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NBAA News Bureau

Experts Discuss Unique Considerations Involving VLJ Operations

ATLANTA, GA, September 27, 2007 – Discussions about the emergence of very light jets (VLJs) continued this morning at NBAA2007. In a presentation titled Crucial Knowledge: Understanding the Essential Boundaries in Regulatory and Asset Management Requirements, Len Beauchemin of AeroTechna Solutions discussed special considerations for operating the aircraft.

Estimates vary wildly about the number of VLJs that will be introduced in the coming decades. In technical terms, VLJs are classified as weighing less than 10,000 pounds, priced below the average cost for jet aircraft, and can be flown by a single pilot. The jets are expected to avoid the airline “hub” airports, instead using runways as short as 3,000 feet at many small community airports across the U.S.

The aviation industry regards the aircraft type as an evolutionary development in general aviation, and manufacturers are quickly working to meet demands. Currently, two VLJ aircraft are fully certified by the FAA: the Cessna Mustang and Eclipse Aviation’s 500.

According to Beauchemin, the technological and operational differences in VLJs demand special consideration when operators begin using the aircraft. Maintenance and repair is one area he focused on – the advanced technology and composite materials used in a VLJ often require more training and knowledge than comes with experience maintaining other aircraft.

Beauchemin also stressed the importance of developing a safety management system for aircraft operators, especially those who are new to aviation and starting out with a VLJ. “FAA regulations are minimum standards, but you need to do more to be safe,” he cautioned.

Attendees walked away from the session with a clear message: the emergence of VLJs will demand a steep learning curve for owners and operators. Beauchemin says it is important that operators not become complacent with the knowledge they already have, but instead be vigilant about adopting the new technology.