The very light jet (VLJ) has made a significant impact on general aviation across the world; some commentators call it a boom!  We may not have seen too much evidence of it yet in Australia but it will come as consumers become more informed and demand more of aviation charter service providers.

It has been reported that deliveries of VLJs will approach 400 annually by the year 2010.  Apparently, the orders are coming from corporations, air taxi and charter operators and flying schools.

Flying schools have been placing orders with a view to using the VLJ to transition students into airline and corporate operations.  This is understandable as the modern successful flying training model, is one which uses sophisticated aircraft at the completion of other training to build multicrew, manipulative and aircraft management capabilities, to prepare candidates for airline operations.  

I understand that some VLJ manufacturers also believe that there is strong market potential in supplying aircraft for the abinito flying training activity.  Single engine VLJs are reported as potentially providing affordable training.  One operator in the USA has ordered 20 Diamond D-Jets for this purpose.

Clearly the flying training market has changed significantly in the last 20 years or so.  For most students, the aim is to become an airline pilot - and as fast as possible!  The new ICAO multi-crew licence has potential to train these pilots  for purpose.  I think the days of the old paradigm of abinito training in piston engine fixed gear aircraft, and then on to something a little bit faster and finally moving on to a light twin, are limited for those who aspire to an airline career.  

With the advent of the VLJ and two seat micro VLJs, is a new paradigm is upon us - all jet training for purpose?