We’ve talked about the advantages of private and business travel over commercial airline travel in the past. Those benefits are even more pronounced when considering winter flying. Private jet travel provides an option flexible enough to schedule around bad weather. You don’t have to worry about getting stranded at airports because of cancelled flights; however, winter jet travel does require more planning and precautionary measures to avoid the challenges this season presents.
Avoid the mess
Unfortunately for airlines and travelers, the busy holiday travel season also coincides with winter and the added challenges it brings. Snow storms can cause takeoff and landing problems, and ground traffic and air traffic congestion can cause further delays and cancellations. Commercial travelers are literally at the mercy of the airlines, and sometimes they never reach their destinations.
Private jets provide the flexibility to adjust flight times until about two hours before a flight — and sometimes even midflight. Private jet travelers can also change their routes to make use of smaller airports that experience less of a weather impact. Switching to the convenience of smaller airports may also allow private jet travelers to reduce their exposure to unsafe road conditions.
Private travel also lets them skip long security lines, which — given security threats and a busy travel season — are exceptionally long. Even the faster precheck security lines are long. In fact, precheck lines are sometimes longer than non-priority lines due to airline policies of assigning random passengers to the pre-check line.
Performance perks
Convenience and flexibility are not the only perks private jets provide during winter. Most jets perform better when the weather is cold. Cold air is more dense than warm air, and that positively affects performance metrics such as takeoff distance and climb rate. Also, colder air temperature allows jet engines to use a greater mass of air and fuel mixed, which results in greater power. Cold air usually produces less turbulence as well.
Winter precautions
With all the benefits jets provide winter travelers, private jet owners and operators also need to take precautions. Plan your flight carefully, considering aspects like how easily accessible airports are as well as weather patterns for the area. Make sure you file a flight plan and update it when necessary, and be willing to adjust flights when weather becomes an issue. But those aren’t the only precautions you’ll want to check off your list before taking off.
Check all hoses, clamps, and hydraulic fittings.- Check the engine oil to make sure it’s the proper weight for cold weather.
- Inspect the cabin heater to ensure no carbon monoxide is leaking.
- Check for fuel contaminants from condensation, which can result from your pilot parking your warm aircraft in the cold.
- Remove frost, snow, and ice before taking off. Store your jet in a warm hangar when possible and, when the engine is cold, follow the manufacturer’s preheating instructions.
Don’t let winter travel get you down. Avoid the headaches of winter airline travel and take advantage of the benefits you can experience through private jet travel.
As the holiday season approaches, one item sure to be on the wish lists of kids of all ages is drones, aka unmanned aerial systems (UAS). With the popularity of drones surging, people are beginning to question how safe they are as they share airspace with commercial and private aircraft. In October, the FAA announced it is receiving approximately 250 reports of safety incidents involving drones each month, an increase of over 50% than those reported in 2016. Some of the incidents include near-collisions with manned aircraft, including airliners and private jets.
Are drones actually threats?
It may seem difficult to believe that a small device like a drone could present danger to piloted aircraft. However, a new FAA study reveals drones have the capability to cause significant damage to jets. Even though they weigh only a few pounds, impact studies show they can do more damage than birds similar in size.
According to the Bloomberg article, FAA estimates 2.3 million drones will be sold in the U.S. in 2017. And the use of drones for commercial and emergency purposes is exploding. Their sheer numbers make them a serious threat to our skies, and hazards will likely only increase in years to come.
The collision study researchers hope their work will help in the creation of risk-mitigation requirements. Drone manufacturers and operators can do their part by fitting unmanned vehicles with transponders that would allow pilots and air traffic personnel to avoid conflicts, according to the AIN Online article. Drones could also be kept out of certain air spaces through geofencing, which puts up electronic barriers against drones.
How can we reduce drone threats?
Pilots need to watch out for these unmanned vehicles so they can avoid collisions, but they also need to report any wayward drone sightings as well as improper or illegal operator activity. The best way to enforce drone safety regulations is to report offenders who put piloted aircraft in jeopardy so law enforcement can prosecute them.
Drone registration, too, could result in better prevention and prosecution of careless or malicious drone operations. In December 2015, the FAA introduced mandatory light drone registration, but that legislation was struck down in July 2017, with Congress ruling that the FAA “may not promulgate any rule or regulation regarding a model aircraft.” That ruling, however, will likely be short-lived as Congress is set to reinstate the registration requirement.
It’s important for drone operators to be aware of their surroundings and operate under regulations. They need to pay attention to height regulations, stay clear of restricted airspace, and make sure to keep their drones in sight at all times. But at the heart of the matter, pilots of both private jets and unmanned drones are responsible for avoiding impacts with other aircraft.
The holiday travel season is here. Will you be joining the throngs of people in long security or luggage lines at your local airport this year? Or will you be one of the lucky ones who doesn’t have to book a flight months ahead, can pick up family members along the way, and can enjoy a stress-free private flight to your destination?
Remember last year when you swore you would never fly commercial over the holidays again? You put a new private jet on your wish list — and that’s exactly where it stayed. But it’s not too late to get that jet for the holidays — 2018 holidays, that is. Purchasing a jet tends to take about a year, so if you don’t want to be in the same boat next year, start the process now.
The time is right
In addition to the need to start your jet purchase now so it’s available for next year’s holiday travel season, now is an optimal time to purchase. In fact, business jet prices will likely continue to drop through year’s end. Older models aren’t hot sellers now, so they’re staying on the market longer, driving up inventory numbers. Plus, more owners tend to sell during the fourth quarter, which could add to pre-owned jet availability. There may be no time like the present to start on next year’s holiday gift to yourself.
Get the ball rolling
In a sellers’ market, could this be the year you take the plunge and buy a jet? Before you dive in, do a cost-benefit analysis to make sure it’s a financially sound move. Industry insiders estimate that 350 to 400 flight hours annually justifies full private jet ownership. If you meet the flight-time criterion:
- Determine your needs. What are your typical passenger and distance requirements? Do you need a light jet that can carry five to eight passengers 2,000 miles, a large executive jet that can carry 12 passengers 4,000 miles, or something in between? Will you try to get a good deal on a pre-owned jet, or do you want to skip the potential for maintenance issues and order a new one? If you’re considering buying new, you might have to stretch your goal to the 2019 holidays as you’ll need to allow about two years for delivery.
- Find a match. Contact private jet sales professionals and search major aviation sites online for an aircraft that meets your specifications and pricing needs.
- Take it for a spin. Most salespeople or manufacturers will arrange for you to take it for a test drive — at your expense.
- Have it inspected. This is a multimillion-dollar purchase. Make sure it is in flying condition and worth the asking price.
- Get financing. This may take some work, but a stronger economy means more institutions are willing to finance both new and used aircraft purchases.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed about the process, keep the benefits in mind. Jet travel allows company executives to keep pace with the global marketplace. A private jet can take you directly to your destination, usually with little prior notice, and you can relax or conduct business during your flight. And don’t forget about one of the biggest benefits: depreciation. Business jets depreciate 50% by the time they’re five or six years old, which is a substantial tax break.
Make holiday travel fun again. Start today and have your jet by this time next year. But you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, you shouldn’t: Partner with a reliable aircraft consultant to guide the entire process.
Business aviation activities increased in September 5.2% over a year ago, according to TraqPak data from Argus International. Much of that increase is due to charter flight activity, which increased 11.8%. So, what is the draw of charter flight for private and business use — and how can you ensure the best flight experience for your situation?
Why fly charter?
More business leaders are recognizing the business value of private jet travel, and many own their own private jets. While some may face financial and logistical barriers on their way to full ownership, there is an alternative: charter jet travel. Charter travel, essentially renting a jet when and where you need it, is another way to enjoy private jet benefits without the hassles and expenses of ownership.
When you fly on a charter, you avoid all the inconveniences and wasted time of commercial flight. You schedule a particular jet to a specified destination. You get to choose the appropriate jet according to your unique needs for the number of passengers; purpose, whether business or pleasure; and choose the amenities that best fit your price range. And even if you already own a jet, there are times you might want to consider using a charter service, for example, when your jet is undergoing maintenance, upgrades, or refurbishments, or isn’t a good fit for a situation. It’s also a great option for jet owners whose private or business aircraft are already booked by another company executive or being used by a family member for a different trip.
Things to consider
To optimize your charter experience, whenever possible, charter your flight well in advance to ensure a suitable jet or flight is available. Before booking, consider the following questions:
- Are you booking an entire jet or a seat on a jet? If it’s just you or a small group and you can be flexible, booking a seat is often a good option.
- What are the details of your planned flight? What is the destination? Is it a one-way or round trip? Do you need to adhere to scheduled dates or can you be flexible? How many passengers will the jet need to accommodate?
- Do you have aircraft type or seating preferences?
- What amenities and special requirements do you have? Do you need office or meeting space, in-flight connectivity, or relaxation areas? Do you require medical assistance or special accommodations for children, pets, or unusual baggage?
Asking yourself these questions before booking a charter helps to ensure you are looking for — and book — the best deal for your specific situation.
Mistakes to avoid
To help ensure a positive flight experience, here are a few tips that can help flyers avoid charter issues:
- If your flight is crucial, is your seat is guaranteed once you book it?
- If you are booking a seat on a charter, are the parties legal and do they have proper FAA certification to sell individual seats?
- Is the jet guaranteed to depart and arrive on time — or can the charter operator add stops to accommodate passengers to fill the jet?
- Will you really be flying private or can the operator fill seats?
Booking a charter is much more than simply picking up a phone. There is a lot to consider for an optimal experience — and avoiding pitfalls. One of the best ways to ensure charter success is to work with a reliable charter operator.
One of the biggest drivers of private and business aviation is time savings. After all, time is money. For those considering private flight, options are fixed-wing or rotorcraft. Each has its merits for certain situations, but more and more business leaders are opting to take advantage of both. What are the benefits of helicopter ownership?
Jet or helicopter — or why not both?
Business globalization and the speed at which business takes place has made jet travel crucial for leaders of medium and large businesses. Aviation advancements are allowing for greater travel speeds and nonstop flights between important city pairs such as San Francisco and Sydney or New York and Tokyo. To further reap the business benefits of air travel, most jets have high-speed internet connectivity, office and meeting facilities, and rest and relaxation provisions.
Helicopters are another valuable business tool, but these are not your standard traffic cam or sight-seeing helicopters. Business helicopters are performing better as well as becoming faster, more comfortable, safer, and less noisy. They also are more fuel efficient, require less maintenance, and increasingly offer customizable luxury interiors.
Helicopters’ smaller sizes and greater maneuverability make them ideal for short jaunts and trips to hard-to-reach destinations. Helicopters can take passengers directly to their final destinations as opposed to the nearest airport. And helicopters are convenient vehicles for getting from meeting to meeting, visiting company offices and facilities, treating clients and colleagues, and visiting friends and family. Many helicopter owners are also becoming pilots, making their rides of choice even more convenient and less expensive to fly.
Some company leaders are not choosing between buying corporate jets or helicopters — rather, they are opting for both. They use jets for long-distance flights and destinations with suitable airport facilities and helicopters for shorter flights or for flying above the gridlock. Those who own both one or more jets and helicopters often choose to park their helicopters strategically and use them to carry jet passengers from airports to their final destinations, thus, avoiding ground traffic delays. Some also park their jets at smaller, less expensive airports and use helicopters to travel back and forth.
What will be next on the market?
For those whose interests in rotorcraft have been fueled, here are a few examples of what’s on the market or will be shortly.
The AgustaWestland AW169 from Leonardo Helicopters is the first “cabin-class executive twin to hit the market since the Sikorsky S-76 arrived in 1979.” The luxury interior seats six to 10 passengers and features advanced Rockwell Collins glass-panel touchscreen avionics, electric-power generation and distribution systems, noise and vibration reduction technologies, and a 531-nautical-mile range, along with a reasonable price tag of $8.5 million. For an additional million, buyers can add a customized executive interior.
The Airbus H160 Helicopter is on its third prototype and is expected to enter service in 2019. It will provide private and business owners with the ultimate in performance, safety, and comfort. The medium-sized helicopter uses a rotor blade configuration that provides a smoother, quieter flight. TheH160 offers utility seating for 12 passengers and can be configured for a four- or eight-passenger executive layout.
And those are just two of the latest helicopter models soon to be available for private or business purchase. With declining pre-owned options to consider, will your next private flight option be a helicopter?
If you attended the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas in October, perhaps you were among the first to lay eyes on Bombardier’s newest prototype private jet: the Global 7000. Having debuted at the event, the Global 7000 is the ultimate in performance and comfort as evidenced by its $72.8 million price tag.
What’s new in the Global 7000?
The Canadian company’s much anticipated release is the most recent iteration of its flagship model — the Global 5000. At 111 feet, it’s Bombardier’s largest private jet to date. The Global 7000 has a range of more than 8,500 miles, allowing nonstop flights between major cities like New York and Dubai. It can reach speeds of Mach 0.925 and provides the performance and maneuverability of a much smaller jet.
The Global 7000’s full-glass cockpit is spacious and comfortable, and the wings provide exceptionally smooth flights. It has a state-of-the-art Vision flight deck, advanced navigation, weather radar including windshear detection, and cutting-edge fly-by-wire technology. The jet seats up to 19 and the cabin configuration is fully customizable with four living spaces and a crew rest area, nearly infinite furnishing options, advanced air control and pressurization systems, personalized options for dining, entertainment and business spaces, and fast in-flight connectivity options.
Bombardier to focus on private aviation
Coinciding with final Global 7000 development plans is Bombardier’s announcement that it is giving up control of its C Series commercial aircraft program to Airbus. The program has been struggling and has been among the lowest-performing Bombardier divisions. The shift will allow the company to put more focus on its more profitable private jet programs, and the release of the Global 7000 will further emphasize the manufacturing firm’s focus on the private jet market.
The current test vehicle has a complete interior which Bombardier is using to test the passenger experience. The final test vehicle is under production, and final models are expected to enter into service in the second half of 2018. The bad news for those interested in purchasing: The Global 7000 is sold-out through 2021. For those who don’t want to wait, the next best thing could very well be a preowned Global 6000.
As the overall economy continues to recover, business aviation is rebounding, charter flights are increasing, and aircraft deliveries are beginning to pick up. The only thing not increasing — or even keeping up — is pilot availability. We are on the brink of a worldwide pilot shortage. That may be good news for pilots, but what does it mean for the individuals and business leaders who rely on them? Could pilotless jets be the answer?
Why is there a shortage?
Now that the economy is improving, older pilots can afford to retire. That, coupled with the fact that fewer individuals are entering pilot training, means there will not be enough pilots to replace them — let alone fill the growing need. Other reasons for dwindling pilot numbers are the increased time necessary to earn a pilot’s license as well as low start-up salaries, demanding hours, and few benefits. According to the Robb Report article, the U.S. could have a deficit of “35,000 pilots over the next 15 years or longer.”
What could a pilot shortage mean for private and business jet owners?
That predicted pilot shortage would, of course, drive salaries higher, resulting in higher pilot employment costs. The shortage would also make it easier and quicker for young pilots to climb to higher-paying airline jobs, potentially creating high turnover in the private and charter sectors. In turn, private and business aviation costs would increase, pilots and charter flights would become more expensive and difficult to book, and an inexperienced pool of pilots could even heighten the risks of flying with smaller charter companies. How can industry insiders avoid or lessen the possible impacts of this shortage?
Pilotless jets to the rescue?
As driverless cars are slowly reaching a precarious acceptance by the American public, could pilotless aviation be on the same track? If so, could it be a viable solution to the pilot shortage? In fact, according to a UBS report, pilotless aircraft could save those in the business aviation industry $3 billion. But for the concept of pilotless flight to become a reality, it will need to overcome several challenges. The greatest challenge is not technology as evidenced by the widespread use of pilotless military-style drones and unmanned air vehicles. In the case of private passenger aircraft, several manufacturers are already preparing for pilotless aircraft. And, according the same report, “Technically speaking, remotely controlled planes carrying passengers and cargo could appear by 2025.”
The biggest challenge is public perception. Not everyone is comfortable with sitting 20,000 feet above the earth in a jet without a human at the controls. The UBS report found that more than half of the 8,000 respondents surveyed would not likely fly in pilotless jets. The good news is — even though the technologies are safe and already in extensive use — pilotless aircraft will most likely have a manual override in case of some sort of system failure. The bad news is that a manual override opens the flight up to security risks from hackers. Over time, these issues will likely be settled and public perceptions are more likely to shift.
What are the benefits of pilotless aircraft?
Although pilotless flight sounds like a radical idea that could have a hard time gaining traction, the financial savings are indisputable. Eliminating pilots or reducing them to one per flight would greatly reduce flying and pilot training costs — and those savings would likely be passed on to consumers.
Despite public perceptions, flying without a human in the cockpit could actually make flying safer by reducing pilot errors. And as those in the private and business aviation industry will be hit hardest by the pilot shortage, they could stand to benefit the most from pilotless jets.
Pilotless aircraft are still likely a decade away from being a viable option and, therefore, are likely to have little impact on the pilot shortage in the near term. However, if you are currently in the market for a jet, you’ll want to keep in mind the possibility of trading up when pilotless aircraft become available — or perhaps even retrofitting a standard jet.
Although business aviation allows companies to cut down on time spent traveling by cutting out lines associated with commercial airline travel and flying direct to remote locations, passengers are still going spend time onboard. Making that time more productive can further increase the cost-saving benefits of business aviation.
With so many of today’s business activities taking place online, internet connectivity is no longer a luxury. Even a few hours of offline travel time can be very disruptive, which is why aircraft connectivity has become a requirement in today’s business jets. What should you know about business aviation, internet connectivity, and some available options?
In-flight connectivity
Being unavailable en route is no longer a valid excuse. Most private jets are equipped to provide various levels of in-flight connectivity (IFC), allowing everything from simple email exchanges to high-bandwidth computational tasks. Connectivity relies on ground stations, a network of satellites, and a service provider that allows a properly equipped jet to use the networks. According to a Valour Consultancy analysis of the market for in-flight connectivity on VIP and business aircraft, there were 19,131 IFC systems on VIP and business aircraft at the end of 2016, and that number is expected to nearly double by 2026.
Providers are competing to provide faster data speeds, greater reliability, smaller hardware requirements, more global coverage, and increased ranges appropriate for a wide variety of aircraft. Today’s private jet customers expect a certain level of luxury and service and, increasingly, reliable connectivity is a requirement rather than a perk.
Whether for business or pleasure, travelers want the same type of connectivity in the air that they have while on the ground. In addition to voice and text, they want video streaming and gaming capabilities as well as data access, conferencing, and access to other internet-related tasks. In the future, your choice of jet may ride on its connectivity solution.
The downside of a connected aircraft
As with most things, with connectivity comes a downside. Advancements can come with increased complexity. Solution providers will need to offer increased levels of training and support to operators. Greater connectivity also increases opportunities for cyberattacks. Providers will need to have adequate security installed on their systems to protect passengers’ online activities but also to prevent hackers from taking control of or interfering with aircraft control systems.
The other concern is data costs. As more travelers are demanding fast speeds and data streaming, data usage can quickly spiral out of control. Solutions like Honeywell’s GoDirectAccess allocate usage, helping to keep costs in check. And some operators are even turning to pay-per-usage cards or offering higher speeds and streaming services for a premium.
As in-flight connectivity becomes standard in private and business aviation, competition will drive innovation. In the near future, these innovations could be what makes or breaks a deal to purchase or charter a particular aircraft.
Remember when business aviation was a luxury that only leaders of the largest companies or the wealthiest individuals could afford? Or perhaps that’s what you still think. Many business leaders no longer think the corporate jet is a luxury or status symbol. And, according to a National Business Aviation Administration (NBAA) survey, “Business aviation is the sign of a well-managed company, and a tool that provides unique advantages for American companies.”
Business aviation is up
More and more savvy company leaders are realizing the value proposition business aviation offers. According to Argus TRAQPak data, business aviation activity increased more than 5% in August, making it the largest month of operations since May 2008. Those results included a 10.9% year-over-year increase in Part 135 charter activity and a 7% increase in Part 91K fractional activity. Activity for large-cabin aircraft was up 7.2% while midsize jets were up 4.8%. All this increased aviation activity is considered a good indicator of future jet deliveries.
Justifying the cost
The NBAA report concluded that companies with business aviation departments had a greater level of financial success than those without, and those who cut back on their aviation departments experienced financial downturn. In addition to increased shareholder earnings, the report shows that business aviation increases market share, profit and asset efficiency as well as non-financial benefits such as employee and customer satisfaction.
Saving time is one of business aviation’s biggest benefits. And since time is money, it is one of the biggest cost-saving factors the sector offers. In today’s fast-paced international business arena, staying competitive means being able to get as close to your destinations as quickly as possible with little notice. It might even require traveling to more than one meeting location in a day. With commercial air travel, it might take days to make it to the same destinations with connecting flights, fewer airport locations, ground transportation hassles, and more. Commercial airlines cannot provide the flexibility that business executives require.
Business aviation also lets you make better use of in-flight time. Most jets offer internet and satellite communications capabilities as well as meeting rooms and office space. And you can customize your jet to meet specific needs to maximize productivity — or relaxation. Business aviation also allows you to provide more in-person contact with customers, employees, and partners; perks and convenience for colleagues, employees, and family members; and, yes, it can even increase your company’s status in the eyes of others.
A good time to purchase?
The NBAA survey also points to a growing confidence in business aviation. Many respondents indicated they believe we’ve passed the low point in this cycle and are on an upswing. In addition, according to AINonline, “the percentage of survey respondents who indicated a better than 60 percent probability of purchasing a new jet over the next year is the highest in the past two years.”
As business aviation rebounds from the recession, manufacturers are gearing up to meet new demands and are offering great deals on existing inventory. That, combined with a decrease in young used jet inventories, means that this might be a great time to purchase a new jet. Business aviation just makes good business sense. Company leaders who embrace it will likely find themselves in better positions to take advantage of today’s global marketplace.
The Gulfstream G650 entered the market five years ago, and today it remains at the high end of the business jet market. Why? There is plenty of competition and newer models. What makes the G650 so popular still?
Background
September 2017 marked five years since the Gulfstream G650 earned its FAA type certification and, since then, more than 250 of the ultra-long-range, wide-cabin business aircraft have sold. In 2014, Gulfstream introduced the G650 Extended Range (ER), which extends its range an additional 500 nautical miles, “giving the G650ER the longest legs of any business jet,” according to Scott Neal, Gulfstream’s senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing in the Flying article. The extended range capabilities are due to the increased capacity of the gas tanks with no structural modifications required, and the G650ER is also available as an after-market upgrade.
Benefits
G650 designers focused on high performance in every aspect, and the end product delivers. Its unique wing design creates a high-efficiency airfoil that combines high speed with an extremely smooth ride. Other features and benefits include:
- The increased range of the G650 and G650ER means more non-stop connections between city pairs such as New York and Tokyo or Los Angeles and London as well as the ability to keep up with today’s fast-paced global marketplace. Together, the G650 and G650ER have set 65 city-pair speed records.
- The G650 and G650ER have the lowest cabin altitude of any business aircraft and replace 100% of the air every two minutes, according to Gulfstream. The lower cabin altitude means you arrive at your destination less tired and more refreshed.
- The jets provide ample seating space for up to 19 passengers and sleeping accommodations for up to 10.
- Wide seats and aisles, 16 panoramic windows, and flexible cabin designs offer spaciousness and a variety of options for meeting rooms, entertainment, dining, and relaxation. The Gulfstream Cabin Management System (GCMS) synchronizes with smart devices to allow passengers to control temperature, lighting, and entertainment options.
- Business continues as usual with high-speed internet, satellite communications, a cabin audio system, and print capabilities.
- The state-of-the-art PlaneView ll flight deck puts more data at the pilot’s finger tips, allowing them to “think faster than they fly.” And a nose-mounted infrared camera increases safety by providing higher quality images of airports and surrounding terrain at night and in low-visibility conditions.
The Gulfstream G650 was introduced as top-of-the-line in speed, range, comfort, and safety. Today, it continues to sit atop the high-end business aircraft spectrum. What’s next for Gulfstream? The company has started test fights for its spaciously designed G600 model and hopes to begin deliveries in 2018.
