- Very Light Jets (VLJ) As the name suggests, Very Light Jets are the smallest type of jet aircraft on the market. Very Light Jets – usually abbreviated to VLJ – are convenient to operate, rent and maintain. Very Light Jets typically have a range of just over 1,000 nautical miles (1,150 miles / 1,850 KM). As a result, these aircraft are perfect for missions of up to 3 hours. The capacity on board is comfortable for up to four passengers.
The background of VLJ VLJs are a fairly new phenomenon in the world of private jets.
- The very first VLJ aircraft was the Eclipse 500. Deliveries of the Eclipse 500 began in 2006 and were immediately popular. However, due to financial difficulties, deliveries ceased in 2008.
- After the rapid success of the Eclipse 500, Cessna began supplying the Cessna Citation Mustang. The Mustang was, just like the Eclipse 500, immediately popular. The Mustang is perfect for carrying up to 4 passengers on short hops in North America and Europe.
- The smallest VLJ, and therefore the smallest jet aircraft on the market, is the Jet Cirro Vision. The Vision Jet has a single jet engine. However, that doesn’t stop him from being able to produce impressive numbers. The Vision Jet can cruise at 311 knots and can fly a maximum distance of 1,275 nautical miles without needing to refuel.
- It is important to note with the Eclipse 500 and Cirrus Vision Jet that neither has a lavatory on board. The Cessna Mustang is just a step above with an “emergency” toilet available.
- Currently, there are three main VLJs in production: the Embraer Phenom 100 EV, Cessna Citation M2, and Honda Jet HA-420. See a comparison of these aircraft here.
- VLJs will have the loudest cabin of all private jets. This is because the engines are so close to the cabin. However, a notable exception is the HondaJet with its engines mounted above the wing.
- The maximum cabin altitude is generally 8,000 feet. This is the same cabin altitude you would find on an airliner. The benefit of a lower cabin altitude is a more comfortable cabin since there is more oxygen in the air.
2) Light private jets, Light jets offer greater passenger capacity than VLJ aircraft. This, therefore, makes light jets more popular among business travelers. Light jets can also fly beyond VLJs, with an average range of 2,000 nautical miles (2,301 miles / 3,704 KM). Light jets can typically cruise at 450-460 knots. These factors make the aircraft perfect for longer routes than a VLJ.
On this level of the private jet you will find a bathroom, a refreshment area and, in rare cases, a completely flat floor. Typical stated passenger capacity of Light Jets is approximately 9-10 passengers. However, as is often the case with passenger capacity, it is unlikely that you will be able to fill all the seats. A more realistic passenger occupancy rate is 6. Additionally, just like VLJs, most light jets are approved for single-pilot operation
Types of light jets, Perhaps the most common type of light jet you will encounter is:
. Embraer Phenom 300/300E. The Brazilian manufacturer has maintained the Phenom 300 as one of the best performing and most comfortable light jets on the market.
Other popular light jets include the Cessna Citation CJ3+ and the Bombardier Learjet 75 Liberty. Unfortunately, as of 2021, Bombardier has ceased production of the Learjet series of aircraft. The Subsequent 400XTi is a worthy mention among the light jets due to its excellent cost efficiency. The Nextant 400XTi is a refurbished Hawker 400/400A aircraft. However, the scope of the refurbishment is so significant that the 400XTi is technically considered a new aircraft. The 400XTi is a unique jet and features a completely flat floor for maximum comfort.