Collier Aviation

Very Light Jet (VLJ) is a small jet aircraft approved for single-pilot operation. With a maximum take-off weight of under 10,000 lb (4,540 kg), they are lighter than corporate aircraft and seat between three and six passengers.

A number of designs are currently in development, and will feature advanced avionics with glass cockpit technology. VLJs are intended to have lower operating costs than conventional jets, and will be able to operate from runways as short as 3,000 feet (900 m). NASA and the FAA encourage the development of these light jets and foresee their widespread use in point-to-point air taxi service. This Small Aircraft Transportation System would provide air service to areas ignored by airlines.

These "on-demand" air taxi services depend on low cost projections and high demand to become a reality. The viability of these services is the subject of much debate among industry experts. The first VLJs are expected to enter service in June 2006. The Eclipse 500, one of the first VLJs to enter flight testing, is capable of cruising at 375 knots with a 1,280 nautical mile range carrying 4 occupants. It has a 41,000 foot service ceiling, allowing it to avoid most severe weather.

In total, over 3,000 VLJs have been ordered from three manufacturers. Albuquerque, N.M.-based Eclipse Aviation has 2,350 aircraft on back order and expects to receive Federal Aviation Administration certification for its E500 by June, 2006. The first E500, which Eclipse has claimed in press coverage will take less than five days to produce, is intended to be delivered 10 days later. [1]

On July 27, 2006, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a provisional certification for the Eclipse Aviation E500. Rather than a "type certification" where all aircraft of a specific form are cleared by the Administration, this allows the existing E500s to begin service, while requiring other VLJ aircraft to be individually certified.

Examples of light private jets