Laser pointers — those cheap, entertaining trinkets that inspire household pets to chase and pounce — are causing significant problems for law enforcement. Most people see these red or green dot pointers as having weak lights, but they underestimate just how far light travels and the damage these lasers can do when pointed at aircraft.
While some may think the light stops before reaching a passing aircraft, but it doesn’t. Even the standard laser pointers used for presentations are bright enough to distract a plot. At distances up to 1,200 feet, the light from a standard laser toy can reverberate about the cockpit and cause near blindness, according to Jake Rossen, a Mental Floss contributor.
Lasing is a felony
Interfering with aircraft operation has long been a federal crime, but, according to an article from the FBI, the Federal Aviation Administration’s FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 made the act of intentionally pointing a laser at an aircraft a felony.
Since the FBI and the FAA began tracking laser strikes, there has been a significant increase in the number of laser illuminations, or lasing, by curious or malicious individuals on the ground. According to the FAA, as cited in a Laser Pointer Safety article, lasing incidents could increase 64% from 2015 to 2016.
What happens when a laser is pointed at an aircraft?
From the ground, it may seem that a small beam of light won’t make a dent on a pilot’s vision. But when pointed at airplanes and helicopters, a laser’s light can be significantly magnified by the aircraft windows. The windshield turns opaquely green and the strobe effect can cause a burning sensation in the eyes. According to a Popular Science article, lasing can even cause temporary blindness in affected pilots and crewmembers.
According to the Mental Floss article, the crew’s ability to see is seriously compromised and, while no lasing accident has been reported yet, pilots have been forced to change course, even in crowded airspace, and later required medical attention. Pilots who have been hit with lasers claim it’s the equivalent of having a very bright camera flash go off in pitch blackness right in front of you. According to an Air and Space magazine article, green lasers are especially harmful because the human eye is susceptible to damage from light in the yellow to green part of the spectrum.
The FAA, FBI, and local law enforcement teams have worked out a number of effective methods to find and prosecute those who point lasers at aircraft. Increased public awareness is helping somewhat, but tens of thousands of dollars and years of jail time and community service are doing a lot to curb enthusiasm for this curious activity as well.
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The Hawker Beechcraft 800XP is a midsize, low-winged, twin-engine corporate jet aircraft originally developed by British Aerospace and assembled by Hawker Beechcraft. As explained by Aerospace Technology, it was derived from the design of the U.K.-built de Havilland and evolved into the 800 series in the 1990s. Over 275 Hawker 800s were built until the 800XP arrived on the scene in 1995.
The Hawker 800XP is an all-metal construction with low, one-piece wings; a high tailplane; and rear-mounted engines. Widely acclaimed as one of the most successful private jets ever made by British Aerospace, the cabin of the 800XP is typically configured with eight fully adjustable seats that swivel 360 degrees. The cabin measures 21.3 feet long with 5.7 feet of headroom and is 6 feet wide. The in-flight accessible baggage compartment holds 48 cubic feet of luggage.
Equipped with twin engines capable of delivering 4,660 pounds of thrust, the Hawker 800XP can climb to 37,000 feet in 20 minutes. Its high-cruising speed is 465 knots. If needed, it can fly up to 41,000 feet to avoid weather or traffic.
One of the 800XP’s best features is its ability to take advantage of runways that are shorter than typically required by private jets. At sea level, just 5,032 feet of runway is needed. The Hawker’s maximum range is 2,540 nautical miles, which means Los Angeles to New York is possible — as is Beijing to Singapore.
The combination of better runway performance and increased payload means greater flexibility in non-standard conditions. Striking a nice balance between fuel economy, cruise performance, and takeoff distance, the Hawker Beechcraft 800XP is a reliably strong contender when it’s time to purchase a private jet.
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Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) decision-makers have decided to convert corporate jets — Gulfstream G550 business jets, in fact — into modified surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare aircraft in support of defense operations. In an article for ABC News, reporter Andrew Greene says the modified jets are popular alternatives to the larger, specialized military aircraft because RAAF personnel can monitor and patrol large areas of airspace faster and at a lower cost. G550s also require fewer crew members to operate. Green explains that G550s are luxury corporate jets that can fly over 12,000 kilometers and 12 hours nonstop. They can be operated out of short-runway and high-altitude airports, which means they can be used as spy planes in remote and difficult locations.
The U.S. Department of Defense confirms the contract in a December 2015 statement. According to the statement, the Australian Government awarded L-3 Communications Mission Integration in Greenville, Texas, $93,632,287 for G550 aircraft procurement and maintenance in a 100% foreign-military sale agreement. While the exact modifications to be undertaken are unknown, according to The Manufacturer, the newly modified aircraft will likely be built around an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and put to use as early warning and patrol aircraft over Australia’s skies.
The use of the modern AESA radar allows for operation in a smaller business jet airframe. The technological advancements have further lowered costs and enabled more use of the AESA radars in retrofitted business jets. The completion of the project is set for the end of November 2017.
According to The Manufacturer article, the maritime surveillance aircraft previously used by the RAAF were Lockheed’s Orion four-engine turboprops, some of which may have had electronic intelligence capabilities that will be replaced by the G550s. These aging Orion aircraft will eventually be replaced by newer Boeing P-8A Poseidons, which are slated to begin arriving in Australia in 2017, as well as up to seven Northrop Grumman MQ-4C unmanned aircraft, according to an AINOnline article.
This isn’t the first time such aircraft have been put to military use. Aviation Week reports that modified G550 jets have already been in use by air forces in Singapore, Israel, Italy, and several other countries. Lockheed Martin is working with Bombardier on a proposal based on the Canadian company’s Global 6000 business jets as well.
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It’s not every day that an early generation private jet turns out to be a huge success, but the Gulfstream G200 is an exception. It first hit the market in 1995 as a super-midsize aircraft and has enjoyed incredible popularity ever since.
The Gulfstream G200 climbs to an altitude of 37,000 feet in just 19 minutes.
Ideal for long-haul transcontinental or transoceanic flights, the G200 has a range of 3,400 nautical miles and a cruising speed of 540 mph.
The cabin is 24.4 feet long by 7.2 feet wide with 6.3 feet of standing headroom.
Power outlets are available for each of up to nine passengers.
In the external compartment, 125 cubic feet of baggage is available — the largest in its class.
Plus, the Gulfstream G200 is unique in its ability to maintain a cool cabin. The air in the temperature control system continuously provides fresh air to the passenger cabin, instead of recirculated air.
The forward galley features a microwave, coffeemaker, sink, and ice drawer. The rear lavatory has a solid sliding door, vanity with storage, sink, and running water.
In short, the Gulfstream 200 has everything that could be desired from a private jet: terrific range, delightful cabin size, and a comfortable ride.
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.
The biennial Singapore Airshow is Asia’s largest aircraft industry gathering in the eastern hemisphere. Covering all sectors of aviation, from helicopters to aircraft and drones, the event is a showcase for the state’s own aerospace capabilities as well as a dedicated marketplace for the world’s manufacturers.
Asia on the horizon
In an article for CNN, Enrique Perrella of Airways Magazine says over 650 delegates made their way to the four-day air show, held Feb. 16-21, and the optimistic mood was apparent. Perella reports that Asia is widely seen as the next aviation epicenter of the world and aircraft manufacturers are investing heavily in the region, although recent changes in oil prices took a bite out of sales projections for newer, fuel-efficient aircraft.
An aircraft display area situated just beside the main exhibition hall drew many visitors. According to the Singapore Airshow website, the event organizers offered photo ops, including the chance to get inside the hold of a transport giant or sit in a fighter cockpit. Both the U.S. Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force had aircraft and helicopters on display. The site also provides a list of some of the aviation stars available and on display, which included:
● Airbus Helicopters: EC-130, EC-135, and H-145
● Gulfstream: G150, G280, G450, G550, and G650
● Dassault Falcon 7X
● Embraer Legacy 500
Gulfstream steals the show
According to Aviation Week, Gulfstream brought its entire business jet fleet to the air show, including the extended-range G650ER, which is powered by a Rolls-Royce BR725 A1 engine and is capable of flying 7,000 nautical miles.
There are upward of five dozen Gulfstream aircraft based in Southeast Asia for good reason. According to Andreas Meisel, as cited in Perella’s CNN article, by 2025, it is expected that there will be 200 megacities in China, and each will need to be connected by air and rail. Both commercial and low-cost carriers are introducing new routes, and demand for enhanced aviation infrastructure continues to grow. Direct connectivity is key for the development of the Asia-Pacific region.
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Jet Aviation Vienna, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics aircraft maintenance company based in Basel, Switzerland, received authorization from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to deliver maintenance services to the Gulfstream GV-SP series aircraft, including the G550, according to a Jet Aviation news release.
The news release says that Jet Aviation “also provides line and base maintenance and AOG [aircraft on ground] services to the Cessna Citation series and Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft, as well as line maintenance services to Bombardier Learjet and Global 5000 aircraft.”
A long history
Founded nearly 50 years ago, pioneering company Jet Aviation was started by the late Carl W. Hirschmann, according to Jet Aviation’s “About Us” page. During the 1970s, the company opened facilities in Germany and Saudi Arabia. In the 1980s, it expanded further into Europe and the Middle East. It successfully entered the U.S. market and opened its first facility in Singapore in 1995.
Now, with eight locations in the U.S., one in the Caribbean, nine in Europe, five in the Middle East, and three in Asia, according to the company’s “Locations” page, Jet Aviation is poised to be a very useful name to know when you need jet maintenance or service. An AviationPros press release says that Jet Aviation Vienna was founded in 2014 when it entered agreements with Gate V and FAME, former service providers at the Vienna International Airport. It’s newly constructed 4,000-square-meter hangar facility provides scheduled and emergency maintenance as well as off-site services.
With nearly 5,000 employees, according to the press release, Jet Aviation appears to be in the sweet spot for delivering aircraft maintenance, but it also manages flight services, charter services, aircraft sales, and staffing solutions for those situations when you need additional support.
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.
During the Clinton administration’s reign, a proposal was released recommending provisions to restructure the U.S. air traffic control (ATC) system and make it a private business, according to an article in the Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research. It called for an air traffic corporation that is efficient, financially safe, and technologically equipped to maintain, operate, and grow the currently inefficient system. In 1994, the study was important, but, over the years, it continued to be buried and revived multiple times through endless bureaucracy and political debate.
What’s wrong with the current ATC system?
Out-of-date technology
Unable to handle weather issues
Inefficient and expensive
The current system is not unsafe, but airplanes have unnecessarily long routings and padded schedules to accommodate potential delays. Simply put, the system is inefficient, poorly managed, and less than modern. The problem has been exacerbated by three decades of failed programs, missed deadlines, and canceled solutions. But, if done well, the new system would mean leaving all the bedraggled Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) baggage behind.
The fight isn’t over yet, and it has pitted commercial and private aviation groups against the U.S. government.
Overcoming red tape
According to an article from Aviation International News, the Department of Transportation inspector general recently delivered a report on the FAA’s shortcomings and failed attempts to deliver a modernized ATC system. While business aviation groups are stepping up their opposition to a proposal to create an independent organization to run the U.S. ATC system, the article also says House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, R-Pa., has stated the desire to make such a proposal the centerpiece of a comprehensive FAA reauthorization bill expected to be released early in 2016.
While no one disagrees that the current system needs to be overhauled, it is far from clear whether the end solution will be an independent organization or a revamped governmental one.
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.
These days, it can be tough to obtain a loan for any major purchase — whether you’re buying a home, a business, or a private jet.
But, according to the AIReport by Conklin & de Decker, the money to buy private jets is available. But these days, qualifying for one is like getting into an Ivy League school.
Although banks are pickier today about the terms of the loans they provide for private jets, those in the market for such a purchase have a better chance of obtaining financing if they are qualified.
The AIReport says financing isn’t available for “crazy aircraft deals:”
deals requiring 100-percent financing
no-interest loans with big balloon payments
deals in which the lender will take the borrower’s word that he or she is “good for it”
loans for aircraft that will exceed 20 years of age by the time the loan is paid back
According to AIReport, to qualify for financing to purchase a private jet, you need three qualities:
Credit: You need to be able to prove you have the finances to buy and operate the aircraft through an examination of assets and liabilities — and that you have sufficient income to cover the deal.
Character: Not only do you need a stable, well-run company, but you and your shareholders should have “reliable, dependable, salt-of-the-earth character.” If you have a good, long-term relationship with a particular financial institution, that’s your first stop in shopping for a loan.
Collateral: You’ll need a 20-percent down payment on a new business jet and sufficient cash or cash-equivalent to secure a loan for the aircraft. The older the aircraft, the bigger the down payment — as much as 50 percent down for a 10- to 15-year-old jet.
BJTonline reports that lenders are considering their own previous experience with potential borrowers, such as:
whether the borrowers over-extended themselves in the past or missed payments on other credit facilities
the changes that have occurred in the borrowers’ financial position over the life of the relationship
whether the borrowers have another aircraft they will try to sell after taking delivery of the new jet, their ability to bear the financial burden of two airplanes and whether they have credit exposure on the first jet
Where you should look for financing to purchase a private jet depends on the relationship with your current lending institution. Although being an existing customer may move the approval process along, having done too much business with the bank — resulting in too much credit exposure — could kill the deal as well.
You are less likely to have an existing credit relationship with a “non-bank aircraft financial institution” unless you already own an aircraft, and such an institution won’t require a deposit or previous relationship to do the deal, according to BJTonline.
The question of whether you’re in need of specialized financing, such as non-recourse financing, may narrow your lending institution options, as many banks will turn those deals away, BJTonline reports. Non-recourse financing will probably require a hefty down payment to the institution making it, but the interest rate may be low enough to make such financing appealing. Regardless of your financing needs, obtain proposals from several institutions and seek advice from a consultant who knows the business inside and out.
You will also find that obtaining financing is a longer process than the few days it once took. These days, according to BJTonline, it may take a month or longer, so plan ahead and don’t wait until the last minute to seek financing.
Rates are lower for short-term deals, so more aircraft buyers are seeking loan financing in the three- to five-year range, BJTonline reports.
Finding a loan to buy a private or business jet may not be as simple as it once was, but it is not impossible if you do your homework and are a buyer whose business and financial relationships are in good standing.
Noise near and around airports is a significant problem as suburbs continue to expand outward, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has placed noise standards on airplanes to ease this common complaint. While aircraft noise issues are highly technical in nature, identifying steps to reduce the impact is important for aural safety. Each stage of the noise standards is intended to ensure that the latest aircraft designs are quieter. As noise-reduction technology continues to develop, the FAA continues to update the standards.
Adapting regulation to technology
Currently, noise pollution is regulated by a four-stage system. Larger jet aircraft are typically regulated up to Stage 4, while helicopters are held at Stage 2. In 2012, the U.S. Congress set standards to prohibit jet airplanes weighing less than 75,000 pounds from operating within the contiguous states after Dec. 31, 2015 — unless the aircraft met Stage 3 noise requirements.
The movement to the next generation of quiet involves maturing fuel technologies as well as technological developments to reduce noise. These incremental improvements have already resulted in a 90% noise level reduction between 1975 and 2000.
Better design, stronger standards
All new aircraft designs have to get approval from the FAA in the form of a certificate that demonstrates that the aircraft complies with noise regulations and airworthiness standards. As new noise-reduction technology improves, the FAA continues to impose ever more stringent standards on jet aircraft in an effort to further reduce noise levels.
Proposed Stage 5 standards will apply to applications made on or after Dec. 31, 2017. While these updated requirements have not yet been approved, the race is on to get aircraft designs that may not meet the noise requirements through the certification process quickly. As a result, you can expect to see more than a few aircraft barreling toward certification in the next two years. It’s an exciting time for the aviation market.
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.
Super Bowl 50 was held on Feb. 7, 2016, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, located between San Jose and San Francisco. As the largest American sports attraction of the year, experts estimated up to 1,200 private jets descended on the area as fans lined up for the annual showdown. With wine country and top golf courses nearby, many people expected private jet travelers to extend their trips into Northern California.
As fans across the nation prepared their ultimate game plans, JetSuite got in on the action by offering empty-leg flights for Super Bowl travelers with next-day travel plans on Friday, Feb. 5, and Saturday, Feb. 6. These super deals ($50 for a flight!) were also available for return legs on Saturday and Sunday. JetSuite offered this special for the entire aircraft. With between four and six seats open on their Phenom or Citation CJ3 aircraft, fliers could register with the company online and receive a text message or email when a SuiteDeal became available from the desired airport location.
With as many as five airport options to fly into, logistics were a bit more challenging, but plenty of private jet operators came up with unique solutions to cater to the Super Bowl crowd — including last-minute opportunities and private parties.
XOJet, based in the Bay Area, sells jet cards and offers on-demand charters. It served Super Bowl-style wings and seven-layer dip to passengers. On the ground, it had dedicated staff and concierge services to ensure clients got to parties by ESPN, Rolling Stone, and DirectTV and could secure game tickets if needed.
VistaJet offered its customers who booked and flew to the game VIP credentials to the Bleacher Ball, where the Zac Brown Band performed.
Berkshire Hathaway-owned NetJets had Maroon 5 playing at its private Saturday afternoon concert in Nob Hill, an event only open to NetJet customers and their guests.
The catering companies were also prepared. AirCulinaire, a network of gourmet kitchens catering in-flight meals to private jet travelers, recently opened a large facility in San Francisco. On Super Bowl weekend, it offered customers departing the Bay Area football-themed local specialties. See their Big Game 2016 In-flight Catering Menu to see the fresh delectables they offered for the ultimate, customizable tailgate party.
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.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) decision-makers have decided to convert corporate jets — Gulfstream G550 business jets, in fact — into modified surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare aircraft in support of defense operations. In an 
It’s not every day that an early generation private jet turns out to be a huge success, but the Gulfstream G200 is an exception. It first hit the market in 1995 as a super-midsize aircraft and has enjoyed incredible popularity ever since.
The biennial Singapore Airshow is Asia’s largest aircraft industry gathering in the eastern hemisphere. Covering all sectors of aviation, from helicopters to aircraft and drones, the event is a showcase for the state’s own aerospace capabilities as well as a dedicated marketplace for the world’s manufacturers.
Jet Aviation Vienna, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics aircraft maintenance company based in Basel, Switzerland, received authorization from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to deliver maintenance services to the Gulfstream GV-SP series aircraft, including the G550, according to 
During the Clinton administration’s reign, a proposal was released recommending provisions to restructure the U.S. air traffic control (ATC) system and make it a private business, according to 
Noise near and around airports is a significant problem as suburbs continue to expand outward, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has placed noise standards on airplanes to ease this common complaint. While aircraft noise issues are highly technical in nature, identifying steps to reduce the impact is important for aural safety. Each stage of the noise standards is intended to ensure that the latest aircraft designs are quieter. As noise-reduction technology continues to develop, the FAA continues to update the standards.
Super Bowl 50 was held on Feb. 7, 2016, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, located between San Jose and San Francisco. As the largest American sports attraction of the year, experts estimated up to 1,200 private jets descended on the area as fans lined up for the annual showdown. With wine country and top golf courses nearby, many people expected private jet travelers to extend their trips into Northern California.