There has been much speculation about the safety of the many new mini jets now in development. It shocks me that there are more predictions about how these small jets will change aviation, including the safety record, than there is speculation about whether the airplanes can even be delivered at the prices some promise. But let’s dive into the frenzy and just assume that some of the five- and six-seat jets with predicted prices far below single engine turboprops do become a reality and hundreds, or maybe thousands, fill the sky.
First, I don’t know of anybody who is worrying about the safety of the new jets in terms of structure or performance. Though all of the companies involved plan to certify under the FAR Part 23 small airplane rules, that won’t be new. The Citation CJ series of business jets, and the Beech Premier, are certified to Part 23 standards, and those airplanes have had good safety records. The CJs and Premiers meet the same single-engine performance requirements for engine failure during takeoff as the larger jets certified under the FAR 25 transport category, which ensures the airplane can continue safely if the engine fails at the worst possible moment. Cessna plans to certify its mini jet, the Mustang, to those same transport category takeoff standards.
