Things I like about chartering a jet

Time is money and your organization doesn’t have time or money to waste on the hassles of commercial air travel. It is a waste of time and resources to wait in endless airport lines or camped out in a terminal waiting on a

delayed plane. I don’t know how many meetings and conferences I have been a part of that were slowed down by the need to wait on participants whose planes were running late. I used to wish there was an easier and more elegant way of getting from point A to point B, but purchasing a private jet was been beyond my budget at the time. Fortunately I found out that there’s another option. I discovered the option of private jet chartering service and came to enjoy one of the most luxurious and safe flying experiences money can buy.

Not only is the process simpler and hassle free, I also enjoyed the convenience of choosing from a vast array of small local airports to take off and land from. These small air fields allow you to avoid the mobs of angry tourists and the surly flight screeners who are a part of conventional commercial air travel.
Locating a quality charter operator is the first challenge. It’s impossible to identify the true credentials and experience of an operator just by looking at the listings in a phone book. Those ads won’t tell you the details like how long they’ve been flying and how many flights they do a year, or what safety procedures they have in place. The internet can be a valuable resource in searching for FAA authorized charter providers. These services are not third party tour companies masquerading as charter companies. They are qualified flight companies with the ability to get you anywhere in the world at a faster pace.
I began my search by narrowing down the qualified categories and then by making some more in-depth inquiries into their qualifications. Next I ensured that the companies I liked had full FAA flight documentation and that they were in compliance with all federal regulations and certifications. I also check to be sure they were comprehensively insured for a sum adequate for the size of planes they operate as well as carrying insurance for the crews and all equipment. It turns out some operators also offer additional passenger insurance on an optional basis. You can also choose to purchase independent insurance for your passengers instead. The company should be regularly audited by an outside auditing group as well. This will ensure that they are operating up to the highest standards.
If you are able to visit and meet with representatives of the charter company I would say it is advisable. This will give you a feel for how they function as a company and how they maintain their facilities. A good company will have a dedicated representative who deals with all of your interactions with the company. This person will work to accommodate your plans and schedules in a courteous and efficient manner.
Your company representative will assist you in selecting the proper aircraft for your needs. They should be able to give you a rundown of each planes specifications and crew. You should view the airplane in person and make inquiries into its service record and capabilities. It is also important to investigate your pilot. Ask about their flight experience and background in the operation of the aircraft you plan to use. The pilot should also be engaged in ongoing education and training at least twice a year to keep their skills up to date.
Cost is the final consideration. Ask for an exact quote for the services to be rendered and get all of this information in writing. Ask them to estimate all associated services costs such as catering and in-flight service to the best of their ability. This will avoid any conflicts or hidden charges that otherwise might show up on your bill later on.

...(continue)

Join the Learjet set

Bill Lear was quite a character and a brilliant inventor. If you haven’t read his biography, I highly recommend it.

Learjet(Now Bombardier) has been manufacturing top quality business aircraft since the 1950’s, and with the company’s current partnership with Bombardier, Lear jets are better than ever.
The Learjet 60 has been in production since 1993, and it is one of the best buys on the business luxury aircraft market at about $13 million new and $7 million used. The Learjet 60 is the most aerodynamically enhanced jet produced by Learjet yet. It has a lengthy fuselage and a very spacious cabin. It can reach a top speed of 534 mph and climb to a ceiling of 51,000 ft.
There is even a luxury version known as the Learjet 60 XR with enhanced avionics and an improved cabin. It’s a real beauty and looks like the classic image, you think of when you think of a private business jet. The cockpit of the XR is equipped with a state- of- the- art Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics systems, an Automatic Altitude Heading Reference System, WXR 840 weather radar, IFIS flight instrumentation, a TCAS II traffic collision avoidance system, and an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System with windshear alert. I’m inclined to say that the 60 XR is the gold standard of midsize private jets. The cabin is large and roomy and features a very wide center aisle and overstuffed leather seating rivaling the type of seating on a business class commercial liner.
Maybe one of the best features of the cabin though is that it is high enough for the average full grown man to stand up in without ducking. The seating arrangement is unique as well. With a facing seat configuration, conducting in-flight meetings and interactions is quite convenient. The plane’s nearly 2,500 mile range means transcontinental flight is certainly within reach and most flights within North America can be completed without making any refueling stops. It’s also an efficient fuel sipper with operation costs that are only a fraction of what the Gulfstream V costs to operate.
Exclusive: Coming in 2009, the Learjet 85 is set to top even the high standards of the Learjet 60. The 85 is sized between the midsize and super midsize classes and will feature a structure composed entirely of composite material. This will make it the first of its kind. Learjet has designed this jet with incredible performance and made it capable of easily cruising at an impressive speed of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of 3,000 nautical miles. I’m watching for the Learjet 85 to set new standards in business aircraft travel.
...(continue)

Luxury Air Jets is a charter service with a heart of gold.

In my opinion, Luxury Air Jets distinguishes itself from rival services through its exceedingly ethical way of operating. This company truly seems to be concerned with providing the safest,

most secure, most courteous and professional flight experiences possible.
They are a truly responsible corporate charter jet provider.
As soon as I contacted them, they assigned me a personal concierge to attend to all the details of planning my trip. This professional expert ensured that all aspects of my flight went absolutely smoothly. Plus I had the security of knowing that the aircraft I was riding on was all fully certified by ARG/US, NATA, and NATA First. This means they have all been thoroughly inspected and audited to the highest safety standards in the industry. An extra side benefit of using Luxury Air Jets was that 2% of my purchase will be donated to a range of very worthwhile charities.
Luxury Air Jets charter jet services conform to the highest expectations and standards you could ask for. The charters are priced at a very accessible cost as well. You’ll be afforded round the clock 7 day a week customer service too. Onboard, I was treated to first class cabin service including sumptuous in-air dining, beverages, and I was told I could have ordered in-flight services like masseurs, hairdressers, and nannies if I had requested them. A security detail will flew with me at all times and ensured my total physical safety. Once I landed, Luxury Air Jets will took care of all transportation, hotel, and dining arrangements as well. I simply deplaned and a limousine was waiting to take me to my hotel right from the airport.
All of these services and more were delivered to me at a price that matched or exceeded that of any rival service providers. This is a company that puts safety, luxury, and top-notch service at the center of everything it does. I’ll say it again, chartering a private jet is a wise investment that will pay you back in saved time and energy compared to flying commercial.
You also enjoy the personal touch of knowing exactly who your flight crew is and knowing you will be treated with care and privacy. Your meetings with fellow passengers will be uninhibited and without distraction. Luxury Air Jet goes the extra mile and secures any kind of service provider you may need during your trip. I’m told that military and governmental organizations use Luxury Air Jets as well, because they know, as a member of the National Defense Transit Authority, the company meets strict government standards.

...(continue)

Bowing to the greatness of Boeing Business Jets

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that the name Boeing is a legendary in the aviation world.

Anyone who’s ever flown commercial (i.e. practically about 90% of Americans) knows something about Boeing commercial airliners.
But did you know Boeing manufactures a line of luxury business jets for the corporate market?
These jets are Boeing commercial airliners which have been repurposed for the private market. Boeing Business Jets are full size aircrafts with a capacity of 25-50 passengers. They are constructed with many fine amenities and a spacious configuration. Many Boeing Business Jets include such features as bedrooms, full washrooms with showers, meeting and dining rooms, and living room or lounge areas. Boeing Business Jets are manufactured in 50/50 conjunction with General Electric.
The newest models of these aircraft are built around the design of the Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental. These recent models are redesigned for improved fuel economy, smoother landing, expanded intercontinental capabilities and more. Boeing BBJ produces more business jets than any other competitor on the market today.
Boeing offers a line of narrow-body business jet models which were first introduced with the BBJ1 which was a repurposed 737. It was first designed for military Air Force use and known as the C-40B Clipper. The BBJ 1 carries a crew of 4 and can accommodate 8-63 passengers in its comfortable cabin. It can reach a top speed of Mach 0.82 and climb to a service ceiling of up to 41,000 feet. Other narrow-body models include the BBJ2, BBJ3, and BBJ C which is capable of shifting from a passenger plane to cargo plane in a short amount of time.
Boeing Business Jets also produces a line of wide-body models the first of which was the 747 VIP. This plane is shipped to the customer in “green” condition which means it is entirely empty of interior furnishings and can be designed however the owner desires. Other wide-body models include the 777VIP and the 787 VIP which is also delivered in green condition.
The countries of Belarus, Colombia, India, Nigeria, Australia, Malaysia, South Africa, and Argentina all utilize Boeing VIP wide-body business jets.
Boeing truly delivers all the positive aspects of commercial aviation to the private market. These aircraft are customizable and adaptable to a wide range of applications. Because they are manufactured by Boeing, they are incredibly reliable durable with the backing of legendary Boeing customer service. These planes mobilize high end on-the-go consumers and allow them to travel anywhere on the planet in comfort and total safety.

...(continue)

Thanking those who bring hope - Agape Flights & More

In the last post I discussed air services which mainly deliver emergency medical transportation to those in need. This time I want to highlight a couple of organizations which provide missionary and humanitarian services to some of the world’s most needy populations.

Missionary Flights International MFI is an organization based in Fort Pierce, Florida which helps deliver cargo and mission workers to poverty stricken parts of the Caribbean. MFI transports medical and work teams to Haiti and the Dominican Republic for a very low cost. They also provide much-needed support services to missionaries on the ground in those countries. This includes providing repairs for vehicles and things as well as delivering other supplies when a need arises. They run a fleet that includes DC-3’s, N300MF’s and other rugged reliable light aircraft and their pilots are very skilled at this type of flight work.

Agape Flights provides mission air service to Haiti and the Dominican Republic as well. They are a growing organization who makes weekly trips to drop off supplies and provide work assistance. They also help outside missionary groups plan relief trips to provide work and medical aid. They provide rapid disaster relief when necessary as well.

If you are a pilot or aviation enthusiast, I would encourage you to get in contact with one of the many organizations I have highlighted and see what services you might be able to offer.
...(continue)

Thanking those who bring hope - Angel Flight & More

I’m fortunate to have had the life I’ve had and the opportunities I’ve been given, and I’m grateful to have experienced the joys of luxury flying for so many years. For some people though, private air services are more than an indulgence, they are a matter of life and death.
Very-ill cancer patients, burn victims and others rely on the kindness of a number of charity flight services to get them where they need to be quickly.The good Samaritans who run these services are doing some incredibly commendable work and they deserve to be highlighted for their efforts.

Angel Flight is one such service which stands out in my mind. They’re an all volunteer organization whose mission is simply to provide free flight services to any one in medical or charity related need. They serve the Midwestern United States and have contacts with a vast network of regional charities and medical facilities. Their pilots put up money out of their own pockets to keep this vital service going.

Faith Charity Flights USA is another similar organization based in the South East. They give air ambulance, disaster relief, and rescue work to those in need around the country. Patients with emergency needs who cannot afford the more expensive air ambulance services can often turn to Faith Charity for help. They also reunite critically ill patients with family members who live far away and have trouble affording transportation expenses.

Air Care Alliance is the umbrella organization for a whole bundle of charity flight service providers around the United States. They are a network that brings these organizations into contact and interaction with each other and coordinates large scale missionary efforts. Air Care Alliance is a great clearing house for charity flight news and information.

Our neighbors to the North up in Canada have their own great charity flight organization to rely on. It’s called Hope Air and they provide flight medical services to children and other patients. Hope Air has the backing of a number of major airlines and business organizations and they accomplish their missions in a highly effective manner.

Air Charity Network is another broad coalition of many regional and national flight services. They ensure that many patients and family members get where they need to go for help regardless of ability to pay for it. They’ve got a devoted collection of volunteer pilots standing by to support them. ...(continue)

France has a winner with Dessault Falcon

In the realm of European business jets, the name Dessault Falcon is one I’m quickly taking notice of. Falcon’s a French company with a long history of aviation manufacturing that stretches back to the 1930’s.
They started out building military aircraft, but they’ve also got an impressive line of civilian jets these days.
The crown jewel of Falcon’s business jet line is the Dessault Falcon 7X. This is a large cabin palace in the skies which was introduced in 2005. It’ll run you a cool $50 million, which is still significantly cheaper than most of it’s closest competitors. For your investment you’re getting the firsty business jet that is fully fly-by-wire equipped plus a cockpit loaded up with a Honeywell Enhanced Avionics System. This aircraft will comfortably carry 12 passengers, 3 pilots and I cabin crew person and travel a range of nearly 6,000 miles. It also has a not-too-shabby top speed of nearly 600 mph!
The Dessault Falcon 900 is essentially larger version of the 7X. It’s basic design has been updated several times but versions of the 900 have been in production since the early Eighties. It’s a unique plane because of it’s composite construction, S-duct central engine, and computer-assisted design. France, Japan, Nigeria, and Malaysia all use Falcon 900’s and there are 260 total aircraft in existence. This big cruiser will carry 19 passengers and a crew of two propelled by a a couple of rugged Honeywell engines. It can hit a top speed of Mach .84.
I like Dessault Falcon planes for their advanced construction, high tech gadgetry and economical price tag. If you’re in the market for a mid-sized corporate jet capable of spanning long ranges with ease, it’s tough to do better than a Falcon. ...(continue)

Could the Piaggio Avanti be the perfect noise-free plane?

The Piaggio Avanti manufactured by Avantair is the most versatile aircraft in the skies today. Its incredible range allows it to fly the distance from New York to Chicago in a non-stop flight.
The plane is capable of traveling at jet speeds while at the same time remaining flexible enough o land and take off from small private air fields.
It is luxurious and efficient and designed with both jet and prop engines.
With a top speed of 450 mph it is able to fly more rapidly and quietly than other light aircraft of its class. It also uses much less fuel and requires less cost to operate. That alone should lend to its popularity in coming months. Rear mounted props and acoustical insulation make it whisper quiet to ride in. Its unusual body design makes it delightfully spacious and roomy and the leather furnishings are luxurious and comfortable. I've flown on Avanti's a number of times and I've never been on such a silent airplane. You can hear yourself think and the furnishings are remarkably comfortable.
The flexibility of the Avanti extends to into its cabin as well. All the spaciousness allows for some customization plus the standing space is tall enough for the average person to stand up fully. I enjoyed not hitting my head as I walked around. The leather seats can be configured in either a club setting for meetings, or a forward facing divan configuration. The baggage capacity is also much larger than other aircraft of this size.
Plus the plane is ideal for fractional ownership arrangements because it makes an perfect aircraft for vacationers. The plane’s ability to land and take off form small airports means you can deplane or board just minutes from many major resorts and vacation areas. It is also designed to operate well in any weather, so you’re free to fly it all the year long
Owners I know are always raving to me about the unmatched level of service they receive from Avantair. It begins with a dedicated owner services professional who is assigned specifically to the owner and available to handle any issues 24 hours a day. Company representatives seem to be always courteous and friendly and they have the experience and training to assist you with anything related to the operation and upkeep of your aircraft.
Avantair ensures it’s employees receive all the latest ongoing training so they are always up to date and can serve you in the best manner possible. Avantair representative will even handle the surrounding details related to your trip including fuel accommodations, flight scheduling and ground transportation to and form the air port.
Avantair’s new Axis membership club looks like a great investment as well. This program allows fractional ownership plans of 25 hour flight blocks distributed over 3 year terms. I understand there are various levels of membership to meet your specific needs and fees start as low as $75,000. If I were looking for a fractional ownership aircrfat I would be pretty tempted to choose the Avanti. ...(continue)

Hawker Beechcraft is flying toward new horizons

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a holding company created by Onex Corp. and Goldman Sachs associated withthe Beechcraft and Hawker manufacturing lines of Raytheon headquartered in Wichita, KS.

There are number of aircraft in the Hawker line including the 400XP, 850XP, the Hawker 1000, and the Hawker 4000. The Hawker 400 is a twin engine small corporate aircraft model.
It was originally designed by Mitsubishi as the MU-300 Diamond, then by Beechcraft as the Beechjet 400, then by Hawker (confusing I know). There are a total of 40 Hawker 400’s in service today, and the first ones were built in 1995. The Hawker 400 features Collins Pro Line 21 avionics and Collins Venue cabin management and entertainment systems. It carries a crew of 2 pilots and can accommodate 7 passengers. The 400 is powered by 2 Pratt & Whitney engines and can reach a top speed of 518 mph. It has a range of 1,482 nautical miles and can climb to an altitude of 45,000 ft.
The Hawker 800 is an improved version of the 4000 first introduced in 2007. It features a glass cockpit and a modified rear fuselage. It is a top selling private aircraft model with over 500 units sold and service today. Its Honeywell engines and improved aerodynamic design allow to perform much more efficiently than previous models and it has a passenger and crew capacity which is very similar to the 400. The Hawker 750, 800, 800 XP, 850 XP, U-125 and RC-800 are variant models of the 800 equipped with various features adapted for a range of applications Many civilian airline companies operate Hawker 800 around the world. It’s range is about double that of the 400 while its top speed is about the same.
The Hawker 1000 is a mid-sized jet that is the best selling aircraft of its type. It was originally designed as an aviation navigation trainer for the British RAF, but it has since been adapted for private civilian use. More than 1000 Hawker 1000’s have been manufactured to date. Qantas airlines and a number of government military agencies including the USAF use Hawker 1000’s as part of their fleet. The performance and characteristics of the hawker 1000 are essentially on par with those of the hawker 400.
The Hawker 4000 is a super-midsize business jet which was originally known as the Hawker Horizon. There are 10 Hawker 4000’s which have been built so far. The 4000 is priced at about 18.8 million dollars. The NetJets charter service has ordered 50 of these aircraft for their fleet and additional 80 have been ordered by various other buyers. The 4000 is adaptable to comfortably accommodating 8 passengers and its carbon composite construction allows it to be more spacious than many other aircraft of its class. Its 6 foot interior standing room allow the average sized passenger to comfortably ambulate about the cabin. It has a respectable range of 3,445 nautical miles thanks in part to is lightweight construction. The cockpit of the 4000 is equipped with advanced Honeywell avionics systems. ...(continue)

Who will be the first to release a supersonic business jet?

As of this date there are no supersonic jets available for sale on the private market. Such a jet would be required to travel faster than Mach 1 and would probably carry about 10-20 passengers.

I would give just about anything to be a passenger on the first one to be released.
A supersonic business jet would likely be built to about the same proportions as a subsonic business jet. It would also not suffer from the issues of high costs, noise, short range, and pollution which commercial and military supersonic planes have dealt with.
There are currently a number of aviation manufactures attempting to design supersonic business plane models which they hope to eventually release to the public market. Cessna is one company which has announced its intentions to design such a plane, but details of any forthcoming supersonic business jet models from Cessna have not been revealed. I’m sure they’re keeping it under wraps for good reasons
The Aerion Corporation has announced plans for an aircraft to be called the Aerion SBJ. It is expected to have a top speed of Mach 1.8, a range of up to 8,500 miles and capacity of 8-12 passengers plus 2 pilots. This sonic business jet would enable travelers to journey from North America to Europe and then back again all in one day. It is expected to be priced at about $80 million (in 2007 dollars) and released into service by 2014. It can’t come soon enough for me!
Supersonic Aerospace International (SAI) has also stated their intentions to produce a sonic business plane for private use. Their model is to be known as the Quest Supersonic Transport (QSST). Lockheed-Martin Skunk Works has been contracted by SAI to develop this model and they have been working on the project for 6 years now. The plane would be designed to have a top speed of Mach 1.6-1.8 and would leave a much smaller sonic wake than the famous Concorde. The Skunk Works is also developing another sonic plane model called the Quiet Supersonic Plane (QSP). The QSP is to be a single engine aircraft with a single tail, and a long slim fuselage. This body type is expected to prevent a sonic boom from occurring. The QSP would be available for commercial usage.
I have heard about several other sonic plane models in the production stage from a range of companies that sound promising, these models include the Sukhoi-Gulfstream S-21 (although this project is currently stalled), and the Tupolev Tu-444.

...(continue)

It's not all in your head, imaginaire is really there to serve you.

If you’re planning to charter a jet for your next business trip or vacation, choosing the right service can be difficult. You want to fly with an operator who is safe and trustworthy in their transportation abilities.

You also want a provider who will offer you courteous and professional in-flight service.
For Texans, there’s one service I’ve heard about that seems to stand above the others. The Dallas-based imaginaire company is in the business of finding the right charter aircraft and crew to meet your needs.
I’ve found that imaginaire is ready to serve you whenever you need to charter a flight, and they are equipped to take you almost anywhere you need to go around the globe.
imaginaire has a massive fleet of midsize aircraft at the ready at all times at their base in Addison, TX. They are at the top of the pack when it comes to charter aircraft services in the Dallas/Fort Worth region. You just give them a call and they instantly mobilize a flight crew of experienced and professional pilots and attendants who can take you wherever you need to travel.
Like I’ve said before, jet charter is not only convenient, it can also save you serious time compared to most other transportation alternatives. imaginaire is staffed with knowledgeable experts who work to help you select exactly the right charter, aircraft, and crew for your needs. They will clearly communicate with you at all times and all quotes and pricing are completely transparent. They’re is extremely skilled at evaluating your needs and then matching you with the ideal charter plan. Privacy, courtesy, safety, and luxury are the trademarks of imaginaire’s way of operating.
From the moment I walked into their gated facilities I could see they were a different type of company. I was surprisingly pleased with their secure and private building where they let you wait in comfort to board your aircraft. They told me that their complex is open 365 days of the year 24 hours a day so I’d always be assured of a flight. The staff of imaginaire will secured my luggage, put my car safely away when I arrived, and assisted me in efficiently boarding my chartered plane.
imaginaire offers a host of other quality aviation-related services as well. They employ trained acquisition specialists who can ably assist you when you’ve decided to purchase a plane. These experts will help you get the best price on the right aircraft for your needs. The company also offers aircraft management services to owners of private aircraft. These service provider’s help you maintain you plane as well as helping you track operation costs and schedule flights. They work to ensure you get the most out of your valuable aircraft. The maintenance staff at imaginaire is second to none and is readily available to inspect and repair you plane upon request as well.

...(continue)

This is one type of Citation you'd actually want to receive!

Citation is the name for Cessna’s family of private business jet models. These aircrafts are designed within an eye toward luxury and performance. They are designed to be easy to fly and a joy to ride in.

Citation jets have made a mark and earned a great reputation in the aviation industry for being reliable and safe. I was impressed to learn that 3 of the best selling business jets in history are Citation models. There are around 5,000 Citations in the skies today and they continue to outsell many rivals. There seems to be a Citation that’s right for any use ranging from the lightweight Mustang, to the large cabin, ocean crossing Columbus model.
The Citation Mustang is a top-notch entry level aircraft available at an accessible price. It makes jet ownership an affordable reality rather than a distant dream. The Mustang is equipped with spacious seat, an impressive top speed, and a competitive range for its size. On top of that, it costs only a fraction of the price of others and it boasts the reliability of a Cessna. It’s one of the better buys I’ve seen. The Mustang is certified for a single pilot and comes loaded with the same avionics system as many other Cessna single engine aircraft.
The Citation X is the fastest non-military air craft in the skies today and reaches a top speed of nearly Mach .92! It is a long range medium class aircraft made to get you to your destination quickly and in absolute comfort. The X is graced with 2 powerful Rolls-Royce engines and an incredibly aerodynamic design. Since 1996, when the first aircraft was delivered to pro-golfer Arnold Palmer, Citation X jets have logged more air miles than nearly any other business aircraft.
The Citation Columbus lets you travel the globe like no other jet. It’s powerful, comfortable, and engineered with the most advanced technology of any Citation ever manufactured. Not only is it incredibly fast, it also is astoundingly fuel efficient and a great buy the eco-conscious owner. With fuel prices the way they are, that sounds like a welcome improvement to me. Its 4,000 mile range means you can span entire continents on a whim and it’s flexible enough changing international destinations at a moments notice. And the Columbus’ Rockwell Collins avionics and ceiling of 45,000 feet will keep you at ease knowing you’ll be far out of range of adverse weather or mid-air congestion.
The Mustang, the X, and the Columbus are just a few of the models that make up the Citation family. Other top-quality Citation aircraft I’ve hear dgood things about include: Citation CJ1+, Citation CJ2+, Citation CJ3, Citation CJ4, Citation Encore+, Citation XLS+, and Citation Sovereign. Whatever your needs or budget, there is a Citation aircraft model that is right for you and your business. ...(continue)

My thoughts about Gulfstream aircraft

Gulfstream is an aviation company I’m keeping a close watch on. They’ve always been the world leader in ultra-fast super luxurious private business jets since the 1960’s.

In fact, there have only been a total of 1600 Gulfstream models ever manufactured, and they are priced for the upper end of the market.
The company is set to top itself again in 2012 though, when it releases the wide-cabin G650. This exclusive luxury jet will priced at $58.5 million dollars and will be capable of reaching speeds of up to .925 mach! I’m pretty sure that would make it the fastest civilian aircraft in the sky today. It is also supposed to have the ability to reach an altitude of 51,000 feet which will enable it to go far above the congested commercial skyways and out of range of bad weather conditions.
I hear that the G650 will feature the farthest range, most spacious cabin, and most technologically-advanced cockpit of any Gulfstream model ever made. Plus at top speed it will excitingly go at almost the speed of sound (Mach 1). I’ve seen photos of this thing and it looks like pretty amazing.
The Gulfstream V is another classic model line produced by the company. You’re probably aware of this one. Its latest incarnations are the G500 and the G550 both of which are still in production. The G550 was originally produced under the name Gulfstream V SP. The original Gulfstream V made its first flight in 19995 and was certified for public flight in 1997. It was considered to be one of the original “ultra-long range” business planes and had a top range of 6500 nautical miles. There were 191 aircraft produced. The C-37A is the GV’s military counterpart is outfitted with advanced equipment suitable for Air Force use. The Gulfstream V has some impressive specs including a 50 foot long cabin, a 93 foot long wingspan, the ability to carry up to 19 passengers and 2 pilots, and a max speed of .885 Mach. I got the chance to pilot a GV a couple years ago and it was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life.
Gulfstream also produces a handful of other business jets as well. The G100 is a luxury jet primarily employed by the US Air Force and designed with military technology. The G250 is another high end business jet model produced by Gulfstream which features some external engineering advances over it’s predecessors. Other Gulfstream models currently in production include the G350/G450, the G500/G550, and the G150.

...(continue)

Fractional Jet ownership is NOT like a timeshare!

I’ve found that fractional jet ownership can be the affordable way to go for certain individuals and companies. My own experience with it was mostly positive and if I

wasn’t the owner of my own plane now, I’d definitely have a fractional plan.
Fractional jet ownership is sometimes called fractional jet leasing or fractional jet time sharing.
In legal terms fractional jet ownership is not the same as time sharing a property, but it is similar. Essentially, a purchaser leases a part- interest in a jet or aircraft. I like it because enables the owner to use the aircraft for a certain predetermined portion of a day or weeks of a year. If your aircraft is not in service during your allotted time you will often be given the option of using an identical model which is fractionally owned by others. It’s nice to have back up plans like that.
Not only does fractional ownership of a plane save you a great deal of money over purchasing a plane yourself, it also gives you flexibility to tailor and negotiate a usage plan that suits your individual needs. You can often purchase ownership for a set amount of hours based on how much you plan to fly. You also often have the option to share your fraction back or make cancellations when necessary. That way you’re not paying for hours you won’t use.
Fractional owners or lessors are usually provided with an all-inclusive range of services including, a full flight crew, a scheduling services, and on-demand maintenance and repairs. The cost and ease of use of a fractional plan are two of the biggest pluses, but their other benefits as well. You’ll save time traveling to and from large airports, and you’ll be able to use the time spent in the air more productively.
Fractional private jet flight also can often spare you from the associated costs surrounding commercial air travel such as parking expenses and lodging. Some private aircraft even allow smoking on board. I like not having to suffer through cravings and being able to enjoy that big Cohiba with my cocktail right on the plane.
You’ll also have an astronomically higher number of airports to take off and land from, and many smaller air fields are much closer to central city areas where you may be headed. Friends of mine who run businesses which own one jet already but need an additional aircraft to transport auxiliary staff and personnel tell me fractional ownership plans have been a big help. Private fractional jet ownership is great for families too. A private plane lets you relax and spend quality bonding time with loved ones in a more spacious and private atmosphere.
The final step you’ll want to take before purchasing an interest in a fractional jet is to choose an aviation lawyer. These legal experts will guide you through the ins and outs of the negotiation and contract process. They will inform you of your rights as a fractional owner and assist you in dealing with any conflicts which may arise. It is always good to have a knowledgeable professional at your side to advise you when you are considering making an investment of this size.
...(continue)

Why choose private executive jets?

Believe me, private jet travel is a major investment. Unfortunately, I often hear it being maligned as being too ostentatious or indulgent. If you’re like me and you’re a frequent business traveler though,

you probably are already painfully aware of the many inconveniences of flying
commercial.
Since I’ve begun flying on private jets, I’ve quickly come to realize that the money you spend on it soon pays for itself in terms of time saved. I don’t have to waste valuable hours in an airport when I could be at my destination conducting real business. The time saved and the ease and privacy of flying private are very appealing to me.
As you weigh out the benefits of flying on a private executive jet, you may find that it’s a truly sound investment and the only way to travel for those who can afford it. When deciding whether to purchase or charter a private jet, I have discovered that you will want to look at the many factors beyond the initial cost.
You should consider how much money you will ultimately save by avoiding lost time. Not only is the trip faster and more streamlined, you also have the benefit of avoiding the fatigue of going through all the hassles of commercial airline flight. You will reach your destination rested and refreshed instead of warn out from waiting in checkpoint lines and dealing with uncooperative airline staff.
The time you save in actual transit is one of the biggest benefits in my opinion though. To begin with you’re the one setting the schedule. You decide when to depart and what stops to make. With private flight, you don’t navigate your way through a gargantuan airport trying to find the correct gate only to arrive at a line that goes for yards.
The whole private flight process is so simple. You just drive up to the plane at a small private airport and get on board. Smaller airports are also often closer to the urban areas where you intend to go rather than being out in the middle of nowhere like some large commercial airports. This means you arrive at your intended destination much quicker after landing.
The safety of a private plane is unmatched as well. When I fly private, I rest easy in the security of knowing that I have thoroughly investigated the flight crew and I am assured that they are well-qualified. This way, I am familiar with all the staff on the plane and enjoy the personal service that affords me.
There are other benefits as well. I like being able to use the time in the air for productive tasks like phone calls, meetings, and working on the computer without worrying about bothering other passengers and operating in cramped conditions. The plane is like my own office in the air. I never worry about privacy and all my business transactions are conducted in a confidential setting. The time in the air also lets me build a relationship with clients or employees with fewer distractions.
Overall, I’ve found that private flight can be a relaxing and rewarding experience with little stress. If all of these aspects are the things you are seeking in a travel experience, then you too will soon realize private air travel is the best option you can find.
...(continue)

Flying up up and away into the blogosphere

Hi and welcome to my blog! I am an entrepeneur and amateur pilot. I've had over 30 years experience using private lanes and private business jet services and I am passionate about aviation.

I've decided to share some of my experiences and adventures and hopefully give some advice to newcomers to the world of private flying.

...(continue)