On Feb. 6, the U.S. Senate passed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill that will expedite moving the nation’s air-traffic control system from radar to global positioning system (GPS)-based technology. The House passed the bill the previous week, and now it moves to the White House for signing.
Among other things, the bill sets aside $11 billion of the $63.4 billion, four-year budget for modernization of the air traffic control system. It’s about time — this technological upgrade is overdue.
The U.S.has the most complicated air space in the world thanks to a vibrant and varied general aviation community, so the U.S. should definitely have the safest, most advanced control system possible.
GPS-based air traffic control has many advantages over the radar system:
- Positions are updated every second, rather than every six seconds.
- Closer together, more frequent take-offs and landings are possible.
- Pilots know exact locations of other aircraft and obstacles on the ground.
- Steeper descents use less fuel.
Also, the FAA predicts a 50 percent growth in air traffic over the next 10 years. Without GPS, that growth would be very difficult, if not impossible, to accommodate.
The FAA bill requires that a GPS-based landing program be in place at the 35 busiest airports by 2015. Onward and upward! After we get the GPS air traffic control in place, then we can start worrying about unmanned drones (airspace for them is also mandated in the bill) spying on us from above. Did someone say Overlord?
In 2008, the economic downturn created a perfect but devastating storm for the private jet industry. Corporate aircraft owners sold off their jets to free up cash while potential buyers abandoned new and pre-owned aircraft orders in droves. The result was a market saturated with unwanted aircraft inventory, very little demand and a gloomy outlook for the future.
However, as 2012 gets underway, the future of the private jet market shows signs of a modest but growing recovery. Here are a few indications that the bottom of the buyer’s market has either arrived or, at the very least, is rapidly approaching.
Prices still decreasing as inventory ticks up slightly
According to a recent study, pre-owned aircraft prices continue to fall, albeit at a much slower rate than in recent years. This deceleration in pricing along with the slight growth of available inventory creates an ideal environment for buyers to act with confidence. Once the market has fully recovered, demand will siphon off the excess inventory, driving jet prices higher.
Meanwhile, attractive financing options look solid. Interest rates continue to hover at record lows, and the Federal Reserve Board is signaling that rates should remain steady through 2012.
Corporate demand predicted to grow
The economies of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) continue to grow at an exponential rate, creating a booming class of wealthy individuals with both the desire and the disposable income to purchase private aircraft. As this trend continues, the market may quickly recover from the inertia of the past few years and eventually struggle to keep up with new inventory demands.
In the U.S., 2011 was a good year overall for many companies, with earnings and profits rebounding to (almost) pre-recession levels, triggering renewed appeal for private aircraft ownership.
Economy and politics creating uncertainty
However, many economists warn that a complete economic recovery in the U.S. may still be several years away. In addition, 2012’s election cycle and the politically-charged climate in the U.S. lead many to worry about future regulatory changes and tax increases for corporations of all sizes, adding to the overall unease in the market.
While much about the global economy remains unsure and unsettled, one thing is certain. Low prices, attractive interest rates and a healthy inventory of aircraft combine to create a near perfect climate for companies or individuals looking to land a great deal on a private aircraft.
Here’s a quick look at some of the numbers that appeared in the aviation news this week. If you look close, you’ll see a story of a stabilizing U.S. private aviation market.
40% The increase in output Boeing and Airbus boast
$1,699 Price for a ticket for “Aviation Geek Charter” trip
681 Number of business jets delivered in 2011, down only 6.3% from 2010
35,000 Employees at Boeing’s jet factory in Everett, Wash.
What’s your aviation story by the numbers? Model number, number of flights, number of seats, etc.
$90 million Cost of Ukrainian president’s gold-plated private jet
$1.3 billion Debt burden of Kingfisher, 2nd largest airline in India
4,000 Number of solar panels on Chattanooga’s LEED-certified corporate flight center
3,400 GE engine deliveries for this year; compare to 2,918 for 2011
ADS-B, a surveillance technology for tracking aircraft as part of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, makes flying significantly safer for the aviation community. The FAA website features videos that explain how ADS-B technology provides pilots with information about weather and the location of other aircraft while simultaneously broadcasting their location to other aircraft and ground controllers.
The FAA has mandated that all aircraft must have this technology by 2020 to be allowed to fly.
This system is just the latest example of the type of advanced avionic systems that make air travel safer for all of us. When you purchase a private aircraft, it’s important to be sure that your aircraft has the required avionic equipment.
Avionics consist of the electronic systems on a jet that enable control of monitoring, communication, navigation and other systems. Naturally, if the aircraft has been in service recently, it should have all mandated avionic equipment. But it’s important to have your jet broker verify whether it’s compliant.
During the pre-sale inspection, the broker can require the inspector to note any equipment that is dated or that you can upgrade to newer technology.
Typical systems that you’ll want to consider include:
If you’re buying a pre-owned jet, it’s imperative to understand the upgrades the aircraft requires to ensure safety and meet government mandates — particularly those for avionics.
I don’t know any Jackie Chan jokes, but I’m sure they are out there, much like the popular Chuck Norris jokes. For instance, Chuck Norris doesn’t hunt, he waits. Chuck Norris’ calendar goes straight from March 31 to April 2 because nobody makes a fool out of Chuck Norris.
Anyway, I digress. Today we’re talking about Jackie Chan.
Did you know all of these facts about Jackie Chan?
- He is an operatically trained vocalist.
- He won the Favorite Buttkicker award for Karate Kid.
- He speaks three languages fluently.
Jackie Chan, native of Hong Kong, China, brought his brand new executive jet to the air show in Singapore this week. Due to his talents as an actor, martial artist, stuntman, choreographer and all-around buttkicker, Jackie Chan enjoys immense popularity in China. This makes him the perfect person to represent the Embraer brand in this quickly expanding market.
China has one of the fastest growing markets for business aviation and private jets. According to Bombardier, the number of jets in China is expected to increase from 150 in 2010 to 2,470 in 2030. Embraer is in negotiations with Aviation Industry Corp. of China to set up a production line in China.
Jackie Chan’s jet is cool. It has a dragon motif painted on it. He says it will help him get around to promotional functions for his charities. I think it helps him look like a badass.
Lithium batteries, found in laptops and cellphones, have been known to spontaneously overheat and catch fire, creating potentially life-threatening situations during flight. As personal electronic device (PED) use has become commonplace for business air travel, equipping your aircraft with a firebag system is an essential safety precaution.
In the event of a lithium battery fire, the FAA recommends immediately following these steps in order:
- Spray the burning appliance with a fire extinguisher containing Halon to suppress the flames.
- Thoroughly douse the device with water to reduce the battery’s core temperature and prevent a hot lithium-ion cell from igniting other cells in the battery pack (a common occurrence called “thermal runaway”).
- Using heat-resistant gloves, place the device in a firebag for containment.
On-board firebag systems are supplied by these manufacturers:
- AirCare Access — The Aircare FireSock ™ Lithium Battery Risk Management System sells for $339.00 U.S. (includes bag, gloves and a sealable storage tube to hold 80 ounces of water)
- Ship It AOG — The Fire-Fighter firebag sells for $1075.00 U.S. (includes bag and gloves)
It’s important to note that firebags are only one weapon in an on-board fire arsenal and aren’t intended to replace fire extinguishers or water. The combined use of these tools, however, is essential to safe air travel in our electronic age.
Contact L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at 877-453-8276 (+1.305.754.3313) or visit us online.
There are numerous ways to compare commercial versus private air travel. When mealtime rolls around, there’s really no question about which option is going to taste better. Thanks to the rise in demand for private air travel, the availability of on-board catering options has exploded. Expanded menu selections and higher quality food provide dining experiences that range from the everyday to the gourmet — and anywhere in between.
Here are a few key considerations before ordering your next in-flight meal:
Meals that match the accommodations
Smaller jets intended for shorter flights aren’t usually equipped with a galley, so cold food such as sandwiches, salads, cheeses and non-perishable deserts like cookies are the best choices. Remember to request utensils, plates, glassware and trash bags for cleanup. You may also need a beer or wine opener for that special in-flight toast to a successful partnership.
With larger jets come food warmers and refrigeration units, so the catering options are almost unlimited. A wide variety of hot foods prepared by experienced and highly trained chefs can satisfy virtually any culinary craving. For overseas flights, remember to plan ahead for multiple meals and inquire about staffing to help with meal preparation and setup.
Fly far and dine local
Another option is to order from a caterer or restaurant that specializes in the local cuisine. Hankering for a hot dog in Chicago? Craving blue crab in Baltimore? Call a local caterer or restaurant and find out if they can deliver to the airport for a fee.
Find a catering company that comes recommended by private jet charter outfits or other corporate jet owners. Then ask the catering outfit if they accommodate special diets, how and when the food will be delivered, and if any special delivery or set-up fees apply.
Most importantly, remember that private air travel provides a unique opportunity to celebrate accomplishments, cement new relationships or just quietly cap the end of a long day. It’s time for private air travelers to take back the dubious reputation of airplane food by sampling and savoring new flavors in the air.
Contact L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at 877-453-8276 (+1.305.754.3313) or visit us online.
As usual, many things are happening in the aviation world. Take a minute to catch up on some of the biggest stories of the week.
Super Bowl XLVI
Flying to Indianapolis on Sunday will be challenging indeed. The FAA expects a record number of private flights in the area that day, and three temporary towers have been erected to deal with traffic. The National Business Aviation Association has all the resources you need to plan your private flight to the Super Bowl. Take care of the details so you can enjoy the game! Go Patriots! Go Giants!
Honda to Release Bizjet Next Year
Boasting operational costs as low as $1,000-$1,200 per hour, the HondaJet will be released in 2013. Honda began taking orders for the quiet, economical aircraft in 2006, and the automaker-turned-jetmaker plans to roll out 80 within the first half of 2013. The company fully expects to see a profit by 2018.
Do you think Honda will be profitable in five years? What if American carmakers started turning their attention to jets — would we all be flying everywhere individually, like the Jetsons?
Oklahoma Governor Opposes $100-Per-Flight Fee
The White House has declined a petition that calls for the abandonment of the plan to institute a $100-per–flight fee for general aviation. This fee would be used to pay for air traffic control; the Obama administration maintains that the current fuel tax does not bring in sufficient funds. Some legislators and governors, including Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, are speaking out against the fee. They point to recent tough economic times for general aviation as well as its significance to the economy as reasons to protest the proposed fee.
General Aviation in California Threatened by Avgas Suit
The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) has brought a lawsuit against suppliers and producers of 100-low-lead fuel, or avgas, used by piston-engine airplanes. The organization claims that the public was not warned about exposure to the leaded fuel, and this omission constitutes a violation of California law. Ostensibly, the suit is being brought in an attempt to hurry the process of finding an alternative, lead-free fuel to replace avgas.
