Private jet models
Business jets have evolved in design from four engine models, becoming ever lighter until there are now some single-engine models in design. Most that are currently in production are two engine planes, although Dassault still builds one three-engine Falcon.
Smaller than corporate jets, the wings of business jets are too close to the ground for the engines to be mounted beneath the wings. Engines are thus mounted at the rear of the plane in almost all cases. Models are roughly divided into Heavy, Super Mid-size, Mid-size, Light, and Very Light jets.
At the heavy end would be the converted airliners, often 737s. These are sometimes owned by sports teams or celebrities with a large support entourage or press group. Owning a heavy private jet may pose operational difficulties with inability to land at small airports with short runways and noise restrictions.
At the opposite end are the Very Light Jets (VLJs), sometimes called microjets. These are approved for single pilot operation, and have a maximum take-off weight of 5 tons. They carry 4-8 people. Such planes are actually lighter than business jets and are also called air taxis. VLJs are an exciting new field for flight. They can land on runways as short as 3,000 feet. Some people see the future of corporate travel in VLJs. Large orders for such planes have been placed. Others are not so sure. The basic design does not include a restroom and there is concern that passengers will not be willing to fly without bathroom facilities even for short trips. There is an option to include what is essentially a porta-potty with a curtain, but this certainly seems counter-intuitive to the concept of equating private flight with wealth.
