ADS-B, a surveillance technology for tracking aircraft as part of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, makes flying significantly safer for the aviation community. The FAA website features videos that explain how ADS-B technology provides pilots with information about weather and the location of other aircraft while simultaneously broadcasting their location to other aircraft and ground controllers.
The FAA has mandated that all aircraft must have this technology by 2020 to be allowed to fly.
This system is just the latest example of the type of advanced avionic systems that make air travel safer for all of us. When you purchase a private aircraft, it’s important to be sure that your aircraft has the required avionic equipment.
Avionics consist of the electronic systems on a jet that enable control of monitoring, communication, navigation and other systems. Naturally, if the aircraft has been in service recently, it should have all mandated avionic equipment. But it’s important to have your jet broker verify whether it’s compliant.
During the pre-sale inspection, the broker can require the inspector to note any equipment that is dated or that you can upgrade to newer technology.
Typical systems that you’ll want to consider include:
If you’re buying a pre-owned jet, it’s imperative to understand the upgrades the aircraft requires to ensure safety and meet government mandates — particularly those for avionics.
I don’t know any Jackie Chan jokes, but I’m sure they are out there, much like the popular Chuck Norris jokes. For instance, Chuck Norris doesn’t hunt, he waits. Chuck Norris’ calendar goes straight from March 31 to April 2 because nobody makes a fool out of Chuck Norris.
Anyway, I digress. Today we’re talking about Jackie Chan.
Did you know all of these facts about Jackie Chan?
- He is an operatically trained vocalist.
- He won the Favorite Buttkicker award for Karate Kid.
- He speaks three languages fluently.
Jackie Chan, native of Hong Kong, China, brought his brand new executive jet to the air show in Singapore this week. Due to his talents as an actor, martial artist, stuntman, choreographer and all-around buttkicker, Jackie Chan enjoys immense popularity in China. This makes him the perfect person to represent the Embraer brand in this quickly expanding market.
China has one of the fastest growing markets for business aviation and private jets. According to Bombardier, the number of jets in China is expected to increase from 150 in 2010 to 2,470 in 2030. Embraer is in negotiations with Aviation Industry Corp. of China to set up a production line in China.
Jackie Chan’s jet is cool. It has a dragon motif painted on it. He says it will help him get around to promotional functions for his charities. I think it helps him look like a badass.
Lithium batteries, found in laptops and cellphones, have been known to spontaneously overheat and catch fire, creating potentially life-threatening situations during flight. As personal electronic device (PED) use has become commonplace for business air travel, equipping your aircraft with a firebag system is an essential safety precaution.
In the event of a lithium battery fire, the FAA recommends immediately following these steps in order:
- Spray the burning appliance with a fire extinguisher containing Halon to suppress the flames.
- Thoroughly douse the device with water to reduce the battery’s core temperature and prevent a hot lithium-ion cell from igniting other cells in the battery pack (a common occurrence called “thermal runaway”).
- Using heat-resistant gloves, place the device in a firebag for containment.
On-board firebag systems are supplied by these manufacturers:
- AirCare Access — The Aircare FireSock ™ Lithium Battery Risk Management System sells for $339.00 U.S. (includes bag, gloves and a sealable storage tube to hold 80 ounces of water)
- Ship It AOG — The Fire-Fighter firebag sells for $1075.00 U.S. (includes bag and gloves)
It’s important to note that firebags are only one weapon in an on-board fire arsenal and aren’t intended to replace fire extinguishers or water. The combined use of these tools, however, is essential to safe air travel in our electronic age.
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 877-453-8276 (+1.305.754.3313) or visit us online.
There are numerous ways to compare commercial versus private air travel. When mealtime rolls around, there’s really no question about which option is going to taste better. Thanks to the rise in demand for private air travel, the availability of on-board catering options has exploded. Expanded menu selections and higher quality food provide dining experiences that range from the everyday to the gourmet — and anywhere in between.
Here are a few key considerations before ordering your next in-flight meal:
Meals that match the accommodations
Smaller jets intended for shorter flights aren’t usually equipped with a galley, so cold food such as sandwiches, salads, cheeses and non-perishable deserts like cookies are the best choices. Remember to request utensils, plates, glassware and trash bags for cleanup. You may also need a beer or wine opener for that special in-flight toast to a successful partnership.
With larger jets come food warmers and refrigeration units, so the catering options are almost unlimited. A wide variety of hot foods prepared by experienced and highly trained chefs can satisfy virtually any culinary craving. For overseas flights, remember to plan ahead for multiple meals and inquire about staffing to help with meal preparation and setup.
Fly far and dine local
Another option is to order from a caterer or restaurant that specializes in the local cuisine. Hankering for a hot dog in Chicago? Craving blue crab in Baltimore? Call a local caterer or restaurant and find out if they can deliver to the airport for a fee.
Find a catering company that comes recommended by private jet charter outfits or other corporate jet owners. Then ask the catering outfit if they accommodate special diets, how and when the food will be delivered, and if any special delivery or set-up fees apply.
Most importantly, remember that private air travel provides a unique opportunity to celebrate accomplishments, cement new relationships or just quietly cap the end of a long day. It’s time for private air travelers to take back the dubious reputation of airplane food by sampling and savoring new flavors in the air.
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 877-453-8276 (+1.305.754.3313) or visit us online.
As usual, many things are happening in the aviation world. Take a minute to catch up on some of the biggest stories of the week.
Super Bowl XLVI
Flying to Indianapolis on Sunday will be challenging indeed. The FAA expects a record number of private flights in the area that day, and three temporary towers have been erected to deal with traffic. The National Business Aviation Association has all the resources you need to plan your private flight to the Super Bowl. Take care of the details so you can enjoy the game! Go Patriots! Go Giants!
Honda to Release Bizjet Next Year
Boasting operational costs as low as $1,000-$1,200 per hour, the HondaJet will be released in 2013. Honda began taking orders for the quiet, economical aircraft in 2006, and the automaker-turned-jetmaker plans to roll out 80 within the first half of 2013. The company fully expects to see a profit by 2018.
Do you think Honda will be profitable in five years? What if American carmakers started turning their attention to jets — would we all be flying everywhere individually, like the Jetsons?
Oklahoma Governor Opposes $100-Per-Flight Fee
The White House has declined a petition that calls for the abandonment of the plan to institute a $100-per–flight fee for general aviation. This fee would be used to pay for air traffic control; the Obama administration maintains that the current fuel tax does not bring in sufficient funds. Some legislators and governors, including Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, are speaking out against the fee. They point to recent tough economic times for general aviation as well as its significance to the economy as reasons to protest the proposed fee.
General Aviation in California Threatened by Avgas Suit
The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) has brought a lawsuit against suppliers and producers of 100-low-lead fuel, or avgas, used by piston-engine airplanes. The organization claims that the public was not warned about exposure to the leaded fuel, and this omission constitutes a violation of California law. Ostensibly, the suit is being brought in an attempt to hurry the process of finding an alternative, lead-free fuel to replace avgas.
Imagine you’re visiting a foreign locale where the culture and currency are very different from your native country. You hire a local guide for the day and ask him to help you navigate a large open-air market. As you wind through the crowd, merchants call out to you in an unfamiliar language, urging you to buy. Your head spins in confusion as your stomach churns with hunger.
A nearby stall is displaying an assortment of unfamiliar edibles which look fresh enough. Your guide, however, shakes his head and leads you to another vendor. After some haggling, you’re feasting on a special local delicacy of the freshest quality at a surprisingly reasonable price.
The critical role of the broker
This scenario is not very different from the challenges of purchasing a private aircraft. Yes, you can explore the market on your own, but a local guide — in this case, your broker — can help you avoid the traps and pitfalls you might never see coming.
Aoife O’Sullivan, partner at London-based Gates and Partners and author of the industry white paper The Gold Standard in Private and Corporate Jet Sales, cautions that “buying a business or private jet for the uninitiated (and, indeed, even for those familiar with the industry) is a complicated, expensive and potentially hazardous jaunt into the unknown.”
Don’t be fooled by that new-plane smell
Most private jet purchasers are surprised at how complicated the buying process can be, even for a new plane available directly from the manufacturer. Says O’Sullivan, “Manufacturers can have a soft side, and the good brokers know how to negotiate a better deal for buyers whether in the form of price, elevated delivery date, and additional perks for credits such as additional training or increased warranty periods.”
In other words, a trusted broker knows the manufacturer’s pressure points and how to leverage them to maximize every dollar spent on a new aircraft.
The pre-owned advantage
In the pre-owned market, an experienced, professional broker has the inside track on available inventory and pricing fluctuations. Plus, your broker is familiar with lesser-known sources of quality aircraft — often tapping into those channels before the product becomes widely available for sale on the Internet or through other public means.
O’Sullivan adds that “the broker who has a long-term relationship with the buyer or seller will also have an in-depth knowledge of the history of the aircraft and can be a valuable source of information when researching title, whether there has been any damage to the aircraft, etc.”
Very few decisions are as significant and weighty as choosing a private aircraft, but it doesn’t have to be daunting, frustrating or risky. Partner with the right broker and along with the thrill of owning a private aircraft, you’ll uncover the best value for every dollar you spend.
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 877-453-8276 (+1.305.754.3313) or visit us online.
Some say that baseball is America’s favorite pastime, but if you ask me, no sport is more American than football. There are so many more traditions built around the Super Bowl than the World Series. The parties. The commercials. The half-time show (I thought Bruce Springsteen was the best!). The tail-gating. The beer. The wings.
The private jets.
Serious fans obviously can’t miss the big game, and they won’t risk flight delays or tarmac waits to get to Indianapolis this year. When the Patriots take on the Giants on Feb. 5, Gisele Bündchen won’t be the only one who arrives in style.
Private jet companies expect to break the record of 611 private flights to the Super Bowl set in Dallas, Texas, in 2011 when the Steelers lost to the Packers. Considering that many fans will be traveling from Boston and New York City, two of the wealthiest cities in the U.S., the record seems reachable.
Indiana airports are feeling the pressure. The FAA has set up temporary towers to accommodate the extra traffic at three airports. Indianapolis Regional Airport is already near capacity and has a wait list for larger aircraft.
Here’s a look at the New York Giants’ flight to San Francisco to win the NFC championship game. The Patriots have enjoyed home field advantage, so their first flight of the playoffs will be on Jan. 29.
Who are you cheering for in the Super Bowl? And more importantly, how are you getting there?
Stories of air rage continue to pop up in the media, including the recent and well-publicized battle between Alec Baldwin and American Airlines. Managers of commercial airports recognize that air travel is often unpleasant and stressful for consumers. In response, airports are scrambling to find new ways to provide better customer service, reduce frustrations and manage flight schedules at or near maximum capacity levels.
CAP Strategic Research, an aviation market research and consultancy firm, predicts several significant trends headed to airports around the world over the next 10 to 15 years.
Check-in is out
Say goodbye to check-in counters. Travelers in 20 years will check in to their flights exclusively from their homes, offices or mobile devices before arriving at the airport.
Unfortunately, as long check-in lines are eliminated, so is the sometimes necessary option of transporting extra or oversize bags. In the near future, whatever doesn’t fit into a single carry-on ships via special arrangement through a separate cargo carrier.
High-tech becomes a high priority
Advances in biometric technology, using facial, iris or palm scan, provide flyers with the option to fast-track through lines at security. For an extra fee, frequent business travelers apply in advance for “trusted traveler” status, allowing them to circumvent security checks completely.
Immigration and emigration processing is streamlined and automated as traveler data and security information is instantly shared through computerized systems around the world.
Finally, thanks to better airplane design, engines are quieter, allowing flights to depart in the middle of the night without disturbing the homes and neighborhoods situated close to the airport.
Why wait until 2025?
For many business travelers, the future has already arrived. Business travelers using private jets already enjoy perks that allow them to skip past security lines and follow minimal immigration/emigration processing.
Additionally, flying privately today allows for flexible departure schedules, open seating, and the convenience of toting extra luggage. Plus, once in the air, the private jet becomes either a flying boardroom or bedroom, where work or rest occurs without disruption or distraction.
Perhaps Alec Baldwin should consider these benefits before he steps on another commercial flight.
Much has been made of the Obama administration’s plan to reorganize funding for air traffic control. General aviation has always paid for air traffic control through a fuel tax. Now, Obama plans to change that to a flat fee — $100 per flight.
This proposed fee, projected to raise $11 billion before 2022, was unveiled Sept.19, 2011. Every flight within controlled air space will be required to pay the fee, with the following exceptions:
- Recreational piston aircraft
Immediately after the proposed fee was announced, general aviation groups cried foul. The backlash comprises a few major arguments:
- General aviation already pays for air traffic control with fuel tax.
- Government should encourage general aviation as an economy-builder rather than adding fees.
- More bureaucracy would be needed to collect the fee.
Some 9,000 individual opponents to the suggested $100-per-flight fee signed a petition demanding the White House drop the proposal. They received their answer on Friday, Jan. 13, 2011, when the associate director of general governmental programs, Dana Hyde, repeated the White House opinion that the fee is necessary for air traffic control.
What do you think? Does the fee level the playing field or unfairly target business aviation? Does the current fuel-tax system work?
The media and general public may not understand the value of private aircraft, but successful businesses do. Private jets are not for show and comfort. Rather, they are an important — often indispensable — tool in the battle for business, especially as many companies are fighting their way out of recession.
Frequent business travelers say private aircraft offer several advantages.
- Provide more time to spend with family
- Reach numerous destinations quickly
- Eliminate common safety issues associated with commercial flights
Better efficiency, better business
Even beyond these practical advantages, private aircraft deliver measurable ROI for the businesses that use them. According to the study Business Aviation: An Enterprise Value Perspective — The S&P 500 from 2003-2009, private airplane users outperform non-users in revenue growth, profit growth and asset efficiency.
The study demonstrates that, compared to non-users, private aircraft users
- see 116 percent higher average annual revenue growth
- realize 434 percent higher annual earnings growth
- average 81 percent higher annual earnings before interest and taxes
- see 496 percent higher market capitalization growth
Whether before, during or after the significant decline in the business aviation market in 2008, business jet users substantially outperform non-users in nearly every analyzed financial category.
Jet market continues to rebound
Business executives who understand these advantages continue to invest in private aircraft. The private jet industry has certainly experienced its share of turbulent weather during the recession and the slow, ongoing recovery. However, many experts believe the worst is behind it, according to a May 2011 New York Times report.
In the report, Richard Aboulafia, an aviation analyst at the Teal Group in Fairfax, Va., says, “The overall market has stopped falling, and 2011 deliveries are likely to be about level with last year. For next year, leading indicators are pointing to renewed growth, with the pool of available aircraft in the used jet market shrinking, although prices for used planes are still soft.”
The New York Times report also notes that typically, as recovery sets in, returning buyers first hunt for bargains on pre-owned planes and then start to look at new models. Experts at L&L suggest that if you will be in the market for a pre-owned jet soon, you might begin looking now.
