TRB Studying VLJs

Washington, DC – The Transportation Research Board (TRB) launched a Very Light Jet study to determine what is needed at airports to accommodate the new equipment. The study, a cooperative effort between the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), GRA, Inc and Aerofinity, Inc, organized a drop-in discussion at last week’s National Air Transportation Association Air Charter Summit. Part of the National Academies, ACRP is driven by and for the airport industry on issues not being adequately addressed by existing federal research programs.
Project 10-04 – Airports and the Newest Generation of General Aviation Aircraft will determine how VLJs will impact airports. The study incorporates all aircraft 12,500 pounds or less max take off weight, rather than the traditional definition of VLJs at 10,000 pounds or less. It is also incorporating microjets and turbine and piston aircraft with composite airframes and/or glass cockpits.
The objective is to forecast the activity by category of airport and geographical location owing to the introduction of the new-generation general aviation equipment. It will also develop a user-friendly guidebook that will help airport operators assess the impact of these new aircraft on their airport’s infrastructure, facilities and services. Observers have already indicated airports will have to improve or develop infrastructure with fixed operations and ground transportation.
While it did not have many visitors, the drop-in discussion did yield some concerns, according to Susan Zellers of Aerofinity, who said most people were taking a wait-and-see approach to the new aircraft. One commenter noted that VLJs were about the same price as a King Aire but carry only half as many as the Beech aircraft.
“The biggest concerns were about the passengers and baggage capacity,” said Zellers. “Others suggested there will probably be a niche for VLJs in Florida, Texas and the Midwest. Most wondered whether or not there is a market for the small aircraft.”
Zellers said participants echoed concerns about safety and whether owner/operators flight experience to upgrade from smaller, piston aircraft to jets. In addition, if owner/operators do contract with a management firm, will they be open to professional pilot operation. They also questioned what the liability will be.
Participants also echoed customer support questions noting that Cessna has a long reputation for providing top customer support whereas new manufacturers such as Eclipse and Diamond, don’t have the track record of Cessna or Embraer. A more important concern is the marketability of the aircraft, said Zellers. “They questioned whether the aircraft manufacturer will be there after five to 10 years to support the aircraft and whether it will be as marketable as a charter aircraft as the larger jets are,” she said.