If one wants to see the future of small planes, one need look no further than the new Piper Jet. As far as very light jets (VLJs) go, it is the very finest model out today. With a larger capacity than the Eclipse 500 as well as the ability to travel longer distances without refueling, the Piper Jet seems to have everything that you could possibly ask for.
Simply by looking at the exterior, you can see that the Piper Jet is as stylish as it is efficient. The sleek design is both aerodynamically sound as well as fun to look at. It really does look like the plane we all have in our head when we think about what we want. Taking a look at the inside just seeks to back that opinion up even more. With a capacity of six passengers, it beats out both the Cessna Citation Mustang and the Eclipse 500. Not only are there more seats, but they are better seats. With luxury club seating, passengers have no problem feeling right at home during a cross country flight, which this plane is perfectly capable of making.
The secret to the space is the position of the wings. On the Piper Jet, the wings are situated below the cabin floor. In doing so, the cabin is able to bubble out farther and really opens up for the passengers. Leg room is key on any flight, and with the Piper Jet, that leg room comes guaranteed. Not only is that leg room there, but passengers don’t get that feeling of being cooped up with no other room on a long flight. The Piper jet is reminiscent of a Volkswagen Beetle in the way that its small from the outside but roomy on the inside. The 293 cubic feet of space inside the plane makes sure of that. This extra bit of comfort is not the only innovation that the people at Piper have thought of. Everyone knows that when boarding a VLJ, the problem of getting everything through the door often arises. With the larger 36” door, that is not a problem. Right across from that door is one of the finest aesthetic ideas in the whole jet: the optional space. The Piper Jet has an extra space that can be used for a seventh seat, a lavatory, an entertainment center, or just more room to put cargo.
Another advantage of the seating beyond the space is the comfort. With all leather seating, everyone feels fine taking a ride in the Piper Jet. Beyond the comfort lies the safety aspect. The seating is certified to higher safety standards while still maintaining a sleek look. Also, each seat has an Ipod or computer docking station. Fold out work stations allow for maximum comfort and workspace. With these amenities, one has no problem getting work done during the flight.
Turning to the cockpit, there are many great aspects to look at. There is a performance computer built in with all of the latest avionic technology. This comes complete with engine trend monitoring and it is compliant with next generation control systems. These control systems will be controlling a FJ44-3AP turbofan engine. Another fun little addition to the Piper Jet is the optional auto-throttle.
The Piper jet stands as moderately priced at $2.199 million. By comparison, the Eclipse 500 costs less at $1.52 million while the Cessna Citation Mustang costs $2.62 million. Piper Jet’s advantage over the Mustang lies in its superior range and capacity. Possibly the biggest difference maker is the optional lavatory. The Eclipse 500 does not come with that option, so anyone traveling the maximum 1,125 nautical miles may have a problem. Piper Jet can go upwards of 1,300 nautical miles on a single 800 lb payload and has that helpful option. Its advantage over the Mustang is its lower price as well as the fact that the Mustang does not go as far, only 1,150 nautical miles. Mustang’s also have a cruise speed of 340 knots compared to the 360 knot cruise speed of the Piper Jet. This is by no means a major difference, but sometimes bragging rights make all the difference.
Anyone who wants to see the Piper Jet in person will be happy to know that the Piper Jet recently kicked off a tour of the U.S. in early May. Locations on the itinerary include Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Tallahassee, FL, Rock Hill, SC, Baltimore, MD, Des Moines, IA, Oshkosh, WI, Salt Lake City, UT, Atlanta, GA, Hartford, CT, and Tulsa, OK. There should be plenty of time to see the quality of the Piper jet as it doesn’t have a Entry-into-Service date until early 2010, but orders are being taken now.
