Techies and aviation enthusiasts alike are following the story that broke on Feb. 8. Signature Aviation announced a proposal to build a terminal dedicated private jets at recently updated Mineta San Jose International Airport. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the $82 million project will add to the airport’s west side. Signature Aviation will partner with Blue City Holdings, an LLC that manages Google executives’ jets, to construct a 29-acre business jet hub. The city council will vote in April to determine the future of the proposal.
The Google jets need a home! However, Google doesn’t actually own them; the three top dogs at the Internet giant do. Google’s co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin and CEO Eric Schmidt reportedly own a total of eight aircraft, and they intend to house them at the proposed terminal. We could only find record of these five. Anybody know what the other three are?
- Dornier Alpha fighter jet
The lodging for these jets has been slightly controversial. Since 2007, the Google brass has leased space from NASA under the company name H211. H211 manages the jets at their current home, Moffett Field, which is owned and operated by NASA Ames Research Center. For $1.3 million per year, H211 uses the facilities here, including the historic hangars. Built in 1931, the 8-square-acre Hangar One is one of the largest free-standing buildings in the world. It was originally constructed to accommodate the massive airship USS Macon.
But Hangar One is in trouble. About 10 years ago, scientists discovered that Hangar One was leaking toxic chemicals (PCBs, lead, and asbestos) into the nearby wetlands. So H211 executives made an offer in December 2011 to pay $33 million to refurbish the historic site, with the condition that they would lease the hangar for their exclusive use. The total deal was estimated at $44 million. Industry insiders believe that the new proposal with Signature Aviation to build the facility at Mineta San Jose International Airport means that the offer for Hangar One was rejected by NASA and the White House.
And with no funding from NASA or the Department of Defense, it looks like the future for Hangar One is still up in the air.
Internet browsing may be your initial step when you begin exploring the possibility of buying a private jet. The Web can provide a wealth of information, and you’ll find out what other aircraft owners have to say about certain models of aircraft.
But when you’re ready to start a serious search for the aircraft that meets your needs, you wouldn’t want to buy one you found on the Internet — or anywhere — without enlisting the help of a professional jet broker.
And doing so will save you time, headaches and, ultimately, money.
Detailed knowledge
Aircraft brokers have the best advice about the process of buying a used aircraft that suits your style and your pocketbook. A client may not have a great deal of background knowledge or in-depth technical knowledge about private aircraft. But aircraft brokers know the advantages and disadvantages of each type of jet available and are able to advise you accordingly.
For example, a professional broker might advise you not to shell out millions of dollars for a new aircraft when a plane that meets your requirements is available on the pre-owned market. With the help of a broker, you’ll make your purchase based on fact — not whim or fancy.
When you’re ready to inspect an aircraft you’re considering buying, you’ll want to have a professional who has a good understanding of airplanes look it over thoroughly for an unbiased and informed opinion. The broker can also help you locate a suitable, unbiased provider to perform a detailed pre-sale inspection of the aircraft.
A broker also considers details such as whether the current owner of the jet has paid the taxes on the aircraft, and knows that if the asking price appears too good to be true, it probably is — and not a wise purchase.
A professional broker will do a due-diligence check, ensuring that you are buying a plane that will serve your ongoing needs so you don’t have to upgrade in a short time or pay extra for space, fuel and salaries when you don’t need to.
Quality and value
Jet brokers such as L & L International are experts in the investment opportunities of used airplanes for sale. They understand the needs of specific buyers and the qualities of each of the used airplanes on the market. The first thing that a jet broker will do is perform a full cost analysis. The breakdown of your needs will factor highly in this. For example, if you are looking for a small airplane to transport people around the country, then you won’t need to spend more money than necessary on one of the ultra-long-range jets that are capable of intercontinental travel.
L & L International understands what qualities the buyers of used jets are searching for and the qualities of specific aircraft that may be especially suitable to the particular needs of those clients.
So, whether you are looking to upgrade or purchase your first aircraft, relying on a broker is the most efficient way to maximize your chances of finding the aircraft that’s the right fit for you.
Everybody’s talking about the record-breaking year for preowned business jets. They should; JetNet released compelling numbers:
- 2,240 preowned business jets sold in 2012 (new record!)
- Full sale transactions of used business jets were up 7.2%
- Average Days on Market decreased by 10 for business jets
- Percentage of fleet for sale decreased to 13.4%
What does this mean for buyers?
Because the for-sale inventory is higher than 10%, it’s still considered a buyer’s market. So if you’re interested in acquiring a preowned jet, now is the time. The improvement in the private jet market is expected to increase, so we will likely see a continuing decrease in the number of preowned jets for sale. That means now is the time to buy.
What does this mean for sellers?
Fewer days on the market and the record number of transactions are good news for sellers! Things are loosening up, and some of the more risk-averse buyers and financers are gaining confidence in the economy again.
Also, depending on your aircraft, you may have a hot commodity! Business Jet Traveler’s annual report shows the top jets for sale in the preowned market. For example, the Gulfstream G200 averages only 259 days on the market, well below the industry-wide average of 370. Aircraft built after 1999 are the most sought after, and only 7% are for sale, creating a pretty tight market.
These numbers released last week are an encouraging step toward a once-again thriving business jet market. It looks like 2013 is the time to get in on the action!
For some, a family vacation should include the entire family — even the four-legged members. However, traveling in the cargo hold of a commercial aircraft puts animals in unnecessary danger.
For some people, traveling with pets is a necessity. Breeders and show-dog handlers earn their livelihood from their pets. For them, making sure their four-legged friends arrive with both body and mind intact is crucial.
Flying can be dangerous for animals
According to Private Jets VIP, the Humane Society of the United States recommends that people don’t transport pets by commercial air unless absolutely necessary. Numerous documented incidents reveal the potential dangers for beloved pets: getting sick or dehydrated, suffering an accidental injury or even dying while on aircraft.
Private Jets VIP says that investing in a private flight is an investment in your pet’s health, happiness and safety, as well as your peace of mind.
Some commercial airlines allow small pets in carriers to ride in the cabin with their owners, but they often have restrictions on the number of pets allowed. On a private aircraft, pets need only remain in their carriers during takeoff, landing and any turbulence, unless they have behavior issues. Otherwise, they can remain at their owners’ side or in their arms, and they are never separated. Owners don’t have to worry about their pets not being allowed on board, being loaded into the cargo hold or getting lost during flight connections or cancellations, Private Jets VIP says.
On a private jet, pet owners can make sure their animals are comfortable, content, fed, and hydrated. Some charter companies even provide pets with special treats, toys or other luxuries, Private Jets VIP says.
What to know before you go
RYL, a private jet chartering company, advises those who intend to fly with pets to inform their brokers that pets will travel with them, so the brokers can secure an aircraft approved to transport pets.
Note that large dogs are typically counted as a passenger and are either seat-belted in during take-off and landing or placed in a pet carrier during these times to ensure the animal’s safety, RYL says. It is imperative that the pet is well trained when pursuing the seat belt option because of the considerable cost to repair damaged seats, upholstery and carpets.
Regardless of the method used to transport pets, the American Veterinary Medical Association strongly discourages the use of sedatives and tranquilizers for cats and dogs, according to RYL. An animal’s natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation, which can be dangerous when the animal is moved in flight. In addition, because the animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures during flights, they can succumb to respiratory and cardiovascular problems when sedated or tranquilized.
In general, flying can be stressful for pets and is not always the best mode of transport. Before including pets on a flight, owners should consider whether their animals will get along with the other people and pets on the flight. In addition, owners should understand that even on a private flight with the best accommodations, animals may still not be happy during the flight. Cries or howls of anxiety that continue throughout the duration of the flight may make the trip stressful for all on board.
Even with these limitations, pet owners who need or want to travel with their pets will take considerable comfort in the benefits that a private flight offers.
As the U.S. and European economies sputter along, aircraft manufacturers have had to rely on other geographic markets to realize any growth. The BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) have received a lot of attention in the last few years, but now it seems that manufacturers’ attention has turned to Africa.
- Cessna toured Africa in January 2013, showing its Cessna Citation Jet 3 and Cessna Sovereign.
- Dassault Aviation took a business tour of Africa in November 2012.
This interest in African markets makes sense—the private jet market is growing in Africa! Oil-rich Nigeria is second only to China in rate of growth in the sector. Nigeria has spent $6.5 billion on private jets since 2007. In five years, the number of jets in that country has increased from 20 to 150.
However, a new roadblock has cropped up. Rumors are going around that the Nigerian government has halted importations of private jets as of Jan. 21. This should be a temporary hold while officials reformulate the country’s policy on private aircraft. Considering the fast, significant growth in the last five years, previous policies are now outdated or irrelevant.
But there is promise for aircraft manufacturers throughout Africa, not simply in Nigeria.
To promote the African private jet industries, the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) was introduced at EBACE in May 2012. Its mission: “AfBAA will promote the understanding and benefits that Business Aviation provides for the continent’s economic development and prosperity through its unwavering commitment to the organization’s Guiding Principles, thus offering assistance and support to enterprises, entrepreneurs, business leaders, governments and their respective Civil Aviation Authorities.”
Africa is a huge continent, with diverse geographies, politics, cultures, and resources. As a result, intra-Africa air travel is extremely low, and this fact affects economies all over the continent. For any type of emerging market to grow here, people need to be able to go between locations within Africa without having to fly to London. Because traveling by road is often either dangerous or impossible, air travel is frequently the only way to get to a destination. The growing private jet market will likely lead to improved commercial flights intra-Africa and consequently, better business.
Whether you’re ready to invest in leather upholstery or your aircraft is due for a full-blown interior makeover, Aero-Nasch Aviation, Inc. offers a complete repertoire of aircraft interior maintenance, restoration and custom-upgrade services.
In business since 1986, Aero-Nasch Aviation focuses on quality first in customer service and work, expecting work performed on any aircraft to meet and exceed high standards.
Aero-Nasch Aviation services for private jets include:
- Interior Refurbishing — complete custom refurbishing and modification services including seating, carpeting, cabinetry, fixtures, air stairs, runners and other jet interior services.
- Seat Upholstery — premium-quality handmade custom foam work and upholstery for seats, divans and throw pillows.
- Carpeting — custom-designed carpets for all interior areas.
- Cabinetry and Woodwork — high-quality modification, re-veneering, repairing and refinishing for all types of interior cabinetry and fixtures.
- Interior Maintenance — complete periodic service and cleaning of window shades, seats, carpets, galley and interior fixtures.
- Custom Thermoforming — specializing in short-run custom thermoform molding. Use your molds or we can make them for you.
- Window Services — Factory Authorized MSA Service Center; complete repair, cleaning, color change and lens replacement services available.
Many of the services and maintenance areas in the aircraft are the cockpit, crew seats, jump seat, cabin, cabin seats, divan, vestibule, galley, lavatory, baggage and flooring. Custom interior services and maintenance are available for a wide variety of private jets including:
If you’re interested in one of the aircraft interior services mentioned above or have a custom jet interior job in mind, visit http://www.aeronasch.com/ or call (818) 786-5480.
If the U.S. aviation sector wants to continue its path of innovation, it needs to attract young people to the field. Without fresh minds, the industry may find itself in a drought of talent in coming years. Many people are concerned that young people today are too removed from aviation – that they don’t have any direct access to planes or contact with pilots. Most young people’s only experience with flight is a commercial airline trip every once in a while.
But there are certainly places where adolescents gain exposure to the field of aviation. One shining example is at a high school in League City, Texas. Students at Clear Spring High School have been working together to build an airplane from the ground up. They have deciphered complex instructions to construct a shiny, super-light aircraft.
On the other side of the country, a teenager in New Jersey completed his first solo flight on the same day he received his learner’s permit to drive a car. While most students his age are worrying about denting Mom’s SUV, Josh Eichel understands what it takes to take off and land an airplane without any one else on board.
Down under, Ryan Campbell is gearing up for the flight of his life. The young Australian pilot is planning to leave in July 2013 to fly around the world. This 25-stop, 15-country tour will make 19-year-old Campbell the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world.
Perhaps you have a youngster in your life who you think would be excited to get involved in aviation. Throughout the U.S., the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has volunteer pilots that take kids on flights. The Young Eagle program was started in 1992, and it encourages young people to learn how to fly an airplane. AOPA research discovered that participants in the Young Eagles program are more likely to become pilots. Find a participating pilot in your area.
Keep up the great work, kiddos!
Unless you’re into old, classic cars, every car you own or buy has airbags. In fact, not only are they status quo on the modern vehicle, many people won’t ride in a car unless it has airbags.
But these same people might fly without them.
Considering the level of serious injuries crews and passengers might sustain in an aircraft incident, that doesn’t make much sense.
According to Dr. Guohua Li, director of research in the emergency medicine department at Johns Hopkins University, quoted in Business Jet Traveler (BJT), “The lap belt is insufficient in protecting passengers from decelerative injuries in aviation crashes.”
According to Li’s study, as reported by BJT, 42 percent of aircraft crash fatalities resulted from multiple injuries, 22 percent of deaths were caused by head injuries and 12 percent resulted from internal injuries of the thorax, abdomen or pelvis. Head injuries are the most common cause of death among children involved in an aircraft incident.
Phoenix-based AmSafe Aviation, quoting the Aircraft and Pilots Association (AOPA) 2004 Nall Report, says more than 50 percent of all general aviation accidents occur during taxi, takeoff or landing — and most are survivable. One primary factor in surviving an aircraft accident is avoiding a debilitating injury to the head or neck that prevents you from getting out of the aircraft.
Which makes installing airbags as the next upgrade to your business jet common sense — and highly plausible with AmSafe Aviation Inflatable Restraint (AAIR), an airbag designed for aircraft.
“It fills the space in front of the passenger to control upper torso flail,” BJT reported Bill Hagan, AmSafe Aviation president, as saying. “The bag is also designed to leak at a specific rate, allowing it to collapse so the passenger articulates forward slowly. All this happens in the blink of an eye. When [this process has] completed, the entire bag has deflated and presents no egress issues. The condition of the deflated bag could be described as like having a pillowcase on your lap.”
To see a video of the AAIR system at work, visit this Popular Mechanics article page.
The AAIR, which went into service in 2001, is now installed in more than 20,000 airline seats worldwide, and AmSafe began receiving requests for the device from general aviation aircraft manufacturers about three years ago. It is now installed as standard equipment on 80 percent of all new aircraft delivered worldwide, Hagan tells BJT.
One of the main ways the AAIR saves lives is by preventing head injuries. If a person is rendered unconscious by a blow to the head, he might not escape from a survivable accident. AmSafe explains that the AAIR meets strict head injury criteria (HIC) and provides protection comparable to standard automobile airbags.
AmSafe is betting on the business jet industry getting in on the airbag action, by choice or through the Federal Aviation Administration, which may eventually require airbags. However, installing the AAIR System in private aircraft is somewhat complicated because seats are often not lined up one behind the other. They may face forward, backward and even sideways, making deploying airbags in front of the passengers impractical in some situations.
To solve these problems, AmSafe offers AAIR systems that can be mounted anywhere on the seatbelt, including multiple places in two- to five-point restraint systems. AmSafe also offers airbag systems for side-facing divans in private aircraft cabins.
After the games on Sunday, football fans all over the world will know who will be playing in Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, La., on Feb. 3. Will it be the New England Patriots v. San Francisco 49ers? Or perhaps the Baltimore Ravens will take on the Atlanta Falcons in the big game.
For some football fans, it doesn’t matter who plays in the Super Bowl. Do you remember this commercial featuring the Never Miss a Super Bowl club? Today, the 46-year-old club claims only three members, so most Super Bowl attendees may wait to make plans to attend the game until they know their team made it all the way. (Or didn’t make it all the way, as the case may be!)
One company getting into the action is The Early Air Way, a private jet charter brokerage. Alex Early, CEO of The Early Air Way, says, “The moment we know who will be playing, the rush will begin.” Now is the time to make your transportation plans to the big game in the Big Easy.
New Orleans Lakefront Airport (KNEW)is the airport closest to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and it recently added three new hangars to accommodate Super Bowl private jet traffic. In 2002, the airport had several hundred aircraft parked there for the Super Bowl, and they anticipate similar activity this year. If you’re planning on using its facilities for your trip, be sure to make reservations early as they are required!
For a complete list of other airports in the area, check out the neworleanssuperbowl.com website. It has all of the information you need, from restaurants and receptions to pilot requirements, for your business aviation trip to the Super Bowl. Have fun at the big game!
Taughannock Aviation Corporation(TAC) excels at providing aircraft management and air charter services to the Northeast. From its humble beginnings as a charter operator with a single Piper Seneca twin-engine aircraft, TAC has worked to become a true full-service provider. With sales offices and aircraft bases in Teterboro, Miami, and Ithaca, TAC has been in business more than 30 years. It has amassed more than 40 million air miles and 100,000 flight hours without an accident or injury.
TAC offers complete aircraft management services, including aircraft maintenance with their Part 145 repair station and pilot training at and above FAA standards. It also offers custom plans that allow you to tailor a management program to your aircraft usage and the level of involvement you would like to have. In addition, the company provides expert repairs and aircraft maintenance.
Working with aircraft ranging from Gulfstream business jets to Cessna trainers, TAC technicians employ a wealth of experience in the latest technology. Their maintenance capabilities are extensive, from routine inspections to major repairs and alterations. The company ensures that each avionics repair or installation goes smoothly, on budget, and on schedule.
TAC offers a full range of aircraft management, charter, and aircraft maintenance services to a broad spectrum of aviation users. Plus, as the sole fixed-base operator (FBO) at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (KITH), TAC provides hangar accommodations, fuel services, parking, concierge services, and other amenities.
Incredibly, even as the company has grown to become one of the Northeast’s largest and most competitive aircraft management and air charter companies, TAC still maintains the highest levels of safety, integrity, and personalized service for each client.
