Time for a PJ?

FLYING Staff

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

Verified

ColumnArt_Web

Key Takeaways:

The article defines a "Personal Jet" (PJ) as a single-engine, owner-flown aircraft with specific limitations (e.g., <6 seats, <30k ft, ~300 knots), distinguishing it from larger, twin-engine Very Light Jets (VLJs).
While a previous "sort of PJ" (Morane-Saulnier Paris Jet) failed due to inefficient first-generation engines, modern turbofan technology and electronic controls make contemporary PJ concepts, like the Diamond D-Jet, viable by drastically improving fuel efficiency and simplifying operation.
Despite inherent challenges such as takeoff performance, engine air intake design, and potential trade-offs in speed and range compared to turboprops, the unique appeal and anticipated affordability of a true personal jet are expected to attract a new market of owner-pilots.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.