The new generation of Very Light Jets

[flyjoe180]

Watching news footage from Oshkosh this year, I noticed the increasing number of VLJ's. A VLJ is a Very Light Jet, and can be flown by a PPL (with conversion training obviously). They sport performance figures similar to corporate jets and cost generally less than current corporate jets (with maybe the exception of the smallest Cessna Citation).

The VLJ is an exciting new development for all pilots, companies wishing to maximise their tme use, and for charter companies and companies currently operating twin piston engine aircraft such as Cessna421's, Chieftans, etc. The VLJ's offer economy and performance which will no doubt bring the death knell for the old generation piston twins.

A brief list of the current VLJ projects with links to their manufacturer websites:

The Cirrus Jet
(made it's public debut at Oashkosh 08)
www.the-jet.com/infobase.html

See here for an article about the Cirrus Jet's debut: www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?ContentBlockID=88493d9d-b691-4997-b292-ff7fc1db7d08


The Hondajet
hondajet.honda.com/default.aspx?bhcp=1


Ecllipse 500
www.eclipseaviation.com/

Ecllipse has experienced issues with funding and manufacture, and it's CEO stood down during EAA Air Venture 2008.


Adam 700
www.adamaircraft.com/ (website under reconstruction)


Embraer Phenom
www.embraerexecutivejets.com/english/content/aircraft/phenom100_home.asp


Diamond D-Jet
www.diamondaircraft.com/aircraft/djet/


Spectrum 33
www.spectrum.aero/


Piper Jet
(Flew for the first time last week and is the first jet offered by Piper)

Article about the Piper Jet's first flight:
www.domain-b.com/aero/aero_mfg/20080731_piper_aircraft.html

www.newpiper.com/piperjet/


Quite a list, and it will no doubt grow as the VLJ concept catches on.

[Naki]

Dont forget the Citation Mustang - which is as light (or lighter) than the Phenom and Honda Jet - and theres already two in NZ

[Naki]

..and the Eclipse 400

[flyjoe180]

The VLJ concept is quite exciting, be interesting to see how it pans out here in NZ and in Australia.