Steve Varsano describes the Cirrus Vision Jet, a $3-4 million aircraft billed as the world's smallest private jet at 31 feet long. It seats six in theory but the cabin is cramped with almost no luggage space. Real-world range is closer to 600 miles, not the advertised 1,380, once you add passengers.
Can you believe it?
The world's smallest private jet, and it costs just $3 million. $3 million. The smallest private jet. It's true. Actually, new, it's probably closer to $4 million. It's called the Vision Jet.
Only 31 feet long. You can fly it solo and still bring up to 6 passengers.
6 passengers is really calling a little bit tight. You can have 6 very light people. Of course, you can't bring any luggage with 6 passengers. One full tank, it flies 1,380 miles. So that's 1,380 miles. That's statute miles, which is probably just a little over about 1,100 nautical miles. If you put more people on the airplane, you really can't put that much fuel on it. The optimum trip is about 600 miles, which is about 2 hours, and can climb to 31,000 feet with no problem. 31,000 feet with no problem— there is a problem. That's about maximum, maximum altitude, so you're probably flying closer to 25,000 feet.
Now here's the question: would you trust a tiny jet with a parachute to save your life?
When I trust the tiny jet with a parachute to save my life— well, I trust the tiny jet with a good pilot to save my life for sure. This jet is really for an owner-pilot, or sometimes you have somebody who needs to go distances. There were 1 or 2 people, or maybe a small family. For business, they try to shuttle these people around. It does have its uses for very short distances for just a couple people. Really, for 6 people, you're not going to get much range out of this airplane.
