Looking for a relaxing fall getaway? Here’s an idea: Yellowstone National Park. Located in beautiful rural Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, but driving there is a hassle, no matter where you’re coming from. This trip is a perfect excuse for a flight on a private plane.
Throughout the summer, Yellowstone is often crammed with tourists, turning the scenic roads into bumper-to-bumper traffic. Any wildlife sighting (and there are many!) backs up traffic even more. You don’t go to Yellowstone to sit in your vehicle; you go to explore.
In early November, all of the roads close to the public except for the North Entrance near Mammoth Hot Springs. In mid-October, the number of visitors is pretty low, but the park is breathtaking. Clear, crisp air. Bugling elk. Potential for snow. Showy trees. Hot springs. Geysers. It’s truly a perfect time to experience the raw beauty and natural splendor of Yellowstone.
I went there a few years ago, and a huge bison greeted us just as we drove through the gate nearest Cody, Wyo., and a herd of elk was hunkered down in the yard outside Mammoth. If you fly in to Yellowstone Regional Airport, you’ll be on a fall adventure in very little time.
Here’s the latest FAA info for YRA.
Not only does upgrading your private jet’s interior allow you to personalize it, make it functional, and heighten aesthetics, a facelift also adds to the jet’s value if and when you decide to sell it. That being said, you should give careful consideration to making up-to-date technology and style improvements.
In the two years it may take to deliver a new aircraft with the “latest and greatest” features, those features may already be old hat, but a typical cabin upgrade for a used aircraft will take only six months, and the technology will still be relatively new.
David J. Wyndham, vice president and co-owner of Conklin & de Decker, claims third-party companies often seek to enhance aircraft in terms of functionality, performance, or looks. But when you evaluate an aftermarket upgrade for your aircraft, consider the impact on the aircraft’s value.
Ask yourself whether the upgrade represents a step forward in technology closer or equal to that of a new variant. If the current production models have a particular feature that is also offered as an upgrade to your model, then that change likely adds value to your aircraft.
Also question whether most buyers will commonly accept the upgrade, or is it something only you and a few others can and will use, Wyndham recommends. Although an upgrade has to make sense for you and your aircraft mission, you also need to be aware of its impact on the future value of your aircraft.
Buying a used jet and refurbishing it costs less than a new aircraft — even with the latest in high-speed Internet connectivity, a cabin-management system with Blu-ray video, a couple of 42-inch HD video screens, satellite television, and docks for such carry-on entertainment as iPods and video games. Even when you add cockpit avionics upgrades and exterior paint, it’s still a bargain compared with a brand-new aircraft.
And of course, if you do choose to renovate a used aircraft, the project comes with its own set of questions, including whom to hire to do the renovations. Be aware that such a project can require numerous meetings and up to 18 months from the initial meeting until delivery. The process involves choosing amongst countless product options, ongoing inspections and reviews, negotiations and more.
It’s important to hire an experienced, independent consulting firm in the early stages of the process for valuable input during the negotiation phase, specification development and design integration to save time, money and risk of misinterpretation. The consulting firm will monitor the milestone schedule, participate in all program reviews, design reviews and inspections, and identify potential issues early in the program before they become major issues resulting in rework, change orders or schedule delays.
The European Union is losing support for its Emission Trading Scheme, which requires aircraft companies and owners to track their carbon emissions and pay fees for emissions over a set amount. The “Airbus ministers,” representatives from U.K., Spain, France, and Germany, publicly asked the EU to either postpone or be flexible about implementing the ETS.
U.S. position
It’s becoming clear that both the administration and Congress oppose the ETS. Secretary Clinton and Secretary LaHood sent letters last December requesting European leaders to change ETS requirements or face U.S. action. Republican John Thune and Democrat Claire McCaskill are sponsoring a bill that will be brought to a vote in the Senate this week. This bill already passed its committee, and it would keep U.S. airlines from having to comply with ETS requirements.
If passed, the House of Representatives can either pass the Senate bill or combine it with the version the House passed last year. At the time, ranking members of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure urged representatives to support the House bill.
They offered numerous reasons to reject the EU ETS:
- Violation of international law
- Many other countries oppose the scheme
- Infringes on U.S. sovereignty by taxing U.S. aircraft for travel over U.S.
- U.N.’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is correct forum for such regulations
We should know by the end of the week if this crucial bill for aviation will move forward or stall until mid-November. In the meantime, the NBAA offers step-by-step compliance instructions for members.
In an industry with complex rules and regulations, it’s critical to have access to industry organizations like the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Established in 1939, AOPA is the world’s largest and most active aviation organization supporting pilots, aircraft owners, students, and enthusiasts.
A rich history
In its infancy, the AOPA contributed to the education of pilots who served in World War II. In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, the AOPA fought against government efforts to ban civilian flying, helping to launch a more reasonable pilot identification program instead.
After the war, the aviation industry expanded rapidly, and today the AOPA acts as legislative advocate for more than 400,000 members. Its central mission is to “preserve the freedom to fly” while emphasizing accessibility and safety for the general public. The organization also supports and promotes initiatives that ensure a secure and stable future for the aviation industry.
Online tools
The AOPA website hosts an extensive set of training and how-to resources for anyone interested in aviation:
- Tips for buying and selling aircraft
- Finding a flight instructor
Annual membership fees of just $45 provide a wide range of benefits including aircraft and life insurance plans, special rates for legal services, and emergency medical coverage. Members also enjoy exclusive access to programs that assist with aircraft financing, title services, and more.
For more information about the association and the many benefits of AOPA membership, visit www.aopa.org.
Here’s a recap of a couple of important stories happening right now in the aviation world.
Forecasters Worry Jet Deliveries to China Won’t Live Up to Expectations
China has been a bright spot on the horizon for private jet sales. Jet manufacturers expect high deliveries there in coming decades. Boeing says China will need 5,260 new airplanes by 2031. Sounds great! The stumbling block may surprise you: a severe shortage of certified pilots and technicians.
EU Reconsiders Airline Emissions Law
Many countries dislike the European Trading System requiring all airlines to purchase permits for the carbon they release en route to and from European airports. In fact, the controversy has become quite heated; China has refused to allow European jet sales in the country, which is a very promising market for Airbus. Something’s gotta give!
Shuttle Endeavour Prepares for Last Flight
Ever wonder how a space shuttle travels across the country? It’s not as simple as you may think. It requires a crane, a scaffolding structure called a Mate-Demate Device (MDD), a 15,000-foot concrete strip, and a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The trip from Florida to California, Sept. 16-20, includes special flyovers and overnight stays at important landmarks, like Cape Canaveral and Edwards Air Force Base.
Hot off the runway and causing an industry stir is Bombardier’s new Learjet 85, which is scheduled for delivery in 2013. The slick new aircraft, assembled in Wichita, Kan., is constructed almost exclusively of composite materials, promising increased aerodynamic efficiency, easier repair and maintenance, and a longer plane life.
The aircraft has seating for up to eight passengers and a range of up to 3,000 nautical miles. As the largest Learjet available, the cabin interior features 30” of legroom and double club seating that fully reclines, making the comfort of the passenger a top priority.
The Bombardier cockpit includes a state-of-the-art avionics system designed to reduce demands on the pilot. Thanks to advanced navigation equipment, pilots have instant access to graphical flight planning, weather conditions, and enhanced maps right at their fingertips. The ultra-efficient PW307B engine provides increased fuel efficiency and decreased noise output.
Other appointments include a Cabin Management System (CMS) with wireless cabin controls, plus luxury features like an iridium phone and XM satellite radio capability. The ergonomic interior also includes personalized LED lighting and a large galley space.
Take it for a virtual test flight to get ready for the Learjet 85 release in 2013.
Last month, the IRS delivered a final ruling prohibiting certain tax deductions for the entertainment use of business aircraft. The new limitations apply to any tax years after Aug. 1, 2012, and include expenses like fuel, landing and hangar fees, pilot salaries, depreciation, and interest.
Industry organizations like the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) are expressing dissatisfaction with the new regulations, insisting that they are “administratively burdensome,” and that they have “produced unfairly skewed disallowances for many taxpayers.”
To help aircraft owners understand the new ruling, the NBAA is holding the NBAA Tax, Regulatory and & Risk Management Conference, Oct. 28-29, 2012, in Orlando, Fla. The event includes a well-timed session on strategies and tips to help aircraft owners mitigate any negative tax implications that may have cropped up following the final IRS ruling.
If your organization has previously filed deductions for the entertainment use of your private aircraft — regardless of whether the aircraft is leased, chartered, or owned outright — be sure to seek the advice of a qualified tax adviser to help you navigate the complex new regulations.
Read the new regulations.
Many people think immediately of an icy CEO or shallow celebrity when they picture a private jet passenger. Terminally ill children, disabled veterans, researchers, or rescued animals don’t usually spring to mind. However, many private aircraft operators, owners, and pilots offer their services and equipment for numerous types of charitable missions.
The variety of services provided by volunteer groups is pretty wide-ranging. The majority provide flights to specialized hospitals for extremely ill patients. Imagine the stress that free flights alleviate for families coping with severe health problems. For these patients, travel is difficult, especially frequent, expensive, long-distance trips. And that’s what groups like Angel Flight West provide: free flights to people in need. Volunteer pilots who love to fly and help others donate their time to transport individuals in extenuating circumstances.
Several charitable aviation organizations turn to the four-legged victims. Cloud Nine Rescue Flights rescues animals facing euthanasia from over-crowded shelters, and three volunteer pilots fly them to locations where they will be adopted. While this group will transport any healthy spayed or neutered animal, dogs and cats are the most common travelers.
Other groups specialize in disaster recovery, environmental research, or search-and-rescue assistance. Light Hawk in Lander, Wyo., offers trips to scientists so they can acquire valuable sky-high data of environmental issues.
If you’re a pilot or an owner of a private jet, consider the good you can do. If you or someone you know has a compelling need for transportation, know that many private pilots and aircraft are willing to help you out.
To see a list of charitable aviation groups, visit aircareall.org. You can search by region, by need, or by alphabetical name.
