Cessna’s Citation Mustang, shown in an artist’s conception, is slated to enter service in late 2006.

By Frank Bowlin

It’ll never happen. That’s how many of us reacted to the promise of low-cost jets. We were wrong—they’re not here yet, but the ETA is short. Cessna labels the Mustang an entry-level jet and Eclipse uses very light jet, or VLJ. We like the VLJ label. Multiple VLJs are nearing certification, some priced well under $2 million. Since a new Beechcraft Baron 58, a non-pressurized, normally aspirated piston twin, costs more than $1.1 million, these prices for a pressurized jet with all the latest equipment will seem very attractive—and affordable—to some. …