Twin-Engine VLJs
Single-Engine VLJs
European Private Jet Developments |
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The market for all private jets is alive and well in Europe. I was able to study the market from a unique perspective a few weeks ago and will also report on some innovative ways to fly your own jet.  Special thanks to the Royal Aeronautical Society for the opportunity to address their distinguished guests at their Introduction of VLJs to Europe conference.It was an opportunity to discuss the global market for Private Jets with many of aviation's leading minds. I was fortunate to spend time with Eclipse Chief Vern Raburn  and also discussed world markets with Philip Butterworth-Hayes, PMi-Media's forecasting expert. Many new business relationships were formed and my company, Private Jet Group International, is already realizing huge gains from my attendance there. There are many opportunities for all experience levels of pilot to fly a jet aircraft. In my ongoing attempts to find cost effective ways to fly aircraft I was introduced to Ruchir Grupa, the founder of Rideshare. Here is his experience and advice for those of us who may not be able to buy our own jet at the moment. When did you first hear about the new jets? I've been following the VLJ revolution or evolution, as some call it, for quite some time. How did you decide on the Cessna Citation Mustang? It was love at first sight. I wanted 2 engines and 2 pilots not 1 engine and 1 pilot like most personal jets will offer. The cost was higher but if you go fractional the cost is not such a big factor anymore and for the added safety and performance the slightly higher operating cost is well worth it .And of course the Mustang is here, certified, already flying and with an excellent training program available whereas most other planes in this category won't be ready for many years. Many of us who are pilots aspire to fly the Mustang- How does one start the process? First you need to buy a plane or share. Cessna / FlightSafety will only train owners or their pilots, then wait until your delivery date, and you will be allotted a slot for training by FlightSafety. How were you able to get the training without buying the plane? I bought a fraction in a Mustang from Flying Group in Belgium. I had to pay for my own training as they only train 1 pilot free of cost per aircraft sold. That pilot is of course the company’s own pilot – my Captain for the training and mentor. What exact courses are available for Mustang from FlightSafety? SIC or Single Pilot or Crew, which I chose based on my level of experience. What was your experience level going in? 600 hrs CPL Multi IR. The flight experience is only part of the story. The course is a challenge for anyone who comes to it without preparation. Cessna offers a Garmin 1000 online training module which should be completed in preparation for the FlightSafety course. The training manuals from FlightSafety also require study before attending. That really helped me to get through the training program. Is there a separate training program for single-pilot operations and two pilot operations? No. Essentially the Single Pilot program is the same but you don't get a copilot. This means that there are a lot of emergencies and checklists to handle on your own. This is not for everyone. What are some options for Mustang ownership?  If cost is a factor one should go fractional so the captain/copilot salary can be shared between many owners in a fleet of Mustangs. You chose the two pilot operation module. What drove your decision? Safety. I chose safety over cost. My fractional 1/16th share gets me around 20 days a year of use with the captain / co pilot with me at all times. I don't think most private pilots will need more than that. As a pilot and business man how has this helped you in your work? I can now go to all my business meetings in safety. I use in my own private aircraft and operate it the same way as a European charter company-with two pilots. How do you rate the course? The course is excellent. If you go there knowing exactly what you want from the course you will achieve it. It is a jet and a Citation, no matter how simple it may seem it requires a different attitude from the pilot. Discipline, study, and respect for the airplane will get you through the course. I believe the Crew Course should be completed before attempting the Single Pilot course.    Congratulations on your course completion. |
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Note: Do not make purchase decisions based on the information above. Contact the manufacturers directly.
There are several additional Very Light Jet projects in various stages of development. Very Light Jet Magazine will report on them as information becomes available.
VLJ Views
The Very Light Jet era has arrived with several aircraft manufacturers in the competition! What exactly is a VLJ? These new planes have also been known as microjets and personal jets. The name Very Light Jets, or VLJs, is now official!
The NBAA Training Guidelines for Single Pilot Operations of Very Light Jets and Technically Advanced Aircraft defines Very Light Jet 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."
What's in it for us? Very Light Jet travel technology offers us a revolution in the way we travel for business and pleasure. The price of these sleek rockets is from $1.0M to $3.0 million and change, placing them well within the reach of many businesses and individuals.
Very Light Jets can operate from shorter runways than commercial airliners and this means that they can utilize the 5000+ satellite airports around the US.
Our days of having to endure the obsolete hub-and-spoke system to get anywhere by plane may finally be numbered. Affordable jet ownership and private jet charter is soon to be available to a massive number of travelers!
