Will VLJ Jets hurt Fractionals?

[gunfyter]

I don't like riding some of the regionals now. Think we will get in the back of a VLJ with the 500hr wonders? NOT. Move over Skippy, I'll drive.

You will be the one giving IOE. as the VLJ takes you into ASE or TEX or SUN to pick up your QS plane.

 

[GoingHot]

this service might be ideal for quick, same-day trips within your region.

Speed is not such a big deal in some regions like the Northeast which is full of chronic delays during both the winter and summer.

Sounds like a job for a King Air.

 

[Max Powers]

King airs cost about twice as much as a vlj

 

[CL60]

AWST VLJ article

As with most new business ventures, there are many dimensions to consider. Of the many articles on VLJ's I've read, this one is pretty good.

https://www.linearair.com/07-25-05%20Aviation%20Week.pdf

 

[Schrode]

When I got into this business of fractional ownership, someone told me, "a jet is like drugs - they all start small, but all will want to get into the bigger, faster stuff"

The VLJ programs will help the fractional industry - good intro program into riding in a business jet. Individuals and companies will be able to try the effectiveness of business jet usage - will like it - and want to move to more "capable" faster jets, with proven history and well trained pilots. Kind of like going from a taxi to a sedan service. If you've done this - you'll never go in a taxi again (unless you have to!).

 

[TORCH67]

If the VLJ's are flown by competent, current and professional pilots then I think they will be a good addition to the industry. It will be the Doctor, Lawyer, Real Estate purveyor that thinks he is a "Jet Pilot" that will give them a bad name. This is the same crowd flying the Barons, King Airs, and such that will create the problem. Hopefully the insurance rules and rates will limit the occasional "Jet Pilot" from killing people. Time will only tell where this goes. I don't practice medicine on the side!

 

[wolfpackpilot]

NJA Irony

Think we will get in the back of a VLJ with the 500hr wonders? NOT. Move over Skippy, I'll drive.

PA-LEASE! How hard is it to fly a jet. How many hours do you need to have a commercial ticket, 250 I believe? You guys think because you fly a jet its some top secret super dooper job. Anybody can fly a jet, my kids could do it if they could see over the dash...

Get off your high horse "All Mighty Jet Driver", your nothing special.



Here boys, eat your left shoe,


Bibliography:

Archie says,

That is absolutely hilarious. The G-4 is so advanced and its mission so difficult to master that it will require 2 years IOE for any incoming Capt.......please excuse my laughter.

Diesel says,

International flying isn't hard. Make sure you've done you're homework, be prepared and be ready for language barriers which can be eased by learning a few words.

DO-82 driver says,

Please don't try and make what you do as some great mystery. Its not!!!!


Pervis says,

Type of flying and experience is moot.

JPPT2000 says,

Seems like the same old song and dance: beat the drum and chant about how difficult and demanding it is to fly internationally.
Exclude everyone else so that only a select few "experienced" folks can do the job.

 

[AgDownUnder]

Sounds like a job for a King Air.

And that's exactly the market they are trying to replace with lower cost, lower maint, more efficient aircraft. They'll have about the same mission profile and do it for (a claimed) 50+% reduction in cost. I don't see it eating greatly into the fractional business. They are more going to replace the Pt 91 King Airs, 421s and Navajos where the mission profile is 600 nm or less and one to three execs or salesmen being dropped off and returned the same day. The guys who would like a Citation Mustang, but just can't justify the bottom line, and need the flexibility of having a plane in the hangar at very short call.

 

[gunfyter]

PA-LEASE! How hard is it to fly a jet. How many hours do you need to have a commercial ticket, 250 I believe? You guys think because you fly a jet its some top secret super dooper job. Anybody can fly a jet, my kids could do it if they could see over the dash...

Get off your high horse "All Mighty Jet Driver", your nothing special.

Wolfy is right. 500 hr pilots fly across the pacific and refuel off tankers or land on ships.

I think after about 200 hrs in a different plane... I don't get much better after that.

But these VLJs... we would need a Falcon or Gulfstream to follow and carry the baggage

 

[Freight Dog]

VLJ could potentially replace C90 or maybe even 200. King Air 350 is another animal..

 

[FLYLOW22]

PA-LEASE! How hard is it to fly a jet. How many hours do you need to have a commercial ticket, 250 I believe?

The insurance companies may beg to differ.

 

[onthebeach]

>>King airs cost about twice as much as a vlj<<

You get what you pay for.

 

[BenderGonzales]

Wolfpackpilot worked at the commuters long enough to know how much of a difference experience makes -- and if not experience, then certainly maturity.

Naturally, I disagree with him. I too feel unsafe as a passenger on the regionals.

 

[Diesel]

It's nice to see that wolfpackpilot is comparing international flying to VLJ flying. Pretty much shoots the gulfstream argument in the foot doesn't it?

 

[wolfpackpilot]

It's nice to see that wolfpackpilot is comparing international flying to VLJ flying. Pretty much shoots the gulfstream argument in the foot doesn't it?

Sooo,

Are you saying you'd hop in the back of "Goobers Air Taxi Service" (sorry, couldnt think of a better name) with two 500 hour guys (or gals) and let them fly you into Aspen at night in one of those new fancy VLJ's?

Of course, quid pro qou would have them both "qualified" by the FAA and insurance company.....