Minimum Experience and VLJ's (was Eclipse 500)

Having an airplane in a LLC (or other entity) doesn't do anything to relieve
liability if you are the pilot. They protect you if someone else crashes
the airplane.

Mike
MU-2


"B. Jensen" wrote in message
...
Mike,

You make some good points. However, I know of a couple of "deep pocket"
pilots that have their aircraft in LLC's and then simply "self-insure".
Since they have more money than experience, no insurance company will
insure them, so they take on the risk themselves...and we are talking King
Airs in this cause vs. a VLJ.
BJ

Mike Rapoport wrote:

I don't know about VLJ (actually nobody has ever gotten insured in one!)
but for turbines like MU-2, CJ-2 they want to see ATP, 2500TT, 1000 multi
and 100 make and model minimium. This is from my experience trying to
insure a MU-2. It is possible to get coverage with less but there will
only be a couple of companies quoting and it will be expensive with a lot
of restrictions. These restrictions can be very expensive to comply with.
It is very ezpensive to fly off 100 or more hours with a pro-pilot
babysitting you. If you just go flying then it will cost at least $50,000
to get the 100hrs and if you try to actually go places you will be paying
for hotels, meals, non flying time ect. I think that this will be one of
the biggest limitation to the VLJ market. Ask yourself: "How many people
do I personally know that have ALL of the following

1) $1.5M (todays dollars) to spend on an airplane and intend to do it.
2) One year flying with a real pro-pilot. Keep in mind that the pro pilot
is taking up useful load, you aren't going to Aspen with the family and
skis.
3) One week per year to dedicate to recurrent training costing $10,000/yr
if you fly there in your VLJ
4) At least one week per year spent taking the airplane to service
centers, flying the airline back and then going to retrieve the airplane.
5) Insurance for the typical owner/operator will probably be $20-30,000.

When you start thinking about all these costs and issues, the market
suddenly isn't so big. Most people who have $1.5MM to spend on an
airplane and are willing to put up with the other costs and hassles
probably already have a jet. The cost of the actual airplane is only the
first hurdle.

Mike
MU-2

"john smith" wrote in message
. ..

Several posters have stated that the owner/operator of the new VLJ's will
not have the "necessary" skills to fly in the current environment.
Several numbers have been thrown out, but no one has said what the
minimum annual flight hours are to be accepted as proficient by the
detractors.

How much does one have to fly annually/monthly to be considered safe and
competent to fly a VLJ in the flight levels?