Light jets are a type of jet that is commonly used by individuals for business events or personal use. Referred to in the industry as entry-level jets, light jets are chosen for economical reasons and can travel up to 1,500 miles depending on the type of jet chosen. Most light jets can travel at a range of 440 mph and can hold limited amounts of luggage due to its small size. Some light jets have restrooms on board, but not all. It is best to check with the aircraft provider. There are many types of light jets available on today’s private jet market. Some popular models are:

Learjet 35 & 36
The Learjet 35 and 36 are identical except for a few modifications in the
36 model. The 36 model has a larger fuselage fuel tank, allowing it to travel 500 miles longer than the 35 model. However, due to the larger fuel tank, the 36 model eliminates approximately 18 inches of passenger space.
This light jet is powered by twin turbofan engines and can seat approximately 6-8 people comfortably. The Bombardier Learjet Corporation ceased making these models in 1994, but they can still be used in the airline industry.

Hawker 400 (Beechjet 400)
This model aircraft can seat up to 7 passengers and accompany 2 pilots. The cruising speed is 476 mph with a maximum speed of up to 518 mph. This micro jet has a range of about 1,482 nautical miles (2,744 km). The Beechjet 400 was renamed the Hawker 400 after the Raytheon company purchased the production rights. In 2008, the company announced model upgrades including newer and more efficient engines, newer entertainment systems, and an interior re-design.

Citation Bravo (or Cessna Citation II)
The Cessna company is well-known in the private jet industry. The Citation Bravo replaced the popular Citation II model before operation ceased in 2006. This micro jet has a maximum seating capacity of 7-8 people and a cruising speed of 430 mph. The Citation Bravo has a range of a little over 1,500 miles and is ideal for mid-range business trips.

Light jets can be purchased wholly or through fractional ownership programs. However, most private airplanes are chartered through special agencies.

Ecotourism is increasing in popularity across the world, but has significant practical value in developing countries where the needs of impoverished communities may conflict directly with the need to capitalise on the growing tourism industry

Ecotourism is a move to counter this. It aims to create viable and sustainable tourism opportunities, and limit the impact that all related activities will have on the environment, while improving the lives of the local people living in the area. According to Ecotourism.org, the concept consists of a number of core principles, including:

• Minimising industrial impact on the environment

• Building environmental and cultural awareness

• Empowering local communities

• Raising awareness of the political, environmental and social issues of the country concerned, and

• Ensuring that the experience is positive for all parties, including visitors and hosts

The aim is to achieve sustainable and responsible tourism practices to the benefit of all and the detriment of none. One of the most important factors in the success of any ecotourism venture is knowledge. Those proposing the project must gain intimate knowledge of the area, the fauna, the flora and the communities living there. They must understand how they impact on each other and how a change in one will affect the rest. They must understand the culture governing the people’s relationship with the environment, and how they view concepts such as territory, hunting, farming and gathering materials for personal use.

It’s vital to include the local communities in the project, not merely as grateful beneficiaries of charity, but as empowered and informed team members. Their input is to be valued, as chances are that they understand the area and complex ecosystems better than anyone else involved in the project.

The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable resource that protects both the people and the nature involved. Over 20 years ago, in 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development stated that sustained development implied, “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This sentiment is just as applicable now as it was then.