Gulfstream/Textron Aviation/Embraer/Pilatus
Sixty years ago, Learjet’s prototype Model 23 made its first flight. This not only commemorated the birth of the light-jet category but also ignited the first modern chapter of business jet aviation. Inspired by the design of the Swiss strike fighter, AFA P-16, the Learjet 23 proved so successful that it helped drive the expansion of the light jet category by fueling a race among manufacturers to improve performance, range, speed, and versatility. Now, after six decades of evolution, the nimble light jet has matured into a regional category with multiple offerings. Today’s aircraft also continue to report notable improvements in cabin layouts, distance, speed, and access. They’re also used for very different missions. The Pilatus PC-24, for instance, is certified to operate on gravel, grass, and even dirt airfields, expanding the number of airfields and airports where it can land. Other light jets boast ranges that can carry them from New York to London. Below are eight light jets, both in production and hot contenders on the brokerage market, that will let you fly in style.
The Best Light Jets
—Best Seller: Embraer Phenom 300
—Best Cabin Amenities: Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2
—Best Cabin Altitude: Gulfstream G280
—Best Versatility: Pilatus PC-24
—Best Cabin Length: Cessna Encore+
—Best Newcomer: Stratos 716X
—Best Legacy Model: Hawker 400XP
—Best Breakthrough Design: Learjet 35
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Embraer Phenom 300
Image Credit: Embraer The Phenom 300 jet is light, but heavy on appointments, which explains its popularity. Having received its FAA type certification in 2009, it is the world’s best-selling light jet, with a current fleet number of 744. Certified for single-pilot operation and able to carry up to 11 passengers, the 300 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada 535E turbofan engines. It has a range of 1,971 nautical miles, a maximum cruising speed of 451 knots, and a 45,000-foot ceiling. The cockpit is outfitted with Garmin G3000 displays, and a 2020 upgrade included improved avionics with predictive wind-shear awareness, a stabilized approach, and a runway overrun awareness and alerting system (developed by Embraer). The cabin features club seating with a recessed aisle, rotating seats, and configurations that could include a side-facing divan—all major-league features for a light jet.
Special Features:
—Garmin G3000 avionics with enhanced safety features
—Club seating features, rotating seats and optional divan -
Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2
Image Credit: Textron Aviation Cessna Citation’s parent company, Textron Aviation, reports that more than 5,000 Cessna Citation jets have taken to the skies worldwide, including notables like the M2 Gen2, CJ3 Gen2, and the recently upgraded CJ4 Gen2.
While the Cessna Citation CJ4, also known as the model 525C, was first introduced as a production model in 2008, its most recent upgrade in 2021 includes a more ergonomic interior that blends features of larger aircraft with light jet performance efficiencies.
Redesigned stairs offer passengers a lower point of entry, handrail support, and customizable logo light. The CJ4 Gen2 supports a refreshment center and galley with improved storage options, as well as new cabin seating options and enhanced lighting. CoolView lavatory skylights provide more natural lighting extending into the aft cabin area. The interior also features an upgraded wireless cabin management system with an onboard media server to stream preloaded audio and video, access XM Satellite Radio and view moving maps. Passengers can use their wireless mobile devices to control cabin lighting, window shades, and temperature. Equipped with two Williams International FJ44-4A (FADEC) engines, the CJ4 Gen2’s maximum cruising speed is 451 knots. Its maximum range is 1,926 nautical miles. The CJ4 Gen2 is certified for one-pilot operations and can accommodate up to 10 passengers.
Special Features:
—Refreshment center with galley and new seating options
—Upgraded wireless cabin management system with onboard media server, view moving maps and access to XM Satellite Radio -
Gulfstream G280
Image Credit: Gulfstream First announced in 2009 and FAA certified in 2012, the Gulfstream G280 was a significant upgrade to its G200 predecessor in aerodynamics, avionics, propulsion, safety, and comfort. Notably, an airfoil redesign improved the G280’s takeoff, landing, and climb capabilities. The Gulfstream G280 is powered by two Honeywell HTF725OG engines for a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.84. Its 3,600-nautical mile range allows flight from New York to London. But it also has a takeoff distance of 4,750 feet. The flight deck is equipped with PlaneView280, which is a fully integrated visual environment to improve situational awareness.
The G280’s living areas can be configured to accommodate up to 10 passengers, while the cabin can comfortably sleep five. Every interior configuration includes a galley, full-sized closet, baggage compartment, and spacious lavatory with two windows.Special Features:
—Transatlantic range from New York to London
—Lowest cabin altitude pressurization in class -
Pilatus PC-24
Image Credit: Pilatus It is dubbed the “super-versatile jet” for a reason. Not only does the Pilatus PC-24 have a short runway capability, but it can operate on grass, gravel, dirt, and even snow. Accommodating up to six passengers and certified for single-pilot operation, the updated Pilatus PC-24 has plenty of passenger perks, too, including an integrated cabin management system with a controller, a 3-D moving map, improved audio, mood lighting, media storage, and plenty of ways to connect personal devices in flight. The interior appointment also includes a side-facing divan, which passengers can convert into a bed. Seating can be easily added or removed based on the mission’s goals. The PC-24 is powered by William International FJ44-4A turbofans, with a ceiling of 45,000 feet, maximum cruise speed of 440 knots, and maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles. Notably, the redesigned PC-24 increased its full-fuel payload from 600 pounds to 1,300 pounds, with an overall payload capacity of 3,100 pounds. The Pilatus ACET includes synthetic vision, autothrottle, graphic flight planning, and Traffic Collision Avoidance System.
Special Features:
—Short runway capabilities, and can land on grass, gravel and snow
—Integrated cabin management system with controller, 3-D moving map, mood lighting -
Cessna Citation Encore+
Image Credit: Wikipedia The combination of form and function in Citation’s Encore and Encore+ models made them the standout light jets in the early 2000s. Announced in 1998 and delivered in 2000, the Citation Encore had a range of 1,600 nautical miles, allowing it to fly nonstop from New York to Miami.
In 2007, the Encore+ superseded earlier models with upgraded engines and avionics. The Encore+ employed FADEC Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535B engines. The Rockwell Collins ProLine 21 avionics helped improve situational awareness during flight. Certified for nine occupants, this jet could be configured for one or two pilots. The Encore’s cabin was also 17.3 feet long, making it one of the largest in the light jet category. Fourteen large windows provide ample natural light for passengers and pilots. The Encore+ remained in production until 2009, but the Encore continues to be a popular model for both private ownership and charter use.
Special Features:
—One of the longest cabins in the light-jet category
—Size and range make it a popular model -
Stratos 716X
Image Credit: Stratos First announced in 2008, the Stratos 716 is currently a six-seat experimental jet kit that delivers range, speed, and payload performance with a single-engine Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 turboprop. “We combine the range and speed of a high-performance, twin-engine jet with the short-field takeoff capabilities of a single-engine turboprop aircraft,” Carsten Sundin, Stratos president and cofounder, told Robb Report.
The Stratos uses a carbon-fiber body that optimizes aerodynamics with custom airfoils. It can reach an initial cruise speed of 380 knots with a 41,000-foot service ceiling. The Stratos has short-field takeoff capabilities (2,890 feet at sea level) that pilots appreciate. This six-seat aircraft can accommodate 15 cubic feet of external storage and 7 cubic feet inside the cabin.
While the Stratos currently uses Garmin G3X avionics, the plan for the eventual FAA-certified version of the 716X will be to upgrade the engine capabilities and avionics.
Special Features:
—Carbon-fiber body and custom airfoils
—Short takeoff field capabilities -
Hawker 400XL
Image Credit: File Photo The lineage of the Hawker 400XP has been distinguished, transformative, and complex over its 30-year history as a top-selling light business jet. Having debuted in 1978 as the Mitsubishi Diamond, the aircraft was sold to Beechcraft in the 1980s. After a redesign, it was renamed the Beechjet 400 and certified by the FAA in 1986. In 1993, Raytheon acquired Hawker business jets, and 10 years later, the 400XP was renamed and reintroduced with an increase in gross weight and range. During the challenging economic climate of 2009, the new parent company decided to end the 400XP’s production in 2010. The jet has a range of 1,465 nautical miles, and its maximum cruising speed is 450 knots. Innovations during its heyday included three-dimensional air-flow technology for improved performance, and double-slotted, hydraulic Fowler flaps allow for landing speeds as low as 105 knots. The cabin’s square oval design enhances passenger comfort. With many 400XPs still in service, the twin-engine, light business jet has retained a reputation for comfort, versatility, and low operating costs.
Special Features:
—3-D air-flow technology for improved performance
—Hydraulic Fowler Flaps for low-speed landing -
Learjet 35
Image Credit: Wikipedia For parent company Bombardier, the Learjet 35 was hands-down the most popular of any Learjet aircraft, including the initial Learjet 23. Five decades after it was FAA certified, it has served many roles for personal, business and military transport. The Learjet 35 was outfitted with two Honeywell TFE731-2 engines, for a maximum airspeed of 451 knots and range of 2,125 nautical miles. The 35 could accommodate two crew members and eight passengers. As part of its evolution, the upgraded Learjet 35A made its debut in 1976, with a pair of TFE731-2-2B engines extending range to 2,789 miles. In 1996, four pilots flew a 35A to establish an around-the-world flight record of 49 hours, 21 minutes, and 8 seconds. While the record has since been broken, the jet is considered one of the fastest for its time. A total of 738 aircraft were produced from 1973 to 1994.
Special Features:
—Considered one of the fastest light jets for its production period in the 1970s and ’80s
—738 examples were produced from 1973 to 1984
