large payload due to its engines high thrust-to-weight ratio, lavatory on board. Honorable mention: Winner of the Aviation & space category of "best of what’s new" in 2006 of Popular Mechanics magazine.

Embraer Phenom 100: $2.98 million – 6 seats, year of delivery 2008 (2nd half), built in São José dos Campos, Brazil. Stand out feature: widest cabin, lavatory on board.

Citation Mustang: $2.29 million – year of delivery 2007, based in Fresno, California Stand out feature: panoramic windows.

The battle of the VLJ is underway, and we already have casualties. As per Charter-x: “Englewood, Colo.-based Adam Aircraft Inc., today [Feb. 11] announced after much speculation, it has suspended all of its operations, including its main facility at Centennial Airport (APA), where it was manufacturing its piston-powered A500 and working to obtain certification on its A700 very light jet.” They did not get the necessary funding they needed in order to maintain their A500 and A700 business operations

So, when will we use VLJ’s, and will they clog up air traffic? Typically, VLJ’s will, for the most part, operate on routes of 600 miles and less which are basically short haul flights. These aircraft embody the description of air taxis and due to the short distances they will be flying, can operate at lower altitudes than commercial aircraft. Also, we do have to keep in mind that these aircraft will be entering the General Aviation market gradually, so no major impact is expected for quite some time, but, once deliveries of these jets start taking place on a more regular basis, the skies the limit!
That’s it for now, I’m wheel’s up!

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