Very Light Jet Magazine

What are these "new" planes called Very Light Jets? NBAA defines Very Light Jets (VLJs), as "Jet aircraft weighing 10,000 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight and certificated for single pilot operations. These aircraft will 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." The definition is from the National Business Aircraft Association Training Guidelines for Single Pilot Operations of Very Light Jets and Technically Advanced Aircraft.

Where did Very Light Jets come from? They were spawned by the NASA lead Small Aircraft Transportation System or SATS program. This innovative initiative aimed to provide safe air travel in all weather, in new single-pilot aircraft, with advanced navigation systems. SATS proposed the utilization of 5400 smaller airports in the US so we could enjoy point-to-point travel in modern aircraft at affordable prices.

SATS observed that 75% of people and cargo passes through 29 hubs which were over- crowded. By using the public airports accessible to most everyone in the US instead of the hubs, the program promised many advantages:

• Separation and sequencing of multiple aircraft operating at airports without ground based radar and communications systems resulting in higher system traffic volume.
• Safer aircraft takeoff and landing operations in poor weather at minimal equipped airports and lower minimums for operations because of advanced avionics.
• Make more single-pilot operations possible with improved technology.
• Incorporate large numbers of small aircraft into the National Airspace System for better airspace utilization.

Can they be safely integrated into our US National Airspace System (NAS)? Remember that NAS is in charge of all aircraft that are in motion at any given moment, both U.S. civilian and military craft flying over domestic airspace.

The long-term vision of SATS was "to enable a safe travel alternative that will free people and products from the constraints of today's ground and air transportation systems." Government funding of the five year $150 Million dollar program ended in June of 2005. The SATS funding combined with private investment and the promise of a new and profitable era of air transportation has made VLJ travel an eminent reality!

The FAA, DOT, Insurance business, corporate aviation, airline industry, members of the flying public and others have expressed safety concerns about the rapidly approaching fleet of VLJs. The specter of their arrival placing unacceptable burdens on our air traffic control system is a growing concern.