Like any other mode of transportation, aircraft are subject to inspections and testing to ensure safety and general compliance. Jets require focused, specialized inspections that check everything from equipment function to regulatory compliance to the condition of the aircraft before a sale. Every inspection is important — and none of them are optional.
Get to know the various aircraft inspections
Aircraft are subject to several key types of inspections, which are used to ensure their safety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires the following aircraft inspections to ensure that jets remain in working order and meet applicable safety standards. These inspections don’t only promote safer aviation, they also improve compliance with guidelines concerning emissions, technology, and intended aircraft usage.
- 100-hour inspection — Any aircraft that’s used to give instruction to or carry any person, other than a crew member, requires a 100-hour inspection. As the name implies, this type of inspection occurs after every 100-hour interval the aircraft is in service.
- Annual inspection — The FAA requires all aircraft to undergo an annual inspection. Except for a few select cases, you’re not permitted to operate any aircraft unless it has received an annual inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months. A mechanic with an Inspection Authorization (IA) from the FAA must complete this inspection.
- Progressive inspection — A progressive inspection offers flexibility to owners of high-use aircraft. These inspections take place in shorter intervals, periodically, rather than in a single comprehensive inspection. Aircraft owners who wish to minimize downtime with progressive inspections must request permission from the FAA.
- Special inspections — Several major systems and parts in an aircraft require special attention to ensure consistent, safe operation. Special inspections of the altimeter and transponders require consideration every 24 months, and every 12 months an inspection of installed emergency locator transmitters must be done.
Keeping your aircraft on a routine schedule with these inspections planned far in advance will help you avoid various fines, fees, and compliance issues.
Scheduling inspections
Timely inspections are essential for maintaining FAA compliance. Failing to meet strict inspection guidelines leaves you vulnerable to fees and citations that can prevent you from operating your aircraft.
To avoid the cost, inconvenience, and risks associated with delayed inspections, it’s important to be as consistent as possible with all of your required inspections. Resolve any identifiable issues found during an inspection as quickly as possible to maintain compliance.
The best way to maintain a consistent inspection schedule and to achieve timely aircraft repairs is to establish a relationship with a company that offers comprehensive inspections, maintenance, and repairs. By working with the same company regularly, you benefit from consistent service, uniform records, and transparent communication.
Regardless of whether you need an aircraft inspection or you’re looking for a new jet, a consultation with a reputable professional is the best place to start.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. We pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge of the aviation industry and our commitment to exceptional customer service. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too.
Contact the private aviation professionals online, at
sales@L-Lint.com, or at
+1 (305) 754-3313.
The past couple of years have been exciting — and often confusing — regarding taxation in the United States. The GOP’s latest tax overhaul is a prime example of the major changes we continue to see for many aspects of the tax code. These changes affect individuals, families, small businesses, and large corporations in different ways. And while the updated law can be a challenge for some to get used to, it also offers a host of benefits.
For business owners and executives looking to purchase a private jet, the new tax code offers a major incentive to buy now. A tax loophole, which allows those who buy private jets to deduct the purchase from their taxes, has driven a rising demand for private aircraft.
What’s the loophole?
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act passed by the GOP last year included a policy change regarding bonus depreciation for transportation items. Bonus depreciation is a tax incentive that allows businesses to deduct a large portion of the price of business assets.
Previously, eligible business purchases, including private jets, qualified for 100% bonus depreciation — but this bonus depreciation was not immediate. The new tax cut makes business jets eligible for immediate 100% bonus depreciation.
For many businesses, this tax loophole effectively means they can purchase a business jet at no net cost to them depending on the specifics of their taxes.
What does it mean for jet buyers?
The government will not foot the bill for your private jet, but this loophole makes it possible for you to immediately offset 100% of your purchase cost through a bonus depreciation.
Under the new law, the price of any aircraft purchased and put into service between September 27, 2017, and January 1, 2027, can be deducted from taxes as an immediate bonus depreciation. If the cost of your jet exceeds what you owe in taxes, the bonus depreciation you write off could leave you owing nothing in taxes.
This tax loophole for jet purchase has spurred a buying frenzy. For many businesses, the loophole makes it possible for them to purchase a jet that might have been out of their price range were it not for the new bonus depreciation policy. The market has seen significant increases in demand since the announcement of the new tax bill, with more and more buyers interested in purchasing business aircraft.
The ripple effects of increased industry action
Even businesses without the funds to purchase a private jet still benefit from the incentives. New companies that offer jet time-sharing and partial ownership are growing as a result of the new tax bill, and more and more businesses are taking advantage of these affordable business aviation options.
The business aviation market has seen an uptick in demand at every level since the announcement of the new tax loophole. This renewed demand is welcome news for an industry that experienced declines in recent years. For many businesses, this change opens the door to entirely new transportation opportunities to take their travel to new heights.
Over the past several decades, discussions about climate change and environmental protection have come to the forefront of public discussion. Everyone from the academic community to legislators at the highest levels of power are voicing concerns about climate change and its future effects. Today, leaders in the BizAv industry are working to create solutions that reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and promote sustainable industry growth.
Initiatives to reduce business aviation’s carbon footprint
Business aviation’s carbon footprint has been a conversation topic for decades, but concerted efforts to curb emissions have come about primarily over the past ten years. In 2009, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, along with other industry leaders, committed to making improvements that would make carbon-neutral growth in the industry possible by 2020.
Several environmental concerns are associated with business aviation. Organizations and businesses in the industry are taking different approaches to solve problems and reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. No single solution will address all the efficiency issues plaguing the industry, but the collaborative efforts by leaders across business aviation will promote progress toward sustainability.
Alternative fuels
Because of the level of power that’s needed to sustain flight while carrying passengers over long distances, jets consume a significant amount of fossil fuel. Due to the energy needs of aircraft, solar and electric power aircraft aren’t yet a viable option and likely won’t be for decades.
As aircraft consume fuel in the air, they emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. To mitigate the emissions produced by jets, many researchers have begun investigating alternative fuel sources. Some researchers have also created synthetic jet fuels made from sustainable sources. Research into synthetic fuel options supports the entire aviation industry, and new solutions are continually being explored to reduce emissions from fuel burning.
Sustainable manufacturing
While alternative fuel sources for aircraft are still decades away from widespread implementation, changes are already taking place in manufacturing. Manufacturers are finding innovative ways to create aircraft with lighter frames that use fuel much more efficiently.
In addition, focus has shifted to sustainable manufacturing practices and efficient manufacturing facilities. Many of the most prominent jet manufacturers have raised their standards and streamlined their processes to ensure efficiency.
Efficient traffic management
Along with infrastructure and technological improvements within the BizAv industry, education for aircraft operators has also improved in recent years. Aircraft operators monitor fuel consumption and efficiency with regard to almost every aspect of the flight, including reducing unnecessary payload and planning flights according to efficient practices.
The business aviation industry has come a long way in the past ten years, but we still have a long way to go in the fight against climate change. There’s no telling where new technologies, methods, and practices will take us — but the industry is moving toward a more sustainable future.
Any time you make an investment, you want to feel confident you’ll get a good return. Unfortunately, many people who invest in private jets miss out on potential returns by failing to capitalize on opportunities to monetize their assets.
Your jet doesn’t have to be a drain on your resources. By understanding the costs associated with jet ownership and the opportunities you have to offset those costs, you’ll maximize the return on your investment.
The true cost of jet ownership
While you might focus on the cost of the jet itself when you start shopping around for aircraft, the reality is that your initial purchase is just the beginning. Several major expenses associated with private jet ownership and use exist, and it’s important to be familiar with these various costs before you make a purchase.
- Jet purchase — Private jets vary widely in price, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $3 million to $90 million depending on the size, performance, features, and customization options you choose. New versus pre-owned is also a major factor in price.
- Insurance — Insurance fees will cost you between $30,000 and $50,000 annually depending on the aircraft’s age, payload, and average flight hours.
- Maintenance and operation — Jet maintenance and operation can be costly. You need to pay for crew, fuel, oil, landing fees, and maintenance of your jet’s mechanical and technological systems. All told, maintenance and operation for your private jet can range from $700,000 to $4 million annually depending on various factors.
- Storage — When your jet isn’t in use, you’ll have to store it in a hangar. Hangar fees are usually around $80,000 annually but can vary. If you choose to keep your jet stored at a large international airport, you may pay upwards of $160,000 a year.
Excluding the initial purchase of your jet, you will likely pay around $5 million to operate your jet on an annual basis. For many, this annual cost simply isn’t in the budget. However, there are steps you can take to offset this cost and ensure that you’re getting a great return on your investment in a private jet.
Chartering a jet to offset costs
The amount you can earn by chartering your jet depends on a few factors, including the jet’s size, where it’s going, and the trip’s length. For a trip from New York to London, a passenger may pay as much as $85,000 to charter a jet one way. While chartering out your jet when you aren’t using it probably won’t pay for operational expenses completely, it can significantly offset your annual costs.
Jet ownership is as much about logistics as it is about cost, but these two considerations go hand in hand. Before you spring for the private jet you’ve had your eye on, think about the logistics and cost of your purchase. With good planning and forethought, you’ll make the most of your investment.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Request a private jet charter quote
here. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too.
Contact the private aviation professionals online, at
sales@L-Lint.com, or at
+1 (305) 754-3313.
There’s nothing quite like the thrill and luxury of flying the skies in a private jet. That feeling becomes even more pronounced when you’re seated comfortably in the cabin of a best-in-class luxury jet. If you’re seeking to experience this feeling, there’s no shortage of fantastic new private jets on the market this year. However, a few stand out from the rest.
1. The Embraer Phenom 300 is the world’s best-selling light jet. Its newest iteration is the recently refined and relaunched Embraer Phenom 300E. The new model of this massively popular jet features expanded cabin space, luxurious finishes, and an improved entertainment system. The 300E delivers the same exceptional performance as the 300 with a 521mph cruising speed and a range of 1,970 nautical miles, but with high-tech navigation updates that take the flying experience to the next level.
2. With a length of over 111 feet, the Bombardier Global 7000, the largest purpose-built jet on the market, gives passengers plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable. This massive aircraft can comfortably accommodate 19 passengers with luxurious seating spaces and a master suite. It maintains Bombardier’s lauded luxury standards within the BizAv industry and takes them to new altitudes in this newest model.
3. The Cessna Citation Longitude delivers outstanding range, payload, and performance, along with incredible comfort. This mid-size jet has a four-passenger range of 3,500 nautical miles with a full 1,600-pound fuel payload. The Longitude also boasts the quietest cabin in its class and luxurious interior features to keep passengers as comfortable as possible.
Gulfstream G650 & G650 ER available for sale here.4. The Gulfstream G650 was released just a few years ago, but this large-cabin jet has already evolved through numerous iterations of the original aircraft design, including an extended-range variation. Even today, Gulfstream has a strong backlog of orders for its G650 jet. The 47-foot long cabin is roomy enough to seat 18 passengers and sleep up to 10. The G650 also stands out as the fastest non-supersonic, large-cabin aircraft to circumvent the globe, which it accomplished in just 41 hours and 7 minutes. With a range of 7,000 nautical miles, this jet can go just about anywhere in the world at speeds of up to 561mph.
5. After 79 years in the aircraft industry, Swiss manufacturer Pilatus has learned a thing or two about delivering high-performance aircraft. The Pilatus PC-24 is in a class of its own. Pilatus coined the term Super Versatile Jet (SVJ) to describe the category the PC-24 falls under. As an SVJ, the PC-24 has off-road capabilities that allow it to access paved and unpaved runways alike. This versatile, nimble jet seats up to 11 passengers with intuitive seats, which can be removed and reconfigured as needed for optimal comfort.
With so many exceptional options to choose from, now is a great time to invest in a new jet. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, keep these private jets in mind the next time you’re in the market for an aircraft that delivers unparalleled luxury and performance.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too.
Contact the private aviation professionals online, at
sales@L-Lint.com, or at
+1 (305) 754-3313.
Once considered a luxury out of reach for the general population, business aviation and private jet travel are becoming more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for all travelers — from corporate executives to millennials exploring alternative travel options in charter flights.
Thus far, 2018 has displayed flight growth compared to previous years — despite private jet sales remaining level. Several exciting trends have helped this sector grow both in the United States and beyond.
Flight success in 2018
In September 2018, business aviation flights increased by 2.1 percent year-over-year in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean — an amount more than double what was predicted for the month. All business aircraft categories except for light jets also saw flight increases; this is the second month in a row that these categories have experienced growth.
Business aviation is also growing steadily overseas with the European market also seeing increases in flight numbers this summer. The number of flights globally continues to increase from previous years, confirming something great for the industry around the world: People are flying more for business.
BizAv trends leading to success
Thanks to industry trends introducing more accessible charter flights for individuals, better safety standards, and improved technology, the industry anticipates future growth as it moves into 2019.
- Charter and per-seat programs — One of the biggest trends in the industry is the increase in programs that offer charter flights, per-seat fares, and shared costs for private aircraft travel. Because of these programs, fewer people are purchasing business jets on their own, but they can fly more easily and more affordably than before. This is leading more individuals and companies to select private jet aviation as their preferred travel option.
- Aircraft management companies flourish — Additional regulations and an increased number of travelers on private jets require higher levels of expertise and responsibility from pilots of small and medium-sized aircraft. This necessity is leading more aircraft owners to turn to aircraft management companies for help in managing their assets and potentially turning them into a revenue stream.
- Technological improvements — Technology continues to exceed expectations in every facet of our lives, including BizAv. New in-flight Wi-Fi systems and cockpit operational improvements make life easier for pilots, aircraft owners, and passengers. Technology is also playing a critical role in the adoption of charter flight booking programs through mobile phone applications.
Many executives in the business aviation sector are working to keep up with these trends and to meet the needs of the new groups of travelers relying on private jets. These executives are hopeful for the continued success of the industry in the new year.
If you’ve been interested in investing in a private jet, now appears to be a great time to do so. Contact an experienced aircraft broker to get started on the search for your new jet.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too.
Contact the private aviation professionals online, at
sales@L-Lint.com, or at
+1 (305) 754-3313.
Flying in a private jet is a luxurious experience. The exclusivity and class that comes with flying in aircraft with few seats, no crowds, and numerous on-board amenities is nearly unmatched. Therefore, many corporate executives purchase or charter private jets for business purposes.
An outstanding number of flights on private jets occur every day, but if you’ve never been fortunate enough to fly in one, you probably wouldn’t realize that they’re an extremely common form of travel. But who is traveling on these jets and where are they going?
Who’s flying?
Despite the frequency of private aviation, most people who travel by private jet don’t actually own the aircraft. Private jet chartering is more popular. Business executives or individuals with money to spend can rent jets and fly to and from their destinations without any long-term investments.
As for the owners, this affluent group of aircraft collectors tend to be involved in a few distinct sectors of business, including finance, banking, investment, oil, and gas.
United States travel goes between hubs
Some of the most popular travel departure spots and destinations within the United States are major cities that offer travelers an abundance of activities, food, entertainment, and of course, business opportunity.
Knowing the owners of private jets tend to fall into the finance sector and other business executives may opt to charter a private jet, it makes sense that these few cities are some of the most traveled.
- New York — The Big Apple should be no surprise on this list. As one of the United States’ most popular destinations for financial and investment business, the city also has interesting things to explore outside the office. Travelers depart and arrive in New York often, heading to or from other popular urban hubs like Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Miami.
- Los Angeles — Sometimes considered the New York of the West Coast, LA is another no-brainer destination for corporate executives. Many corporate offices are in the LA area, making it a popular place to depart from to visit national branches or clients.
- Las Vegas — Las Vegas is an adult playground, filled with both fun events and business conventions and meetings to attend. Flights between LA and Las Vegas are among the most popular in business aviation.
Other popular departure and destination locations in the U.S. include Miami, Chicago, and Houston.
Global travel continues to grow
Outside of the U.S., global business aviation is also booming. International flights may be more common for major corporate executives who own their own jets, but overseas markets are also popular.
Flights between London, Paris, and Nice are quite popular. Additionally, the use of business jets in Asia has multiplied in recent years, particularly in major business centers like Hong Kong.
If you are interested in joining those who often fly coast to coast in a luxurious private jet, contact an experienced aviation broker to learn more about the industry, set up a charter flight, and look into purchasing a new aircraft of your own.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to charter a jet? We can assist with that, too. Charter a private jet
online, at
sales@L-Lint.com, or at
+1 (305) 754-3313.
The clock is ticking for thousands of aircraft in the United States that have not yet gotten the necessary upgrades to meet the compliance standards of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), a new surveillance technology used for air traffic control. The January 2020 deadline is fast-approaching, but many aircraft owners are unsure of whether to make the leap.
The cost of upgrading to meet the new program’s standards can be steep, particularly for older aircraft that lack much of today’s modern tracking technology. Few options for selling jets and values that sit far below the cost of compliance may force many jet owners to retire their aircraft.
What is ADS-B?
ADS-B is a new air traffic surveillance system implemented by the Federal Airline Administration (FAA) to replace radar technology. The system has been designed to improve safety and efficiency in the air, reduce costs, and minimize the environmental impacts of flying. ADS-B is the FAA’s attempt to modernize air traffic control and improve the safety of pilots and their passengers.
Beginning January 2020, all aircraft must be equipped with ADS-B Out systems to fly in most controlled airspace. ADS-B Out provides the ability to transmit flight data to air traffic controllers and other aircraft equipment with ADS-B In, the counterpart system.
ADS-B In is not required for compliance, but the FAA encourages it to allow pilots to utilize all the benefits of the system, including weather and traffic pattern updates.
Options for owners
Although upgraded tracking systems stand to benefit the aviation industry, the FAA-mandated compliance requirements are troublesome to many aircraft owners, particularly those who own smaller aircraft such as private jets.
Cost is the major issue. For older aircraft with outdated systems, the cost of upgrading to ADS-B standards could cost owners $90,000 or more. This cost includes the need for new transponders, GPS receivers, antennas and other equipment. Newer jets may be able to trim these costs significantly, but the expense may still outweigh the value of some smaller jets. Downtime expenses are also a factor for jet owners that lease their aircraft out as a revenue stream.
The cost of not upgrading may be just as steep. Without being ADS-B compliant, aircraft will not be allowed to fly in controlled airspace. This puts a damper on many aircraft and their capabilities. If jets need to fly into this airspace regularly, the owners face a difficult choice: upgrade or retire.
Selling old aircraft at this time isn’t easy. With the FAA deadline looming over their heads, aircraft buyers are thinking to the future and purchasing already compliant aircraft. This leaves aircraft owners with the option to scrap their jets to earn back some of their investment.
If you are the owner of a private aircraft that is not yet ADS-B compliant, now is the time to weight your options. If you choose not to upgrade, you may still be able to sell your aircraft, so call an experienced aircraft broker and learn more about your options in the market.
Owning business jets has long been a goal of company executives due to the prestige and convenience associated with private aircraft. Now, thanks to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), jet ownership may become a reality for many more businesses.
The TCJA altered several existing tax laws, including many provisions regarding income tax deductions and depreciation. Previous tax law was somewhat favorable to buyers and owners of business jets. Owners attempting to sell and purchase a new model were given opportunities to avoid taxable gains. Additionally, purchasers of new aircraft were able to write off some of the aircraft expenses upfront.
The new laws may be both favorable and not to the business aviation industry. One of the major changes is allowing more businesses to take the leap into private jet ownership.
Changes to aircraft write-offs
Under the old tax law, new aircraft were eligible for a bonus deduction of up to 50 percent in the year of acquisition, followed by five or seven years of depreciation on the asset. The old law also allowed depreciation on pre-owned aircraft but followed a slower schedule.
Under new law, buyers may have the ability to write off 100 percent of the cost of new or pre-owned aircraft in the first year of ownership. This law applies to aircraft purchased after September 27, 2017, through January 1, 2023.
This change is huge, largely because of the ability for buyers to purchase and write off a pre-owned aircraft — especially when it wouldn’t otherwise be economically feasible.
Elimination of “like-kind” exchanges
The second major change to the aircraft tax law is the elimination of “like-kind” exchanges when selling and purchasing an aircraft. Previously, owners were able to mitigate taxable gains from selling aircraft if they purchased similar aircraft afterwards.
The TCJA eliminates this like-kind exchange model. All gains from the sale of an aircraft must now be claimed and taxed as determined by the income tax bracket.
This change is drastic but offset by the 100 percent expensing on new and pre-owned aircraft.
What these changes mean for business aviation
These new law changes make business aviation slightly different for corporate executives who currently own or wish to own a private aircraft.
Thanks to 100 percent expensing, executives are now able to purchase more expensive jets than they could before. Additionally, companies that didn’t have the option to purchase under the old tax law can now purchase either new or pre-owned jets with less difficulty.
Business jet owners must be wary, however, restrictions still exist on the new depreciation laws. The jets’ operating expenses must be reasonable for the company’s size, and aircraft must be for business use only. Entertainment expenses are disallowed, even if they are related to business activity.
Those interested in purchasing business jets under the tax law change should be cautious about whether specific aircraft will qualify for the exemption. Speak with a qualified broker to learn more about how tax law can impact your buying and selling decisions.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too.
Contact the private aviation professionals online, at
sales@L-Lint.com, or at
+1 (305) 754-3313.
Flying in a private jet is a luxurious experience. When travelers fly privately for business, they get to enjoy a quiet cabin, extra room to lounge in, and a host of amenities while in the air. However, everyone on board is responsible for maintaining this pleasant atmosphere.
How to dress and act can be difficult for many first-time private flyers to navigate. Fortunately, the rules of “jet-iquette” — or jet-etiquette — are largely the same as on the ground. These unspoken rules help all onboard keep the aircraft clean and safe as well as ensure guests don’t offend their hosts. When travelling for business, it’s important to remember to remain professional — even when flying solo.
Keep these 7 tips on “jet-iquette” in mind the next time you fly:
1. Be on time.
In many cases, business aviation passengers don’t own the aircraft they’re flying in. The jet’s pilot, crew, and other passengers have places they need to be, too, so it’s important to show up for the flight on time. Being late can also mean additional fees. That’s why it’s best to be early, so show up around 20 to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
2. Board after your host.
An unspoken rule of private flying is that the host gets the first pick of the seats. Travelers should avoid boarding before their hosts so they can select a seat, and others won’t have to endure the embarrassment of being asked to move.
3. Respect the crew.
The pilot and crew are there for everyone’s safety. As trained professionals, they have years of experience in the business aviation industry and want to make the flight as pleasant as possible. If they make a request, follow it promptly and without issue.
4. Mind your manners.
Just as manners are important in business settings on the ground, they are equally — if not more — important in the air. Be polite to crew members and any other passengers, and act professionally.
5. Pack lightly.
Even when there are only a few passengers on board, remember that private jets are small and have a limited capacity for “stuff.” Try to pack as lightly as possible to keep the cabin clear and cargo space open for other passengers’ belongings. If the flight has baggage limitations, always respect them.
6. Stay professional.
Flying in luxury can make some feel like it’s okay to kick back and relax. While this is true to a point, it’s also important to remain professional. Dress in business-casual or business-appropriate clothing when flying for business and remember to maintain a professional composure to represent the host and company well.
7. Be discreet.
Travelers often use private aviation for confidentiality purposes. While luxurious aircraft interiors might tempt travelers to snap pics and share them online or with friends, it’s best to avoid this for the safety and security of everyone else on board.
Flying privately for business can be a great experience. When you have the opportunity, make sure to look and act appropriately so everyone on board can enjoy the flight. And if you have questions about chartering private aircraft or purchasing jets for business purposes, speak with an experienced professional to get the best information in the industry.
