Personal jets and private pilots are subject to less regulatory scrutiny than their distant commercial cousins. But the absence of federal inspections doesn’t mean you can maintain your jet and crew at bare minimum.
Jet owners have the option to utilize third-party safety audits to evaluate aircraft integrity. Third-party safety auditors inspect planes and supporting facilities, recommend training and professional development, and assist in streamlining operations.
Who conducts a safety audit?
Third-party safety auditors come from organizations like Aviation Research Group U.S., the Air Charter Safety Foundation, and the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations — technical and policy experts in aviation.
Regular safety audits can identify operational risks, reduce accidents and delays, increase reliability, as well as benchmark procedures against best practices and international standards, and auditors can even provide on-site support.
Most organizations offer one-time inspections or managed auditing services, depending on your operation scope. Personnel complete on-site regulatory and technical audits under applicable regulations where they apply.
When should you schedule a safety audit?
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You should hire a third party to perform your safety audits periodically — although not necessarily on a predictable schedule. So, when should you conduct an audit? Whenever you’ve got a major trip on the books or after hiring new personnel or moving to a new hangar, it’s time.
How can an aircraft broker help?
Experienced brokers can provide compliance monitoring and technical assistance. In the absence of a regulatory environment, a trusted source can offer insights into jet safety. Aircraft brokers are also part of an industrywide network and can connect you with operators, personnel, and auditors.
Regular sufficient maintenance can ensure your jet safety and longevity. A third-party safety audit can be a primary component of that care.
When you research jet ownership and safety standards, speak with those who specialize in aviation and facilitate third-party safety audits for private jet owners. For advice from industry experts, reach L & L International sales specialists today at
sales@L-Lint.com, call us anytime at
+1 (305) 754-3313, or
visit us online.
Whether you just signed off on your first aircraft lease or are a seasoned jet owner, finding the right place to keep your aircraft can be tricky. Even experienced owners face difficulties while first-time owners have no idea what challenges may lie ahead.
Factors like location, cost, and convenience are easy enough to anticipate, but those aren’t the only considerations. Different hangars accommodate different jet sizes. Maintenance amenities vary from hangar to hangar — even at the same small airport — and security and safety arrangements drive insurance rates.
So, let’s start to narrow down your options. When it comes to storing your aircraft, there are three hangar types available.
1. Shared hangars
Shared hangar owners typically offer affordable rates to users, but they have drawbacks.
With common or shared hangars, shuffling aircraft inside tight spaces can lead to “hangar rash,” a term used to describe minor accidents or scrapes. Insurance providers are likely to increase your rates if you store your aircraft in a shared space.
Those last-minute trips could also be limited. At some shared hangars, you need to provide 24 hours’ notice so the crew can prepare your jet for travel.
You also have less control of certain support services at shared hangars. You should evaluate snow removal, off-hours arrivals and departures, fuel discounts, hangar insurance, and available maintenance.
2. Rented hangars
You can avoid some shared hangar drawbacks by renting your own space. T-hangars earn their name from the building’s shape. They’re standalone structures that vary in size, each with a single door to accommodate personal aircraft.
Airport authorities or management groups tend to lease these buildings. The downside is you have no room to store support equipment and, in many cases, performing maintenance is not permitted inside these buildings.
Depending on jet size, you might need additional square footage for your pilot’s office, maintenance personnel workspace, or workshop. Newer facilities may offer flight planning areas or crew showers.
3. Owned hangars
Leases are complicated, but nothing matches the simplicity of owning a hangar. With the right property, your own hangar provides the opportunity to control your maintenance costs, eliminate hangar rash, or even generate revenue by leasing space or services to other owners.
In areas where shared spaces are not available, it might be worth the cost of building your own or converting an existing warehouse into a hangar to reduce travel costs. You can fly when and where you want without the restrictions shared or rented hangars impose.
Plenty of options are available, but finding the best one for you and your jet will require research, consultation, and casting a wide net. Keep in mind the closer you are to a major urban center, the more likely higher costs and hangar space competition will limit your options.
When you’re preparing to buy or sell a private jet, do your research, visit the facilities you’re considering, talk to jet brokers and representatives, and get advice from industry experts. Contact the professionals at L & L International today at
sales@L-Lint.com, call us anytime at
+1 (305) 754-3313, or
visit us online.
When your business or personal needs evolve and it’s time to investigate buying a private jet, you need a place to start. How do you decide what’s best? When you evaluate options, aircraft size, style, and quality should all be on your list of considerations. In fact, aircraft size is a great starting point for evaluating aircraft for your business and personal needs.
A perfect jet for every purpose
The three principal private jet categories offer unique benefits:
1. Light jets
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Small and speedy, these jets can cruise at 500 mph and can carry up to eight passengers. With an average range of 1,500 miles, they’re perfect for crisscrossing the continent on short trips. Their smaller sizes enable access to many of America’s smaller airports, providing quicker direct access to your final destinations without the need for additional transportation solutions.
Jets in this category tend to be quieter and offer smoother rides than larger aircraft, so they’re perfect for nighttime flights. Many also offer well-designed galleys and private lavatories for guest comfort.
2. Midsize jets
Midsize aircraft carry up to 12 passengers and have ranges up to 3,600 nautical miles. Perfect for four- to five-hour flights, these slightly larger jets offer stand-up galleys and enclosed lavatories. One popular entry in this segment is the Hawker Beechcraft’s 800XP, which seats eight and has a range of 2,625 nautical miles.
3. Heavy jets
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Designed to provide maximum comfort during longer trips, these top performers can carry larger groups of passengers on transoceanic flights. Depending on manufacturer and design, they can also come with amenities for in-flight catering, state-of-the-art audio and visual systems, and sleeping arrangements. This Gulfstream G-IV SP comfortably carries up to 15 passengers.
These categories provide a great starting point for deciding what type of jet to buy. You may want to consider going one size up from your current needs to ensure enough room for additional passengers. Consider the jet size and style that best responds to your needs for the present and future. Be prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow’s marketplace by ensuring your private jet is exactly right for your and your company’s travel needs.
The experts at L & L International can assist you in determining the perfect jet size and style for your needs. If you need assistance purchasing or selling a private jet, you can reach our sales specialists today at
sales@L-Lint.com, call us anytime at
+1 (305) 754-3313, or
visit us online.
One way to gauge a pilot’s experience anywhere in the world is through his or her flying hours, or the number of hours each pilot has accumulated flying aircraft. Although valuable, flying time does not necessarily describe all your pilot’s qualifications: You’ll also want to consider “soft” skills in terms of how he or she communicates and interacts with you as a client. However, let’s look at flying and see what it takes from a “learning to drive” perspective.
Private pilot license
In the United States, there are several pilot license levels. The most basic is the private pilot license, which allows the holder to fly aircraft carrying passengers within U.S. airspace.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), private pilots must notch at least 40 hours of flight time, including 20 hours with an instructor and at least 10 flying solo. Although 40 hours is the minimum, private pilots almost always exceed this limit. The national average is 60 to 75 hours, according to the FAA Student Pilot Guide.
Instrument and multi-engine ratings
Private pilots must also obtain instrument and multi-engine ratings to fly aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Pilots must log at least “… 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command, of which 10 hours must have been in an airplane.” They must also have “Forty hours of actual or simulated instrument time … of which 15 hours must have been received from an authorized instructor who holds an instrument-airplane rating …”
Commercial pilot certification
The next step for pilots is to qualify for their commercial pilot licenses (CPLs). At this stage, certified pilots must accumulate 250 flight hours with both single- and multi-engine aircraft to achieve those ratings. They must fly alone cross-country as pilot in command in both day and night conditions. Each CPL candidate must also complete a specific number of takeoffs and landings.
In 2013, the FAA upgraded these rules to include additional ground and flight training to prevent and recover from aircraft stalls, enhance runway safety, as well as better prepare for crosswinds and wind gusts.
With their CPLs, pilots may work for private jet companies. The biggest difference between most commercial airline and private jet pilots is the former will undergo further commercial airline training. In contrast, private jet pilots have a balance of valuable experience handling administrative issues and creating flight plans that commercial pilots may lack. The bottom line: Once pilots obtain their CPLs, they are well-qualified to fly private jets.
If you're weighing your private jet ownership options, the good news is you have many financial maneuvers at your disposal.
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This is a great market for aircraft buyers. Prices are down, there’s an abundance of new and used aircraft available, and it’s affordable to customize and update aircraft. Still, buying an aircraft is a huge commitment, and many buyers want to know whether they should hire aircraft brokers or try to make their purchases alone.
How an aircraft broker can help
An aircraft broker’s job is to help you find the right aircraft to meet your needs. The ideal broker offers benefits, including:
- Insight into the aircraft market — A good aircraft broker will have access to a global network of resources for finding the right aircraft. This includes off-market aircraft that might never be listed in sales databases.
- Technical expertise — Aircraft brokers have the knowledge and resources to conduct available aircraft inspections and evaluations, according to the Business Jet Traveler article. This includes inspecting flight and maintenance logs as well as evaluating available jets’ physical conditions.
- Historical knowledge — True aircraft brokers know the market, including influences and fluctuations that have taken place over time. This historical knowledge allows them to recognize values and negotiate sales based on market changes.
- Transactional skills — Buying an aircraft is not an easy task. It usually involves financing, complicated contracts, price negotiations, and sales or use tax considerations. A good broker will have the skills to navigate these transactional details.
Dangers of hiring the wrong broker
A reputable aircraft broker can help you find the right aircraft and successfully negotiate the deal. However, not everyone who claims to be an aircraft broker is reputable. There is no legislation that governs brokering aircraft outside of voluntary aircraft broker certifications through organizations like the National Aircraft Reseller Association.
Message board threads and legitimate aircraft brokers’ websites relay horror stories in regard to improperly handled deals and scams. It’s best to get referrals from people who have purchased aircraft or from trusted professionals in the industry — and always check references. Hiring an aircraft broker can be the best path to jet ownership that meets your needs, but it’s important that you’re diligent in picking a professional and reputable broker.
Do you have an aircraft you want to sell? Or are you in the market to buy one? Going through either a sale or purchase without the benefit of a good aircraft broker could be more difficult and time-consuming than you imagine. Contracts can be complicated and there are important legal and tax ramifications to take into consideration — especially if you’re buying or selling internationally. So, how do you find a great aircraft broker?
Finding reputable brokers
Finding a reputable aircraft broker isn’t easy. To find a good broker, you’ll need to do some homework.
- Look for an aircraft broker with professional presence. These brokers will have websites, social media pages, and listings in business directories. They’ll highlight the length of time they’ve been in business, and, in most cases, that’s a good indicator of their business practices.
- Ask your colleagues and friends. There’s no better recommendation than a happy customer. Ask people you know and trust to recommend brokers they’ve used. Also, be sure to ask if they experienced any frustrations with their relationships.
- Reach out to brokers to get a feel for their responsiveness. Some brokers are competitive and unwilling to share even the most basic information with anyone who hasn’t signed a contract for representation. Call several brokers to see if anyone you speak to strikes you as helpful, honest, and personable. Be sure to ask those you talk to about their fee structures and transaction processes so you can begin to understand how — and why — they work.
- Check references. Reputable brokers will happily provide reference lists, and you can speak with references to find out how quickly each broker responds, how hard the broker works to meet your needs, and answers to any questions you might have about the broker.
- Ask about fee structure. Aircraft brokers are paid much like real estate agents: when the sale is complete. Ask potential brokers whether the buyer or seller pays their fees and if you can get an itemized fee list. It’s also important to ask about possible conflicts of interest to learn whether the broker is also representing the seller or if the broker might have vested interest — and receive increased commission — when you buy a specific aircraft or from a certain dealer.
Resources for finding trustworthy brokers
There are no federal regulations governing aircraft brokers, but there are voluntary certification programs that help separate good aircraft brokers from the bad. The National Aircraft Reseller Association has an aircraft broker certification program that includes a code of ethics that brokers must agree to when becoming certified. The National Business Aviation Association doesn’t have a certification program, but the group does have a services directory where you can find brokers as well.
It may take some time to find the right broker, but, in the end, it’ll be worth it. A good broker can help you find the aircraft you need or sell your existing aircraft for the best price. Take the time to research aircraft brokers and find one who has great references and a proven track record.
If you have a long flight coming up, you don’t have time to be sick or deal with health-related illnesses when you land. Unfortunately, long flights can sometimes lead to illnesses. Here are four ways you can stay healthier when flying for long periods of time:
Concentrate on your breathing. Breathing pressurized cabin air can be like breathing at high altitudes, and you may experience many of the same symptoms, such as shortness of breath and dizziness. There’s also less humidity in the air, which can also make it more difficult to breathe. Concentrate on your breathing while in flight. Try taking longer, deeper, slower breaths to ensure you’re getting enough oxygen.
Stretch, flex, and move. Blood can pool in your extremities if you stay seated for a long time. This is especially true when you’re in a pressurized cabin and your body isn’t processing oxygen as well. Lack of movement can lead to a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), dangerous blood clots in the legs. To help keep your blood flowing, stretch often, especially your calves. Tap or flex your feet to keep the blood flowing, and try to get up and move around the cabin often. Some experts even suggest wearing compression socks to help reduce the likelihood of DVT.
Eat properly before and during flights. You should not eat a big meal just before or during a flight because your body has a harder time digesting food when in flight. It’s a better idea to eat smaller meals, and try to stick with warm food as it stimulates digestion. Also, pack some healthy snacks like raw almonds or fresh fruit, and avoid alcohol and caffeine before and during a flight.
Stay hydrated. Do you ever feel parched after a long plane ride? It’s because the recirculated air in airplane cabins has lower humidity than the air on land. This means that not only does your body get dehydrated on the inside but it also gets dehydrated on the outside. Drink lots of water during long flights, but also remember to keep your eyes, nose, and skin hydrated. Bring along moisturizer, a saline nasal spray, and eye drops to ensure that you don’t land all dried out.
Even long, private flights can be hard on your health. With a little planning, you can reduce the amount of stress on your body during a long flight so that you can keep moving when you land.
It’s hard to believe how quickly the holiday season is upon us! In fact, by November, if you haven’t already booked your private flight for Aspen, you might want to consider a different destination. That’s because, at the end of the year, the demand on private travel — including fractional-share jets and charters — is as great as it is on commercial travel. Not to worry, though. We have five great tips to help you beat the holiday rush.
Tip 1 — Schedule your trip for less-popular times and dates. The busiest times for all types of air travel are the days just before and just after Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you can book your private travel outside those busy times, you’ll benefit not only from having a better selection of flights and planes but you’ll also avoid the possibility of delays. The best times to book a holiday flight are early mornings, Saturdays, or Mondays. Remember, the busy season starts in late November and usually lasts through the first couple weeks of January with peak times at Christmas. If you can plan around those days, you might still be able to schedule a holiday vacation.
Tip 2 — Beware your provider’s policies regarding cancellations and extended stays. Typically, most providers require a 24- to 48-hour notice if you have to cancel a reservation. The holidays make private flights a premium, so providers may request as much as 14 days’ notice for cancellations. Providers may also charge premiums for passengers who wish to take trips that last more than a few days — jets that are just sitting are lost income opportunities. Be sure you understand the provider’s policies on long trips so you’re not surprised with a surcharge or additional fee if you plan to stay six days or longer.
Tip 3 — Know your destination. In years past, trips to places like Aspen or Vail required slot reservations for private flights. In 2016, there are no slot requirements for either location, but there may still be some destinations that have those requirements. In addition, just because slot requirements don’t exist doesn’t mean that capacity is limitless. Be sure you know your destination is in high-demand, expected delay times, and understand the requirements for landing before booking a private flight.
Tip 4 — Be flexible. If you haven’t already booked your private flight, you may need to be flexible to ensure you find the best flight available. You should be prepared to clearly state your preferences as you’re working with a provider to find the right flight. For example, if you prefer not to use a charter service, you should tell your provider upfront so there are no surprises when the time comes to travel. The more flexibility you have with dates and destinations, the more likely you’ll find a flight that gets you where you need to be.
Tip 5 — Make sure your flight is legal. During the holiday season, there seems to be an increase in the number of improperly licensed providers that pop up to take advantage of the holiday rush. Take the time when booking your flight to make sure the provider you choose is properly licensed so there are no unpleasant surprises when it comes time to travel.
Even if you haven’t booked your holiday travel just yet, all is not lost. You may have to be a little more flexible than during the rest of the year, but using the five tips provided here, you’ll get to your destination. Then, for next year, remember to book early —booking during the September to October timeframe will make holiday travel much more relaxing.
Have you ever wondered how your competitors can afford to own business jets? Would it surprise you to know that owning a jet has many benefits — even for owners of small businesses? It does. Of course, it can also be a lot of fun to own a jet — especially if you happen to be the pilot — but, even if fun has no bearing on your need to purchase a jet, several other factors might influence your decision. Why should you own a jet?
- Owning a jet can allow you and your sales team members to be more efficient. Many organization leaders who also own jets conduct meetings in the air. Individuals who fly on private jets often use the time to work or prepare for meetings. Time-saving benefits also include faster trips to multiple locations and less time spent dealing with long lines, layovers, and delays at commercial airports.
- You’ll have more freedom to move about. Private jet owners have access to around 5,000 aviation facilities around the U.S. This includes many remote locations where commercial airlines — which are limited to about 50 airports in the U.S. — cannot land. You can also choose to bring your family along or even combine business and pleasure without worrying about vacation travel planning logistics.
- Owning a jet enhances customers’ confidence in your business. Customers view businesses whose leaders own their own aircraft as being more innovative in business and stronger in corporate governance and responsibility. Your clients see a private jet and immediately envision a larger, more well-controlled and successful business.
- Business-owned aircraft can be a more financially responsible corporate travel method. Aircraft ownership tax benefits are one means of increasing your financial responsibility, especially as it relates to corporate travel. However, owning aircraft can streamline finances in many other ways. For example, when compared to commercial airline ticket costs, hotel stay prices, and additional travel expenses, many company leaders find that the cost of owning a company jet is much more cost-efficient.
Owning a private jet is no longer just for large corporations. Thanks to affordable aircraft prices and the benefits owners of small and medium-sized businesses derive from aircraft ownership, many find that buying a jet is a good investment.
