NAFA member, Thomas W. Mitchell, Executive Vice President of Essex Aviation, discusses light private jet costs, examples and best uses.
Whether you’re exploring the wide world of private aviation for the very first time or are a seasoned traveler, it’s important to consider not only the utilization models available to you, but also the various aircraft classes you can from choose. This guide is intended to provide you with a better understanding of light private jets, including what benefits they have to offer, how they compare to other classes of private aircraft and more.
What Is a Light Private Jet?
A light private jet — also known as a light jet or small cabin jet — is the next class of jet aircraft up from very light jets, or VLJs. Although specifications and performance vary depending on each aircraft’s particular make and model, light private jets are generally capable of accommodating four to eight passengers, offer a maximum non-stop range of nearly 1,700 nm and have average cruising speeds of 420 knots.
Most examples of popular light jets exceed the Federal Aviation Administration’s definition of Light Aircraft, as their maximum gross takeoff weight exceeds 12,500 lbs. While light private jets have certain advantages over midsize and large cabin jets, they do not offer a stand-up cabin or other amenities commonly associated with larger aircraft classes, such as a full-service galley or dedicated lavatory.
What Benefits Do Light Private Jets Offer?
Light jets are a popular option for both business and personal use due to their relatively low operating costs, high speeds and ability to fly above most adverse weather. Many light private jets also have excellent short-field performance, which grants aircraft owners access to a large number of small, less busy airports, often closer to their final destination.
Additionally, given their smaller size, light private jets tend to require a lower upfront investment and require lower variable and fixed costs than larger classes of aircraft. Last but not least, a variety of light jets allow for single qualified pilot operation, which may be a key objective for owner-pilots.
As with all other classes of aircraft, travelers interested in flying on light private jets have a variety of private aviation options available to them, including chartering, leasing and outright acquisition. When considering a light private jet, be aware of the aircraft’s specifications and available range, especially if all seats are to be occupied or if your destination airport has a unique short or high-altitude runway. Certain factors, such as the total number of passengers, the amount of luggage, weather conditions and runway length can impact a light private jet’s range capabilities. This can lead to the need to limit the weight of the jet, which reduces the maximum quantity of fuel it can carry.
This article was originally published by Essex Aviation.
