So what are the drawbacks? Some might say size, perhaps speed- while these little jets are fast, capable of cruising at speeds up to 375 knots, they still aren't as fast as say, a commercial airliner, and the FAA believes that a sudden influx of slower jet aircraft could potentially clog up the airways, especially if VLJ's become as widespread as it looks like they're going to. The thought is that these slower aircraft would cause more delays and ultimately more unsafe skies for airlines and air taxi services, but, considering the fact that aircraft of all sizes and speeds have been sharing the same airports since humans first took flight with a minimum of problems, it is the opinion of this writer that these claims are merely a form of saber-rattling on the part of airlines afraid of losing business to smaller, cheaper, more fuel efficient jet aircraft piloted by entrepreneurs who are already planning operations for a new type of air taxi service- A VLJ air taxi service.

Beyond that, some have raised concerns about the reliance these new aircraft have on computer technology instead of simpler, tried and true equipment; fortunately, any fears about the failure of a VLJ's electronics in flight are all but unfounded- the backup systems (and subsequent backup systems thereof) installed on these aircraft make the chance of a failure roughly equal to that of winning the state lottery, or perhaps getting struck by lightning several times over.

So while the fifties may have promised us an affordable flying car in the garage of every family and jet packs for the daily commute, VLJ's still manage to put the dream of flight, or more specifically, the smooth and sophisticated feel of flying a sleek, lithe jet aircraft, within the reach of more individuals than ever before, and all without sacrificing important things like quality or safety. So who knows, perhaps in another few decades, the dreams of the fifties might just become a reality in one form or another- VLJ's are just a step in the process, paving the way to bring better, more efficient jets into civilian aviation in a way that has never been seen before.