Many of us believe that our pets are part of the family, and so it is natural that we want to take them with us when we travel for business or on vacations. When your four-legged family member wants to tag along, it’s important to ensure that the trip is an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone. To that end, the following tips can help you travel comfortably with your furry friends:
- Start by making sure your pet’s vaccinations are updated and they are healthy. A visit to the vet before traveling can make a big difference.
- Do some research before the trip to make sure that where you are flying will allow your pet to enter. If you’re flying internationally, check the local laws to understand the process and paperwork involved with bringing your pet into the country.
- Ensure your pets have collars with tags containing the complete information needed to get in touch with you in case of separation, wherever you are in the world.
- Go on a short trip with your pet or pets ahead of time to see how they react to the situation. This way, you’ll know if they get sick while traveling or need to be confined while the vehicle or aircraft is in motion.
- Choose a reliable harness to secure them in their seat in case of turbulence.
- Just as you need to drink plenty of water when you fly, your pets do as well. Do everything you can to ensure that your pets stay well hydrated on the trip. Also bring enough food to last them through the whole trip — you never know how available your preferred brand of pet food will be in another location!
One hint that has saved many a traveler’s back: choose carriers with wheels. Even a 10-pound dog or cat can get very heavy when you have to carry them for a long distance!
While flying can be stressful for you and your pets, a private jet offers far more comfort to you both than any commercial airline can. A private jet also allows your pets to be near you and close to the people they love, trust, and understand.
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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.
Bombardier recently announced that their all new CS100 and CS300 aircraft are exceeding expected targets for fuel burn, payload, range, and performance and are on track to meet noise targets. The ‘C Series,’ as they are dubbed, are intended to be the quietest commercial jets ever produced — well below the FAA’s Stage 4 limit, and could give the Canadian company a lucrative boost.
During the aircrafts’ debut at the Paris Air Show in June, Bombardier execs reported they expect the smaller CS100 model to be certified by the end of the year, with the certification of the CS300 due to follow soon after. If the C Series performs as well as expected, a larger CS500 model could be on the table in the future.
So far, the company reports 243 firm orders, with two-thirds of those orders for the CS300. However, Moscow-based Ilyushin Finance Co. said it is re-evaluating its order for the new plane as Canadian sanctions against Russia are severely limiting financing options. So there is some doubt as to the viability of the total order count, and continued clamor for delayed planes is testing the patience of eager customers.
With falling oil prices and competitors following closely behind, it’s clear that the C Series is critical to Bombardier’s future. Still, the performance of the C Series is better than advertised while also offering a best-in-class cabin with the ability to carry up to 15 passengers, increased convenience, passenger comfort, and superior profitability.
In addition, Bombardier showed strong emphasis on larger seats, bigger overhead bins, and even specialized window designs that give the plane a wide-body feel while offering operators potential savings between $7.5 and $12 million per aircraft. In the end, the C Series family of aircraft represents a beautiful fusion of performance, technology, and luxury that’s sure to appeal to a number of people with the money to spend.
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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane…oh wait, no, it’s just another drone. You have to have been living under a rock to be unaware of the rapid developments in drone technology over the past few years. As a result of the growing ubiquity of these devices — which rival GoPro cameras in popularity with outdoor enthusiasts — the powers that be are playing catch-up.
According to a report from The Guardian, the FAA released its proposal for regulating commercial drones in February. The agency’s proposal allows drones weighing up to 55 pounds to fly within sight of their remote pilots during daylight hours. However, these drones are required to stay below 500 feet and at speeds less than 100 mph.
Existing tech to monitor drones
In conjunction with the FAA, NASA has been developing a network for monitoring drones in the U.S. As the FAA hashes out regulations designed to keep the public safe while protecting their privacy, NASA has teamed up with Verizon to offer a different solution. Taking advantage of the vast facilities of the largest wireless carrier in the U.S., NASA proposes to use the air traffic control system and Verizon’s cell towers to keep tabs on commercial and civilian drones.
The idea is to use cell towers to connect with technology on the drones to keep them updated on traffic and within regulatory boundaries. Basically, the solution employs “geofencing” to enforce privacy and safety rules and keep drones outside of restricted areas and no-fly zones.
The project is currently under development at the Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. The first tests are anticipated to begin this summer, and Verizon plans to introduce a proof-of-concept of the tracking service by 2017.
Testing time
All involved parties are quick to emphasize that there are many challenges to overcome and this project is still in the early testing stages. Verizon also clarified that public cellphone towers will not be used in these initial testing stages.
One major challenge is that drones are currently not compatible with existing air traffic systems. As there is no quick solution, NASA remains open-minded about alternatives and is also considering monitoring drones with different technologies such as radar and orbiting satellites as well as cellphone signals.
Despite the hurdles, coming up with a feasible tracking system is the first step toward using commercial drones the way many companies have planned. In fact, Amazon and Google have also come to agreements with NASA and will be testing drone technology at Ames.
It seems in the not-too-distant future, you might be buzzed by a drone carrying your Amazon order while your Google self-driving vehicle chauffeurs you to lunch.
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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.
Acquiring a private jet, preowned or new, for your personal or business use is a big commitment. Whether to buy or lease can be a complex decision in its own right. Although each option has benefits, it’s important to choose the right plan for you and your business.
One of the best options is purchasing with cash. It’s immediate: You don’t have to wait for financing, there aren’t any financial contingencies, and businesses won’t have debt to disclose.
However, cash isn’t a possibility for many individuals and businesses. And even if the cash is available, you may not want to invest that much all at once. Typically, you’ll need to decide between leasing and financing an aircraft.
Advantages of leasing and buying
For those who dislike surprises, there are many advantages in leasing a jet:
- A lower up-front cash requirement than traditional financing
- Fixed monthly payments and predictable maintenance costs
- Flexibility, especially when you need to switch to a different aircraft (larger, smaller, newer)
- No residual value risk
Purchasing a jet through financing has its own set of benefits:
- As the owner, you can recoup the residual value.
- Businesses can often benefit from claiming depreciation as a tax deduction.
- You build equity as you pay.
- If your aircraft will see heavy use, buying makes more financial sense than a leasing plan that may cost more for frequent fliers.
- Joint ownership opportunities can be an option.
For buyers, preowned jets are a great option because they come in at a price point that is a much lower than new. At the same time, a private plane will not lose value quickly, so a preowned jet can be a great investment.
When you purchase a jet, rather than leasing it, you are investing in your own asset rather than just handing over money to someone else. All these factors mean that a preowned jet purchase is a great financial and business decision that is far more accessible than you may think.
Guidance for making the right choice
All that said, this decision is best made with the guidance of an experienced professional advisor. With a general understanding of your needs and financial goals, a professional can help you weigh factors such as expected use and selecting the ideal make and model. When you have an experienced partner, you can have confidence in your decision about whether to lease or buy your private aircraft.
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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.
Fuselage that imitates the bone structure of a bird.
Self-cleaning cabin surfaces.
Fabrics inspired by the lotus plant.
These ideas sound too exotic to be the future of aviation, but Airbus’s Bionic aircraft brings such imaginative implementations into reality.
Light as a feather
With hollow bones that are light yet strong, bird bone structure makes the perfect model for an ideal flying frame. The Airbus structure carries tension only when necessary, leaving extra space — and thus removing extra weight — where strength isn’t needed.
The reduced weight translates into reduced fuel burn, lowering the cost and environmental impact of flying. In addition, the extra space can accommodate oversized doors for passenger boarding and panoramic windows.
Not just for the birds
The Airbus Bionic’s developments aren’t limited to the frame. The new-age aircraft offers a unique look and advanced features for the cabin as well.
Like something straight out of science fiction, the upper part of the cabin can be covered by a biopolymer membrane that becomes transparent on command. It eliminates the need for windows and offers breathtaking views of, say, the Manhattan skyline, the Eiffel Tower, or the Golden Gate bridge.
In addition, seats will be made of a partially intelligent “smart” material that will automatically change shape to a more upright position on takeoff and landing and become firmer for better landing support on the body. And rather than separating first, business, and economy class, seats will change based on demand and the cost of the ticket. Pay more and the chair will morph to give you more space and a comfier setup.
Cha-ching
The creation of this type of bionic plane is obviously a costly endeavor, and passenger cost is always a major factor to consider. With that in mind, Airbus is putting an emphasis on rolling out these changes in business class first, as it is more adaptable to innovation and change.
And although these amazing innovations are currently the realm of Airbus, these features may not be limited to a single carrier in the near future. Mother Nature’s inspiration might have a wider reach in the market, and other aircraft manufacturers are working on similar developments.
The future of aviation looks so bright — it might even be transparent.
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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.
Something we often take for granted can make a huge difference in the quality of your flight: the air around you! Cabin air quality has been a hot topic of debate for years, and continued concerns from crew and passengers about aircraft air quality and associated health issues keeps this topic in the headlines.
Potential health risks
When you board an aircraft, you face a barrage of airborne health risks, including poor ventilation, the possible transmission of communicable diseases (on commercial and shared flights), the bodily stress caused by cabin altitude and pressure changes, air contamination events that result from leaky seals, and even possible pesticide exposure.
There are still many unanswered questions about how we can accurately and consistently measure cabin air quality, whether we can link illnesses to airplane air toxins, and, most important, how to improve cabin air.
Reducing your risk
Aircraft are generally not fitted with onboard air quality monitors, but that is changing. In the meantime, you can reduce exposure to potential toxins and communicable diseases simply by washing and sanitizing your hands often, especially before handling food and after using the restroom.
In addition, pay close attention to how you feel before, after, and during a flight and contact your doctor if you regularly notice headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, and similar symptoms when you fly.
But there are upgrades you can make in your own aircraft to improve your flying experience. Two British firms have worked together to develop new technology for just such a purpose. The device, called AirManager, kills most of the bacteria, viruses, biohazards, chemical contaminants, and pollutants — as well as nasty smells — and can be fitted during a routine overnight service.
Additional risk-reduction resources are available for air quality recommendations, including the FAA’s Cabin Air Quality Recommendations, which covers topics ranging from carbon-monoxide monitoring to ozone control.
Continued studies and advancements in cabin air quality mean improvements are right around the corner, letting us all breathe a sigh of relief.
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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.
While most of us in the Northern Hemisphere are experiencing the heat and humidity of the summer months, it’s sometimes nice to dream about the cool days of winter. If you’re dreaming of a snowy, mountainous adventure, then it’s time to start planning.
For the avid mountain climber, cross country skier, or snowboarder, avalanches are always a serious risk. But The North Face offers a useful tool with an innovative twist that can keep you safer on your next backcountry trip.
Meet the 24 ABS Avalanche Airbag Pack, an airbag backpack that can offer an enhanced protection system for winter sports. A handle on the left shoulder strap allows the wearer to deploy two built-in 85-liter airbags in the event of an avalanche. The airbags quickly fill with compressed nitrogen gas.
The pack will help you stay on the surface of an avalanche and can increase your survival chances by as much as 95%. Even better, the pack is lightweight and offers great durability as well as lots of space for your other equipment.
This incredible invention is currently on sale on REI’s website for just over $1,000 and is perfect for any winter backcountry enthusiast!
The bi-annual Paris Air Show is always a big event for aviation enthusiasts and airplane innovators from around to world to come together and share new technology and achievements. This year’s show was held from June 15-21 and the crowd included top military officials, aerospace executives, and over 200,000 visitors (up 13.6% from last year).
If you didn’t have a chance to attend this exciting event, here’s a recap of what you missed.
Airbus tops Boeing on commercial orders
Displays by both Boeing and Airbus were popular, but in the end it was Airbus who walked with a bigger number of total orders than Boeing. The Boeing-Airbus rivalry was one of the highlights of the show, and both organizations managed to rake in a good amount of new business. Total orders from the show were reported at an impressive $107 billion with Airbus taking 53% of that amount. Still, Boeing continues its hold on wide-body jets.
Military technology transformed
Textron debuted their Scorpion Jet this year. It’s a fighter jet with a smaller footprint and lower operating costs; it’s expected to be deployed for routine operational missions and is designed to provide improved ground support as it can get to locations quickly and still maneuver at slower speeds. While military budgets around the world continue to face constraints, this less expensive jet may be more easily justifiable. So far, the Scorpion has gained interest from countries in the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Additionally, the introduction of Harvest Hawk, a variant of the C-130J, introduced the idea that an airlifter can be both mother ship and weapons carrier for forces on the ground. A European cargo plane, the A400M, showed that the role of lift in changing approaches to military operations makes a difference. This airplane’s key advantage is its ability to ship helicopters to where they are needed most.
With the close of the show, attendees are sure to be amped up at getting a peek at what the future holds for aviation worldwide.
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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.
In the wake of Independence Day, it is a good time to remember all of the Americans who have made this country great. A number of exceptional U.S. citizens made a huge impact in aviation throughout history and contributed to its ongoing growth and success.
Let’s learn a little more about these great American aviators.
Bessica Raiche (April 1875 – April 1932)
A Wisconsin-born renaissance woman who broke the mold of how women in the early 20th century were supposed to behave, Bessica Raiche routinely wore pants, was an accomplished linguist and musician, and became the first American woman to make a solo flight in an aircraft (that she and her husband built by hand!). In 1910, Bessica was awarded a diamond-studded gold medal, inscribed “First Woman Aviator in America” at a dinner in her honor hosted by the Aeronautical Society of America. Bessica and her husband went on to build two more airplanes and became known for their innovative use of light-weight materials such as piano wire instead of heavy iron wire.
Amelia Earhart (July 1897 – July, 1937)
A Kansas-born record-breaker and pioneer in American aviation history, Amelia Earhart is most known as the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, her Atlantic crossing wasn’t the only important flight she made. She was also the first pilot to fly solo from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland in 1935, the first person to fly solo between Los Angeles and Mexico City, followed by a solo flight from Mexico City to Newark. A best-selling writer, she contributed books about her experiences as a pilot and helped form The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots.
Charles Lindbergh (February 1902 – August 1974)
This Michigan-born emerged suddenly into world fame as the result of a solo, nonstop flight made from New York’s Long Island to Lebourget Field in Paris, France. The distance was nearly 3,600 miles in a single seat, single-engine monoplane called Spirit of St. Louis. The distinction of this flight was that Lindbergh was the first person in history to be in New York one day and in Paris the next. It was a record-setting flight that took 33.5 hours.
Jacqueline Cochran (May 1906 – August 1980)
Florida-born Jacqueline Cochran was considered one of the best racing pilots of her generation. She was an important contributor to the wartime Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). The only woman pilot to compete in the 1937 Bendix race and the first woman to fly a bomber across the Atlantic in 1941, Jacqueline’s best claim to fame is as the first female aviator to break the sound barrier in 1953. Referred to as the “Speed Queen” by Amelia Earhart, Jacqueline held more distance, altitude, and speed records than any other pilot at the time of her death.
Noel Wien (June 1899 – July 1977)
Another Wisconsin-born aviator, Noel Wien learned to fly as a barnstormer in Clarence Hinck’s Federated Fliers Flying Circus. It is thanks to Wien that Alaska now has a higher ratio of aircraft and pilots to residents than any other state in the U.S. In the 1920s, Wien saw a need for pilots in Alaska and played a major role in making aircraft the primary mode of transportation in the vast state over the next 50 years. Noel was the first American to fly north of the Arctic Circle and he made the first commercial flight between Fairbanks and Nome, Alaska. He ultimately was the first to fly year-round service through the dismal Alaskan winters — all without a radio, virtually no paved landing strips, and hand-written maps.
Let’s remember all of the exceptional American aviators who paved a path of success for our generation!
