Author: Sam

It’s Back to Business Trips

November 23, 2015 No Comments

Ah, it’s back to work for many of us. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or just take a few business trips a year, having the right gear makes a difference. The trip you take and what you do while you’re gone may vary, but in most cases, your list of travel gear remains consistent every time you travel to meet a business client or attend an important conference. This gear will keep you happy, organized, and feeling refreshed on your trip.

1. Carry-on

If you fly often, you know that waiting for your bag is no picnic. If you fly a combination of commercial and private flights, then you also know that there is no standard size for a carry-on bag. It depends on the carrier and the space available in the plane. When you fly private, you have more leeway on liquids and, in most cases, the size of your carry-on. Plus, your carry-on will usually be available as quickly as you step off the plane — even if it’s loaded in the cargo hold. Either way, flying with a carry-on-sized bag versus an oversized bag is just plain smart. Our recommended features:

• Lightweight frame
• Non-black color (slate grey or navy blue work well)
• Bigger wheels (more stability over bumps)
• Exterior pockets
• Telescoping handle

2. Bluetooth headset

Not only for taking meetings on the road or listening to music, a Bluetooth is critical for safe driving and foot navigation. Headsets are ideal for staying connected with your environment while also answering that all-important incoming call.

3. Tablet portfolio

Long gone are the days of the laptop computer — we’ve moved to tablets and the cloud for a multitude of reasons:

• Lightweight
• Easy to use
• Entertainment-ready

Keeping your tablet safe from falls, spills, and other dangers is just as important as protecting your smartphone. Find a case that combines style with rugged safety.

4. Dopp kit

The perfect way to keep your toiletries, hair products, and makeup organized and accessible is a high-quality dopp kit. Ideally, it will be water-resistant so it can easily move from steamy bathrooms into your suitcase and keep your clothes safe from accidents. How do you choose the perfect size? Put everything you need on a daily basis in travel size into a plastic bag and measure it — height, length, and width. Then, go online to find the right bag (e-bags has plenty of options and easy filtering).

5. Cord organizer

Until technology companies get into the game of giving us all universal cords, we’re just going to have to suffer carrying five to seven cords on every trip. A KangaRoom Travel Cord Organizerkeeps all those cords wrapped up and handy, and it includes space for a power strip. Now you can unzip, insert one plug, and you’re ready to charge everything in your bag.

Calm business trips are entirely dependent on being prepared.

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.

Electric Trains, Cars, and … Airplanes?

November 18, 2015 No Comments

In just 15 years, lightweight aircraft could be powered by new, lithium-ion batteries. These aircraft are likely to be the “flying cars” made of lightweight material and powered by superconductor technology. They will also be able to take off and land using much less space, making obtaining a pilot’s license the new rite-of-passage, possibly replacing the driver’s license.

A brief history of electric planes

The history of electric aircraft is short. The Tissandier brothers flew an electric-powered airship in the 1880s, but it wasn’t until 1970 that electric planes started to become slightly more commonplace. Some early experimental electric planes were solar-powered, but those planes were not developed into the planes we see today. In 2007, Randall Fishman flew a battery-operated tricycle hang glider at Airventure Oshkosh. Fishman has since continued experimenting and designing motored gliders powered by battery. He’s not alone, either — a European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), the original name for Airbus Group SE (or “societas Europaea,” Latin for European company), crew flew an electric plane in 2009, and Chinese aircraft manufacturer Yuneec’s team appears to be close to selling an electric-powered plane to the public.

Technology advances for climate security

In the trend of all things electric, the potential for zero emissions has great appeal. Current attitudes about carbon dioxide and its impact on the environment are pushing the value of electric flight. Just as sales of electric cars are increasing by as much as 500%, the desire for quiet, efficient, clean airplanes is likely to increase just as quickly.

Range is the key to electric flight

While there is plenty of interest from pilots, early electric aircraft don’t yet provide the range for anything beyond short flights. To date, there are no electric aircraft on the design tables that are capable of long-distance flights. Until the advent of the super battery, electric planes will likely remain limited in their capabilities.

Training on electric airplanes

The commercial side of electric planes may, however, be less about taking lots of people from here to there and more about teaching new pilots how to fly. Flight schools are taking a serious interest in electric planes because they are less expensive, simpler to fly, and quieter — allowing them to operate in regions with noise controls in place. In the near term, the flight school administrators may gobble up the planned production of electric planes and use them to teach new pilots the art of flying.

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.

Airport Hospitality Is Not Just for Stranded Passengers

November 12, 2015 No Comments

In a twist of roles, airport developers now want their hotels to be your next destination, rather than just a stop on your way to somewhere else. They believe in the luxury of not having to hop into a van or rent a car to have a little fun or hold a meeting. Their innovative design plans will outweigh the current view of hotel airports as less-than-desirable destinations.

After all, airport hotels have long had the reputation of being only for stranded passengers and tired airline crews. The vacancy rates of airport hotels typically run as high as 75%. To fill that empty space, airport designers are now getting into the destination game in an effort to transform their hotels into destinations of choice for picky travelers.

So far, five have announced plans to build hotel complexes:

1. San Francisco International Airport
2. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
3. Baltimore-Washington International Airport
4. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
5. Denver International Airport

Their designers are hoping to give non-airport hotels a run for their money, too.

Designed for efficiency

In addition to not having to rent a car or hop on a hotel shuttle, these new airport hotels will have built-in efficiencies that are likely to challenge non-airport hotels, including:

• Keyless entry systems
• Loyalty program integration
• App reservations and check-ins
• Modern conference facilities
• Access to public transportation

All designer plans so far expect the hotels to be four-star minimum and include commuter-rail-to-terminal transportation, as well as open-air plazas and observation decks.

FAA and TSA

There are potential wrinkles in the plans as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) weigh in. The FAA is concerned with building height, location, and, in some cases, the building materials. The TSA is concerned about the planners’ desires to enclose passengers within the security zone so they don’t have to re-enter security.

The next time you’re booking a trip, don’t be surprised if you’re offered a stay at an airport hotel — and not just because you expect to miss your flight!

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.

High-Flying Air Surfing Is Here

November 3, 2015 No Comments

Members of the Perlan Project, sponsored by theAirbus Group, successfully launched an engineless plane in September, and the world of aviation is abuzz. The Perlan Project is a volunteer, non-profit endeavor whose members share the history-making goal of opening the world to new discoveries in high-altitude flight. Those working on the project hope to learn more about climate change and speed up space exploration.

In the true spirit of exploration, Perlan Mission 2 will push the boundaries of aviation development with implications on future aircraft performance and safety, especially as it operates without an engine and is operated by a crew at very high altitudes.

No-engine high flyer

The Perlan 2 glider is a pressurized sailplane designed to ride air currents. In some mountainous regions near the South and North poles, the height of those air currents can reach into the Earth’s stratosphere, which means the Perlan 2 can reach the outer edges of our atmosphere. The glider is expected to reach heights of 90,000 feet next year, and its flight speed at that altitude is more than 400 miles per hour.

Of course, air density at that height is less than 2% of what it is at sea level, so the two-person crew breathes pure oxygen through a system similar to what astronauts use in space.

Planetary implications

The new, engineless plane is operated in atmospheric conditions similar to those on Mars, which will provide valuable insight into how winged aircraft will operate in the atmosphere above the surface of that yet-to-be explored planet.

Closer to home, the Perlan 2 is designed to explore the edge of space without polluting the atmosphere it is designed to study. Specifically, data collected during use of the sailplane will increase our knowledge on several critical fronts, including:

• Understanding weather changes
• Predicting climate change
• Diagnosing the ozone layer

The Perlan 2 will also have implications on the future of aviation. Many of the data researchers will collect on high-altitude weather phenomena they will encounter will inform aircraft developers about the performance and safety of planes in those conditions. This will be especially important as the commercial side of the aviation industry looks for ways to operate aircraft at higher altitudes.

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.

Image source: www.perlanproject.org.

Calculate the Real Cost of Operating a Private Jet

October 27, 2015 No Comments

What does it cost to own and operate a private jet? While buying your own private aircraft is about having the freedom to fly wherever and whenever you need to, the cost of operating that business tool is about more than just the price of the plane and the fuel to fly. Take a look at this list of costs that you will need to consider, depending on how often you fly and what features you want to have on each flight.

• Annual insurance premium — Just like your vehicle, home, or boat, it’s necessary to have insurance on your private jet. The cost of insuring your plane is similar to your car. It takes into consideration replacement value and miles flown each year.

  It also has an additional factor — the pilot. Most people who buy a private jet are not the pilot of that jet, and if other people are allowed to fly the plane, they are typically named on the airplane insurance policy. The insurance company will want to know that the named pilots are qualified and will base your premium on their flight records, hours in the air, and other specifics.

• Storage — Whether you choose to house your plane in a hangar or tie it down on the runway when it’s not in flight, storing your plane costs money, just like a parking space.
• Maintenance costs — Again, just like a vehicle on the ground, your plane will need regular maintenance. You can typically get a good idea of the recommended maintenance schedule from the manufacturer, and the costs will depend on the provider you choose.

  If you park your plane near where the maintenance and repair facility is located, you can often save a little by being a frequent customer. In addition, don’t forget to calculate the cost of the annual inspection.

• Salaries and benefits for the crew — Depending on how often you fly, you may want a consistent pilot and crew, versus the “rent a crew” option. Your crew may be employees of your company or another; either way, you’ll need to consider how much that will cost.
• Take-off and landing fees — Any plane that lands at an airport must pay a landing fee, based on maximum takeoff weight, which can vary dramatically from airport to airport.
• Catering — If you are hosting guests and want to wow them, you might want to factor in catering options. These costs may include food, ice, alcohol, and other options that aren’t normally stored on board. Don’t forget to consider children or pets! Likely, they will need special accommodations.

Private jet ownership means leaving your personal belongings on board and having your jet ready to leave when you want to leave. You control who does and does not fly or ride on your aircraft. You get to hand-pick the staff and customize the aircraft as you desire.

Still, there is no magic formula for figuring out the total cost of private jet ownership. It depends on the aircraft, how often and how you fly — and your personal choices.

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 anytime at +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.

Sizable Safety Concerns

October 23, 2015 No Comments

Over 60 years ago, when the federal standards regarding the strength of airplane seats and passenger safety belts were established, the average passenger weight was recorded as 170 pounds. The typical American man now weighs nearly 200 pounds and the average American woman 165.

Engineers and scientists have recently begun raising questions about whether airplane safety belts and seats — which are tested with 170-pound crash dummies — are strong enough to protect heavier travelers. In theory, if a seat collapsed or a safety belt failed, not just one passenger would be hurt. Those nearby could also be endangered by the unrestrained motion of the unsecured passenger who was too heavy for the equipment.

In 2005, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) updated the average passenger weights used in calculating every flight’s weight and balance. That summer, calculations were raised to 200 pounds for men and 179 for women, with higher weights for the winter when passengers wear heavier clothing.

While the width of airline seats is restricted by the width of the airplane body, the airline seat construction may not be strong enough to withstand the impact of heavier passengers on those seated behind them, simply because the testing protocols have not been updated. So far, much of the attention on air travel for larger passengers has been drawn to whether they need to purchase two seats.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) did recommend that the FAA begin collecting data about the size and weight of passengers flying in private planes to better understand whether the testing accurately predicts the effectiveness of seat restraints. The NTSB has not addressed the issue on commercial planes because investigators haven’t encountered any accidents in which passenger weight was a factor in being able to escape injury in a crash.

Equal safety, however, does not mean equal comfort. As airlines further restrict seat size to maximize paying customers, an adapted seat has been designed by SII Deutschland. This innovative design is one and a half times as large as the standard seat to accommodate wider passengers and the needs of toddlers traveling with an average-sized parent. These larger seats, as well as “comfort bookings” in which a traveler purchases two seats, are aimed at overweight passengers, but are available to passengers of all sizes, as well as those flying with children. Still other airlines have considered basing charges on each traveler’s weight.

While passengers focus on issues of comfort and the NTSB focuses on safety, it’s clear these juxtaposed forces agree that the testing regulations need to be updated to verify safety for all travelers with the presence of heavier passengers.

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.

How Not to Buy a Business Jet

October 19, 2015 No Comments

Buying a corporate jet can be an excellent move for businesses for many reasons. As with any major purchase, however, there is a wrong way to go about it. For the smoothest purchase process possible, keep in mind and avoid these common mistakes.

• Treat a business jet purchase like a car deal. An aircraft purchase takes weeks or even months — you can’t simply waltz into a dealership and negotiate a good price, then drive off the lot as a happy new jet owner. Private jet purchases are complicated deals that require you to identify your needs and then research to determine the right aircraft to meet those needs — and that’s just the beginning. Be prepared to put in the time and effort necessary for a successful purchase.
• Fail to compare all your options. With a firm grasp of exactly the business requirements that need to be met through a private aircraft purchase, it is imperative that you rigorously compare all your options, including charters, fractional ownership, whole ownership, and the like. Only with an open mind can you make the right decision for your organization’s situation.
• Focus solely on purchase cost. An aircraft costs more than simply the purchase price. Buyers need to understand capital and operating costs, and ensure they budget conservatively for maintenance and upgrades.
• Skim jet logs and records. Failure to conduct a thorough evaluation of jet logs and records for preowned aircraft spells danger. Dig into documentation, which should be complete and comprehensive, and include components with a limited life cycle, records of maintenance programs to ensure they conform to manufacturer and industry best practice recommendations, and damage history.
• Entertain the expectation that an aircraft will appreciate. The value of an aircraft should be viewed through its benefits to the organization, rather than as an appreciable investment. Buyers can expect their aircraft to depreciate at least 5% each year.

Finally, the biggest mistake that first-time and inexperienced jet buyers make is to go it alone. All of these common mistakes can be sidestepped through the guidance of experienced and knowledgeable professional assistance. Help from L & L International’s brokerage services will not only help you avoid pitfalls, but also ensure the details are addressed and your organization finds the right jet at the right price.

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.