Free Republic

This may seem like an outrageous statement, especially right after the public hubbub that caused Citigroup — the beneficiary of billions in government bailout money — to cancel the delivery of a new $42 million jet. But consider this: The General Aviation Manufacturers Association estimates that more than one million people are employed manufacturing, maintaining, flying and managing business aircraft. In addition to keeping legions at work in top-paying jobs, business aircraft facilitate and expand commerce for their users and contribute $150 billion to the American economy annually. With that in mind, it’s astounding to see members of Congress, the...

A revolutionary and time-consuming project, one that literally reshapes the paradigm for light jet transportation, is proving to be just a tad more time-consuming (like most revolutions are) than its adherents had hoped... Eclipse Aviation has confirmed for ANN that it expects to achieve FAA certification of the Eclipse 500 jet in the next few weeks, but not (as hoped) within the next few days. While the company was anticipating FAA certification in late June, the thorny issue of continued supplier delays have pushed the schedule back. "We are on the verge of achieving FAA certification, and are thrilled...

New, Smaller Planes Crowding Skies Once Left to Big Jets By MATTHEW L. WALD WASHINGTON, March 6 — For years the skies have been crowded with airplanes, but the planes' capabilities have kept them at different altitudes, with small, piston-driven models a few thousand feet above ground, commuter turboprops in the 20,000-foot range and jet airliners at 30,000 feet or higher. Now, to the dismay of aviation experts, an increasing number of planes may begin competing for space at the same higher altitudes. The turboprops are disappearing and being replaced by "regional jets," which fly at big-jet altitudes. Some...

<p>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Imagine someday calling a taxicab in the shape of a tiny jet that seats six and can pick you up at your local municipal airport and deliver you to where you want to go for about the cost of an airline coach seat.</p>