NBAA Releases Training Guidelines for Very Light Jets

Contact: Dan Hubbard at (202) 783-9360 or dhubbard@nbaa.org

Washington, DC, February 10, 2005 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has released recommended training guidelines for the next generation of very light jets (VLJs). Training Guidelines for Single Pilot Operations of Very Light Jets and Technically Advanced Aircraft outlines a minimum curriculum the Association believes is necessary to satisfy a VLJ transition and recurrent training program.

“The introduction of the very light jet into the general aviation community marks the beginning of a new era in business travel,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “NBAA wants to help ensure that these aircraft transition safely into the aviation system, and these guidelines will help VLJ operators understand what we believe are the appropriate minimum requirements for safe training to use the aircraft.”

Over the next decade, market demand for VLJs and other technically advanced aircraft is expected to be strong. Sales of the aircraft will bring the productivity and efficiency advantages offered by business aviation to many types of companies and organizations.

VLJs are commonly understood to be jet aircraft weighing 10,000 lbs. or less (a distinction below the traditional regulatory definition of light aircraft weighing 12,500 lbs. or less), and certificated for single-pilot operations. The guidelines also may be applicable to single-pilot certified aircraft other than VLJs which share similar levels of automation.

NBAA’s guidelines are the culmination of a year-long effort by the Association’s Safety Committee and staff, with review and input from FAA Industry Training Standards, Adam Aircraft, Cessna Aircraft Company, Eclipse Aviation, insurance underwriters and flight-training providers.

NBAA historically has developed industry guidelines to help its Members understand and utilize “best practices” that may exceed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulatory requirements. In releasing its new guidelines, NBAA intends to set the voluntary safety bar high to help ensure that the promising VLJ business has a smooth introduction period. NBAA’s guidelines do not mandate how very light jet training is to be implemented.

To download a copy of the guidelines, visit the NBAA web site at www.nbaa.org/safety/vlj.

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Founded in 1947, NBAA serves its 7,400 Member Companies by promoting the aviation interests of organizations utilizing business aircraft in the United States and worldwide. The association provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.