| like me you are tired of the long lines delays and | | | | Let’s take a look at the three small private |
| security check points. Well good news has arrived. | | | | jets or micro jets that are on the horizon. |
| New technologies have ushered in small private | | | | The Plane: Eclipse 500 |
| jets or micro jets as they are referred to. These | | | | The Company: Eclipse CEO Vern Raburn, a |
| technologies include more efficient manufacturing | | | | veteran of Microsoft, has raised more than $400 |
| systems, the latest and greatest high-tech digital | | | | million in start-up funds and now has five |
| avionics, and lighter and more powerful engines. | | | | prototypes being flight-tested. |
| These microjets can fly up to six passengers at | | | | The Key Technology: Raburn’s secret to |
| literally hundreds of miles an hour, at a cost of | | | | cost savings is a fully automated, ultrafast |
| about 1 million, not a high price as compared to | | | | manufacturing technology called friction-stir |
| today’s private jets. Example: | | | | welding, which eliminates the need for rivet guns. |
| Cessna’s entry-level private jet, the CJ1, | | | | The Specs: $1.47 million, Six seats (including crew), |
| costs about $4.2 million. | | | | Cruise speed: 432 mph |
| Maybe that still too steep for your budget, not to | | | | The Time Frame:Commercial flights are expected |
| worry- you can still get the opportunity to fly | | | | next spring. |
| these craft as Air-taxi companies will use the jets | | | | The Plane: Citation Mustang |
| for their on-demand travel to local and regional | | | | The Company: Industry veteran Cessna builds a |
| airports nationwide, thereby avoiding the | | | | range of aircraft, from small, propeller-driven |
| congestion of major hubs and delivering you | | | | planes to top-end business jets. |
| closer to your destination. | | | | The Key Technology: The Integrated Garmin |
| The ingenuity of the American people strikes | | | | G1000 avionics digital display replaces most |
| again! The bargain basement mfg costs developed | | | | switches and dial gauges. This gives pilots better |
| by jet manufacturing companies, should allow | | | | situational awareness by plotting out potential |
| small-plane passengers to enjoy all the | | | | hazards on a map. |
| convenience of a private jet. Think of it, no lines, | | | | The Specs: $2.4 million, Six seats (including crew), |
| check in, or delays- for the price of a | | | | Cruise speed: 391 mph |
| business-class airline ticket or even cheaper. No | | | | The Time Frame:Commercial flights should begin in |
| baggage claim or security lines to wait in. DayJet | | | | 2006 |
| in Delray Beach, Florida, has ordered 239 eclipse | | | | The Plane: Diamond D-Jet |
| 500s made by Eclipse Aviation in Albuquerque, and | | | | The Company:Austrian aviation company |
| plans to launce service as early as spring. | | | | Diamond is smaller than Cessna but more |
| The service does no come without it drawbacks. | | | | established than Eclipse; the D-Jet is its first |
| Privacy for example is the size of a large sedan; | | | | jet-powered model. |
| these aircraft have little room for fancy extras, | | | | The Key Technology: Made from composites, as |
| such as lavatory doors. The toilet in the | | | | Formula One racing cars are, the D-Jet will be |
| Cessna’s Citation Mustang is separated | | | | lighter, stronger and more aerodynamic than a |
| from the cabin by a mere curtain. Austrian-based | | | | comparable aircraft made of aluminum. |
| Diamond Aircraft Industries, makers of the | | | | The Specs: About $1 million, Five seats (including |
| five-seater D-Jet, may omit the bathroom | | | | crew), Cruise speed: 363 mph |
| altogether. The best advice is your modesty and | | | | The Time Frame:Commercial flights are expected |
| your second cup of coffee on the ground. | | | | by 2007. |