Time for a PJ?

FLYING Staff

Thursday, February 16, 2006 at 10:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The article defines a "Personal Jet" (PJ) as a single-engine, owner-flown aircraft distinct from multi-engine Very Light Jets (VLJs), emphasizing simplicity and lower operational parameters.
Past attempts at PJs, like the Morane-Saulnier Paris Jet, were unsuccessful primarily due to the severe inefficiency of first-generation jet engines, leading to poor performance and range.
Modern turbofan engine technology significantly improves fuel efficiency and tames operational quirks, making the concept of a viable, cost-effective PJ (like the upcoming Diamond D-Jet) possible today.
PJs aim to fill a niche for owner-pilots seeking a "jet" experience at a lower cost and complexity, with expected prices under $1 million, even if some turboprops may offer superior speed or range.

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With Diamond expecting to fly its D-Jet soon, and the people at Cirrus talking about building a jet, is a true personal jet about to emerge? With so much industry attention focused on the several very light jets that are in various stages of development, the concept of a truly personal jet designed for the owner pilot is about to emerge.

What’s the difference between a very light jet (VLJ) and a personal jet? No specific definition of a personal jet exists, but I have my own. A personal jet (PJ) is a single-engine airplane with no more than six total seats, a maximum operating altitude of 30,000 feet or less, and a top speed of 300 knots, or only a little more.