I just read that article yesterday over the North Atlantic. The management is top notch and Bill Gates money being involved should help too. They said they will use two pilots and nothing about changing that. They should have a good chance of doing well. I think the aircraft may be the weak link. I'm not impressed with the performance. Mach .60 and 1200nm. I hope they can get enough business. People with money want speed and comfort. This plane has neither. Time will tell is they can do it. The FAA says there should be 5000+ VLJ's by 2017. We'll see.

I think the people with alot of money will not really be using these aircraft. This will most likely bring in a new breed of traveler into the aircraft charter market. I sat in one and it is very tight in the back. With 2 pilots you can only put 2 pax in the back and fill it up with fuel. It is the size of a Beech Baron in the back. The 1200 mile range is definitely stretching it. The problem is where will they fly? Do you want to slow to .60M to follow one of these at FL380?

I think it will do well with shorter legs like DCA to BOS or HPN to ACK.

I believe the 500 hrs PIC must be in the EMB 170/190.

Dayjets
 

Was visiting a friend for lunch in Delray Beach and happened upon the Dayjets Corporate headquarters. Not very impressive I must say. The receptionist mentioned that the start date for public use has been pushed back to end of 2007.

They can't be looking for airline retirees if they want their guys to have a 1st class medical. You can't hold one if your 60 or older.

60 what?
 

There is no upper age limit on any medical.

Eclipse
 

My guess is that half of these planes will be owned and piloted by guys who own light twins now. Like already mentioned the plane is too small and slow to be much of a charter platform but it would be a huge step up from a Seneca.

SkyHigh

I just saw a Day Jet Eclispe in BCT the other day. I didn't talk to the pilot, but I believe it is still experiemental and they may have been doing proving runs. Any thoughts

Your right, there are two people at the local FBO one owns a Baron the other a cherokee 6 and they have ordered the Elicpse.

can a 6' and taller pilot fit in that Eclipse? (for several hours a day)