Kids of all ages are starting to get excited about Santa’s annual trip around the world. Santa Claus and his reindeer will launch the Santa One sleigh on Dec. 24 to stop at every good boy and girl’s house throughout the world to deliver a gift. This has been going on for 160 centuries.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) explains: “Long before the Wright brothers flew the first airplane or the Montgolfier brothers launched the first hot air balloon, Santa had to find a way to travel from house to house at great speed. We know from our Santa Cam images that Santa’s choice for quick transportation was a herd of flying reindeer.”
Technology is catching up to Santa, though. In 1955, NORAD started following Santa’s every move on Christmas Eve and answering phone calls and requests for updates of Santa’s progress. In 1998, NORAD launched the NORAD Tracks Santa website, so people from all over the world have access to Santa’s progress in real time. The good people at NORAD in Colorado Springs, Colo., volunteer their time each year to monitor Santa in four ways: radar, satellites, Santa Cams, and fighter jets.
A couple of years ago, we suggested that perhaps the time has come for Santa Claus to upgrade to a corporate jet. This assertion is based on improved standards for both comfort and safety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains that air traffic controllers can watch for Santa One thanks to retrofitting Rudolph’s red nose with state-of-the-art avionics and the implementation of NextGen.
This year, the FAA is suggesting that Santa consider a new approach to his annual journey: pre-shipping the gifts to airports all over the world and picking them up from there. This would help Santa One use less fuel because it would carry a lighter load, and NextGen capabilities allow for more direct descents and takeoffs, which will also conserve fuel. You can follow Santa’s Story every day in December.
[This article was originally published in 2010, but the basic idea that businesses with private jets are productive and more successful than those that don’t still rings true.]
While the private jet industry — like the rest of the economy — has experienced its share of turbulence in recent years, now is the time to take advantage of the value in the market, both in price and in benefits that a private jet adds to your business.
According to the Wichita Eagle, reporting on a presentation by Michael Scheering, Signature Flight Support president, the business jet market has begun to recover, although that recovery has been muted.
Scheering says that Fortune 200 companies are flying as much today as they did in 2008, but small-business owners are hesitant to use business aviation as much as they did in previous years. That hesitance is due, in part, to uncertainty about the tax structure for small businesses and their future income, which leads to a lack of confidence and less use of private jets, he says.
However, not only is it possible to get a good value on a jet in today’s market, but owning one can add value to your company, according to Jeffery Reich, principal of Elevon Consulting LLC, writing for Forbes.
Studies of the S&P 500 show that the use of business aviation contributes to the financial success of companies, Reich says.
He argues that using a business jet can help a company make more money faster, pointing to a NEXA Advisors report that shows businesses that use private aircraft grew their top line six percent more than those not using business aircraft. A 2009 study showed that:
- earnings growth on an annual average was 434 percent higher for users of business aircraft than for non-users
- total stock and dividend growth was 252 percent higher for users
- total share price growth was 156 percent higher
- market capitalization growth measured by market value growth was 496 percent higher
And, because these figures are from the period in which auto makers’ use of corporate jets was challenged by politicians in late 2008, growth figures may be even higher now, Reich writes.
The key to turning the purchase or ownership of a private jet into a business advantage lies in optimizing its use, he says: “taking the time to determine what value air travel can provide your particular business strategies.” Considering business aircraft from a cost-focused approach will only determine that it’s “expensive,” and you will compromise safety and potential value.
Reich recommends that businesses use the same processes in determining whether and how to use private jets. Start with a strategic alignment, taking an unbiased approach and people who can speak to both the business and aviation sides of the table. Eventually, aviation will become just another seat at the table, and another tool in the arsenal of sustainable ways to generate revenue, he says.
The hangar – that underappreciated but so necessary aircraft accessory. But it’s more than just a storage facility. Aircraft owners and personnel spend a lot of time here, sprucing up the plane or making repairs. Might as well make it comfy, right?
Or perhaps you’d like to get more mileage out of your hangar. Looking for a fun new venue for a holiday party? Or perhaps a fundraiser? Family reunion? Anytime you need a large space to accommodate a big group of people, an airplane hangar just might be the ticket. People host all sort of events in hangars, from wine festivals to weddings.
Every year, the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar hosts a Top Gun party in a hangar. The active airbase is the ‘real’ Top Gun flight school. Check out the transformation of the hangar into party venue!
Perhaps attending a party or event in a hangar isn’t enough for you. You can join the growing ranks of people that have either renovated a hangar into a home, like Ivo Zdarsky did in a remote part of Utah or Robert Severance, Jr., in Florida. And then there’s the neighborhood with 75 feet wide streets and a hangar on every lot.
Sometimes general aviation airports need more hangar space or owners decide they need a new hangar. AOPA offers a great resource that explains how to get started planning your hangar.
Some countries are simply not as safe as others for travelers. Given the unrest is many parts of the world right now, it’s smart to take a little time to prepare for international travel. But the reality is anything can happen anywhere you fly, whether in the United States or the other side of the world.
According to Edward L. Lee II, author of Staying Safe Abroad: Traveling, Working and Living in a Post-9/11 World, no country is safe — especially for high-net-worth individuals who fly privately and make inviting targets for terrorists and other criminals. Lee spent 30 years with the U.S. State Department, in which he served as a regional security officer in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East and helped develop post-9/11 anti-terrorism strategies.
Although flying by private jet eases your burden when flying internationally and domestically, Privatejetcharter.net offers these tips to make traveling internationally safer and smoother, in case a routine trip turns into one not so routine:
- Keep a travel folder with all of your documents in it for that trip alone. If you’re flying by charter, keep copies of private jet charter quotes and any paperwork you receive from your broker or charter operator. Ask the operator for confirmation that the aircraft is registered with the FAA and get copies of the aircraft’s FAA 135 Operating Certificate and relevant insurance policies to keep together in your travel folder.
- Research visa requirements for your destination country. Learn as much as you can, as far in advance as you are able, remembering that paperwork processing can often take longer than you might expect and expediting visa requests (when it can be done) can be costly.
- Register your trip with the U.S. State Department. In the event of a natural disaster or personal emergency in the foreign country to which you are traveling, the State Department can help coordinate assistance for you and your loved ones.
- Make several copies of your most important documents, such as passports, visas, travel insurance, travel itinerary, medical insurance, allergies and immunizations. Include one copy of each in every piece of luggage and leave one copy of each in a folder back home for your travel point-of-contact.
- Work with your travel agent, private jet charter broker or concierge to figure out in-country travel options in advance. Make sure you have cash in appropriate denominations for taxis, tours, ferries and other local transportation needs.
In case of distress while traveling abroad, U.S. consular officers are stationed in more than 250 embassies and consulates around the globe. To help prevent some unpleasant experiences, the State Department also offers plenty of valuable information — from what to take versus what’s better left at the office, to the laws and customs of the country you’re visiting.
- For travel safety tips and to find help while traveling abroad, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1180.html.
- To register your international trip as part of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, go to https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
- To receive travel alerts by country, visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html
Bon voyage!
It’s Thanksgiving here in the U.S. — a day we set aside to appreciate all that we have, watch football, and eat a huge feast. While regional differences do exist, the typical Thanksgiving meal consists of mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, wild rice, yams, green bean casserole, fresh rolls, and of course … turkey.
Because I’m a fan of flying, the upcoming holiday made me wonder if turkeys can fly. They have wings, right? They just don’t seem flightworthy.
Obviously, having wings doesn’t mean something can fly. Look at ostriches or penguins. And domestic turkeys, sadly, cannot fly; they’re just too heavy. Wild turkeys, however, can take flight, contrary to popular myth.
Turkey Flight Facts
- They roost in trees, so they fly up to their nests. This protects them from predators.
- They can reach top flight speeds of 55 m.p.h.
- Although they can fly, turkeys prefer to stay on the ground.
Have you ever seen a wild turkey glide through the sky, high above? They do live in every one of the 48 contiguous states, so it’s definitely possible to see turkeys, no matter where you live in the U.S. However, turkeys don’t really glide when they fly. They take off straight up, more like a helicopter than an airplane. And if they do fly laterally, turkeys stay close to the ground.
This Thanksgiving, enjoy your turkey and your holiday! Now you have a little turkey trivia for the kids’ table!
Give your tired jet a refreshing nose-to-tail detail. Wisetouch Interiors of Opalocka, Fla., offers the services you need. This company has multiple hangars to accommodate the full spectrum of aircraft refurbishment options.
Wisetouch Interiors does exteriors
Maintaining the exterior of the aircraft is important for more reasons than just the appearance of the plane from the runway. Corrosion and other damage reduce the value of the plane and diminish the overall integrity of the exterior. In addition to cleaning, Wisetouch technicians remove scratches and other forms of damage even on the most complex aircraft exteriors.
Inside the aircraft, the Wisetouch team cleans and restores every material including wood, marble, leather, carpets, mirrors, and more. The professional attention to detail means each surface is carefully inspected before treatments are applied.
Remodeling the cabin
Wisetouch even provides design consultations to help its clients plan modifications to the aircraft’s interior. The company’s designers assist with every phase of the project, from concept to installation of custom galleys, credenzas, and seating. Wisetouch installers are experienced with both hardwoods and composite materials, and they make careful recommendations about the best material for each project.
Getting your pre-owned aircraft serviced by Wisetouch Interiors is much more than just taking it through a wash and wax. The experienced team transforms outdated interiors and exteriors into sleek, modern aircraft. Without question, the Wisetouch suite of services improves the value of your plane. Take your refurbished investment to the skies, and the results may improve your mood, as well.
The ninth biannual Airshow China is going on right now in Zhuhai, Guangdong, through Nov. 18. Already there has been a lot of excitement!
In April, our blog covered the emerging aviation market in Asia pretty extensively. We covered everything from the explosive growth in the aviation sector to potential stumbling blocks to design preferences.
Helicopters have been a significant topic at Airshow China 2012. Sikorsky reports two contracts for sales of its S-92 and S-76D in China. American helicopter manufacturer Bell Helicopters announced it is officially requesting the U.S. FAA to increase the weight limit for its 429 model. Bell is also using the airshow to announce its plans to extend its presence in China. Part of that expansion includes a certified maintenance and training facility. Bell and Guangzhou Civil Aviation College signed a memo of understanding to construct the facility in the Guangdong province.
In other manufacturing news, Cessna continues its plan to assemble and sell the Citation XLS+ in China. The Wichita-based company announced a deal with China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Ltd. (Caiga)at the airshow.
Aviation Industry Corp. of China (Avic) brought an extra special model to the expo. Avic plans to energize the Chinese aviation industry with its China New-Generation Business Jet or CNGBJ. The developers boast the jet’s long range, roomy interior, lower emissions, and high speeds. Another deal for large airliners is in the works between Russian Irkut and Chinese COMAC.
As usual, there have been plenty of exciting displays. Check out this photo gallery to see what’s going on at Airshow China 2012!
Were you feeling lethargic during your last flight? Don’t be too quick to blame it on standing for long stretches or walking too much. Dehydration may be partially to blame.
Dehydration occurs when our bodies lose water more quickly than we take it in. In the mildest cases, symptoms like headache, fatigue, and severe thirst occur. The most extreme cases involve fainting and heart palpitations.
In the air, the humidity level in most aircraft cabins hovers only around 10 to 20 percent. Under such dry conditions, it doesn’t take long for dehydration symptoms to appear.
Even more risky is blood clots that can form in the leg from lack of circulation, a condition that occurs more frequently in dehydrated travelers. In addition to moving your limbs and standing or walking around, experts recommend drinking two glasses of water during a flight to ward off dehydration.
Here are a few tips to help you stay hydrated in the air:
- Sip water before, during, and after your flight.
- Avoid or eliminate alcohol and caffeine, which exacerbate dehydration.
- To manage dry skin and lips, carry lip balm and moisturizer.
Remembering to drink water will help you stay healthy and more energetic on your next trip. So next time you get ready to hit the skies, throw in a few extra bottles of water. You’ll be glad you did.
Aviation and the military share an intertwined history. It’s impossible to talk about one and not the other. Many advances in aviation technology came at the hands of military tacticians, and it’s impossible to imagine the armed forces without aircraft.
The smoke balloons and hot-air balloons of the American Civil War signaled a coming dependence on aircraft in the military. World War I brought the fighter biplane, followed in World War II by the development of aircraft carriers, primitive computers, radars, jet engines and missiles. Helicopters were also introduced at the end of WWII. This was the beginning of the advanced technologies used today.
During the Vietnam War, the United States Air Force flew 5.25 million sorties over the region, losing 2,251 aircraft. The United States Navy lost 959 aircraft, and the Marine Corp lost 463 aircraft.
Since then, the technology has only become more sophisticated. Faster, more accurate, stealthier. The list of aircraft in service right now is long and varied.
Now, aircraft are our first line of defense and they are also the first we send out to attack. The men and women of our military aviation are the first ones asked to protect our country. Sunday is Veterans Day. It’s important for Americans to remember the sacrifices and advances made by the personnel of our military. Thank you, Veterans.
When selling or purchasing a private jet, the appraisal process is the point at which an independent party is brought in to estimate the true value of the aircraft. Most banks and lending institutions now require a certified appraisal before proceeding with a loan, and most insurance companies will insist on an appraisal before issuing a policy for the aircraft.
Certified appraisal = peace of mind
Uncertainty about the appraisal process may be a source of worry. In fact, the due diligence reduces the risk that the buyer will pay more for the plane than it’s actually worth. The appraisal also prevents the seller from setting the asking price too low.
The appraisal examines all aspects of the aircraft to set a fair value. The age of the aircraft, as well as the interior and exterior condition, are factors. The appraiser inspects the avionics, airframe, and other components. An inspection will also reveal unreported damage or gaps in recordkeeping or log books, all of which can negatively affect the value of the plane.
The impartial opinion
The National Aircraft Appraisers Association (NAAA) is an independent body that conducts the certified inspections required by most lenders and insurers. An NAAA appraisal includes the physical inspection and further refines the estimate by using sophisticated software that compares the aircraft against recent sales of similar planes.
Involving an NAAA certified appraiser from the beginning of the process will ensure the inspection is accurate, objective, and meets the standards of all parties. Whether you’re buying or selling, this is no time to skimp on costs. Determining the true market value of the aircraft will pay dividends down the road.
