A batch of very light jets, or VLJ’s, are currently in production and poised to hit the market. The new VLJ category is an exciting addition to the private aviation industry, offering smaller, lower-cost jets. Here are a few of the new planes in the VLJ category:

Aviation Technology Group (ATG): Javelin Executive Jet

• Twin engine, 2 seats
• Max speed of 575 mph
• Range of 1,150 miles
• Max altitude 45,000 ft
• Projected delivery date is late 2008
• Starting price is $2.8 million

Excel-Jet: Sport-Jet

• Twin engine, 4 seats
• Max speed of 391 mph
• Range of 1,000 miles
• Max altitude 25,000 ft
• Projected delivery date is late 2008
• Starting price is $1.2 million

Eclipse Aviation: Eclipse 500

• Twin engine, 6 seats
• Max speed of 425 mph
• Range of 1,472 miles
• Max altitude 41,000 ft
• Projected delivery date is late 2006
• Starting price is $1.52 million

HondaJet

• Twin engine, 6-7 seats
• Max speed of 483 mph
• Range of 1,266 miles
• Max altitude of 41,000 ft
• Projected delivery date is 2010
• Starting price $3.65 million

Although most of the new jets are still in production, you can already find VLJ’s on sale at www.controller.com, the Craigslist of private aircraft. The site offers planes for sale, lease or fractional ownership. Users search for listings by plane type, financing arrangement or manufacturer name. We found numerous vendors already taking orders for 2007 and 2008 delivery planes – indicating the future popularity of VLJ’s.

¼ fractional ownership of a 2007 Eclipse 500 Price of ¼ share: $490,000 Monthly fees: $6,000 Hourly operating cost: $495