The number of individuals who fully own their private jets — as opposed those who have fractional ownership or fly in chartered jets, is increasing. So, why does this matter? Because your level of ownership directly impacts the conveniences available to you in the air. What are the hottest amenities inside business and private jets?
Connectivity counts
Business and private jet owners now expect dependable in-flight internet access, and today’s technology can provide it in spades. With lots of high speed options, including satellite communications systems, you can connect anywhere in the world. And as we all know, connectivity is key in the world of private jet travel — especially for those flying for business.
Advanced cockpit technology
Advanced tech for pilots in the cockpit means a more comfortable flight for all. Pilots now have an increased ability to see turbulence in advance, allowing them to give passengers fair warning when things are going to get bumpy.
Moreover, new technology has given way to touchscreen controls, which provides pilots with more intuitive controls and a holistic picture of the entire aircraft.
Additionally, pilots now have greater visibility into inclement weather, so they can avoid danger and divert flights to the safest and smoothest paths. This is equally important with the increasing number of private drones hitting the skies, often interfering with flight paths, as avoiding them means avoiding a crash.
Private and business jet technology is also advancing “under the hood.” According to the Business Jet Traveler article, it now includes better engines, which means getting to your destination faster than ever.
Improved construction also means more cabin space and a quieter ride: On-board meeting rooms offer privacy for business matters, skylights can go from bright to dark and any level of tint in between, and improvements in galley size mean coffeemakers and extra wide high-temperature ovens are now available on many private aircrafts.
While these features are all impressive, industry experts predict technology will only continue to advance and become more luxurious. For example, telecommunications leaders are enhancing air-to-ground services to provide 4G LTE service, enabling fliers to stream videos from the comfort of their private planes. Other up-and-coming technologies include no touch flush toilets, ultra-thin video screens and holographic entertainment systems.
If you’re considering purchasing a jet, the experts at L & L International are here to help you find the tech you need for the cabin experience you’re looking for. Selling your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact one of our private aviation professionals online or call +1 (305) 754-3313.
Celebrities and the mega-rich love to live in luxury, and those following them in the tabloids get sneak peeks inside their opulent lives. While you obviously do not want the paparazzi following you around, you can draw inspiration from the stars as you design your next aircraft’s interior or refurbish your current business or personal jet.
The Manhattan airship
Many claim that the Manhattan Airship is as sophisticated as its New York namesake, and they might not be wrong. Deep mahogany wood, brass and rich jeweled hues are reminiscent of the Empire State Building. Much like a luxury cruise liner, the lounge’s décor is inspired by the Chrysler building. Retractable bar stools lit by vintage sconces and joined by a lambskin divan create a cozy and inviting ambiance. A panoramic city loft window allows passengers to enjoy any skyline in style.
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The Hollywood airship
In a similar vein, the Hollywood Airship stands as a stark contrast to average private jets, boasting light colors and bold chrome accents. The neoclassic artwork ushers passengers back to the golden age of Hollywood, and a lounge area similar in design is filled with 1930s glam, including backlit crystal structures and tributes to great black-and-white films of old.
Ed Force One
When rock stars go on tour, many take busses or fly commercial airlines. But not Iron Maiden. These heavy metal head bangers traveled around the world on Ed Force One, flown by Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson. The jet transported band members, staff, and all their equipment from country to country — making close to 50 tour stops along the way.
Luxury car fans are likely to enjoy the same smooth, sleek feel of a Mercedes-Benz from inside this aircraft. This private jet includes spiral elements that create unique zones inside the cabin, and walls, floors and ceilings that all seem to flow into one another. This jet is all about contemporary elegance coupled with luxurious style. It includes a kitchen, VIP bathroom, free-standing shower and a large bedroom complete with a king size bed.
Your jet
The good news is that you do not have to be a rock star or celebrity to customize or refurbish your new or pre-owned own jet so that it looks and feels just as luxurious as one of those mentioned above.
At L & L International, we are expert jet brokers and want to help you find the perfect jet to suit your budget and your needs. If you are thinking about selling your jet, we can assist you with creating an exit strategy that will enable you to sell or upgrade when you are ready. Contact one of our private aviation professionals online or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
As electric car use grows more widespread, some aviation insiders hope electric aircraft propulsion will catch on as well. Through LeapTECH, a project under the Transformative Aeronautics Concept Program, NASA researchers hope to push commercial and private aviation to utilize more electric-powered aircraft over the next decade.
Electric flight has been around a lot longer than you may think. The first crewed electric-powered flight took place in 1973 when pilots flew the MB-E1 for nine minutes, reaching an altitude of about 1,000 feet.
For the next 30 years, solar power dominated electric flight propulsion, but mostly on light and experimental aircraft.
Following improvements in energy storage, pilots launched the Lange Antares glider in 2003, using a lithium battery to power a propeller retractable after launch.
Over the next decade, electric-powered flight really took off with pilots setting or breaking new flight records nearly every year.
In 2011, pilots set seven new world records in a two-seat aircraft called the e-Genius when they reached 142 mph while climbing to an altitude of 20,000 feet in less than two minutes. Powered by an all-electric motor and a single battery, they flew 300 miles without stopping and didn’t burn a drop of fuel. Total energy cost for the flight? $3.
In July 2015, pilots completed a 37-minute flight across the English Channel from Lydd, England, to Calais, France, in the Airbus E-Fan. It was the first twin-engine, all-electric aircraft to take off and land using its own power.
Today, electric-powered flight is used mainly for light and small craft holding one or two passengers. Greener emission standards make it likely that electric-powered flight will be increasingly prevalent in small aircraft designs.
Research and development are underway for medium-sized and heavy aircraft, but the technology is still some way off. Business owners who want to purchase electric-powered private aircraft will likely have to wait another 20 or 30 years before nonexperimental planes emerge on the market.
If you’re planning to purchase or sell a private jet, contact the experts at L & L International. Our sales staff is available at sales@L-Lint.com, and you can call us at +1 (305) 754-3313 or visit us online.
The term “cyberattack” is more common these days. Be it in fiction or everyday life, there is an ongoing and strengthening concern that a country, group, or individual could implement an IT-based attack that could can take down power grids or financial markets. The aviation world is no exception to these types of security vulnerabilities.
Aviation security has been a primary concern since the 9/11 attacks. In fact, the number of businesses with private aircraft for corporate travel has increased ever since. While industry insiders have made physical precautions to secure cockpits and passengers the norm over the last 15 years, they’ve only started to address increasing aircraft cyberattack possibilities. During the 2015 Global Connected Aircraft Summit, a number of security experts discussed cybersecurity issues for the technology-heavy avionics industry and Air Traffic Control (ATC) environment.
There are presently three main foci for aviation security: aircraft themselves, their data systems, and their communications system types. In digital communications, there are three types of setups. Closed communications between aircraft pilots and ATC controllers are normally via very high frequency (VHF) or satellite. Private communications cover maintenance data and manifests, normally via Wi-Fi or USB. Aircraft passengers utilize Wi-Fi or digital movies through public access.
Challenges
Though it may seem the biggest vulnerabilities are at the private and public levels, closed systems are also at risk. In 2015, ethical hacker Chris Roberts claimed to have broken into the Thrust Management Computer on a United flight, according to the Avionics article. Other experts have claimed large holes in connections between flight ops and in-flight entertainment. Plus, the airline industry tends to have a hard time keeping up with the continually rapid pace of technology.
Legacy systems are also security challenges. Though not an attack, Delta’s system uptime failure in 2016 resulted in a practical shutdown of all its services. This potentially means easier access for others to hack in and do the same thing. Many airline leaders are looking to upgrade their systems as a result.
Airline industry insiders are aware of these issues and have taken means to secure passenger and crew safety. For example, they introduced layered security on hardware, software, and networks to ensure data and communications integrity, according to the Aviation Week article. They also applied advanced analysis tools to enhance security. In addition, product manufacturers go through rigorous security testing processes to ensure privacy and lessen attack risks.
Though this may all sound scary, many experts believe those in the industry are doing all they can to secure passengers and airlines from malevolent activity.
Thanks to the privacy of business aviation, the friendly skies are still one of the safest ways to travel.
If you need assistance selling or purchasing a private jet, contact the experts at L & L International. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us anytime at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
Could the friendly skies become even friendlier? Members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are certainly hoping so with their new emissions standards.
Green aviation is more than just a dream. Within our lifetime, it’ll likely become a reality. As other transportation modes get greener, those in the aviation industry are joining the search for solutions to rising carbon pollution.
The aviation industry contributes an estimated 5% of all greenhouse gases with the potential to grow to as much as 15%. Scientists believe greenhouse gases are a major contributing factor in overall global climate change. While commercial flights contribute the majority of gases, manufacturers are also working to make private aviation greener. In many ways, it’s easier to find alternative ways to propel smaller private jets than power larger crafts.
The ICAO Council adopted new standards for carbon dioxide emissions March 6, according to the ICAO article. The international standards will be applied to new aircraft designs beginning in 2020, or 2023 for aircraft already in production. Compliance is voluntary between 2021 and 2026 but mandatory beginning in 2027.
Will the ICAO need to adjust these standards for further reduction? It’s hard to tell at this point. The council is designed to keep things in control, but anticipated increases in the number of operational aircraft could make reaching a definitive conclusion difficult.
Environmental groups, however, find the measures woefully lacking. They want more strict standards because the plan doesn’t address emissions the aircraft currently in operation will produce.
The impact on private jet owners should be minimal as long as they already own their jets. Those purchasing private jets prior to 2020 will basically be grandfathered in. However, many aircraft manufacturers support this initiative and are already implementing technology to lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Several years of study have already gone into this undertaking, and manufacturers have had plenty of time to begin necessary changes to attain compliance. According to the Engineering and Technology article, the International Air Transport Association, which represents more than 260 airlines, is ready and China, the United States, and Europe are all on board. The rest of the world will likely follow along.
A new greener and cleaner air travel and ownership age is beginning, and the entire world will likely benefit from these decisions and changes.
According to the Forbes article, privatization could reduce operating costs and improve safety and efficiency. Cost savings, however, would likely be based on personnel reductions and improved systems, both of which the government could accomplish.
Several countries have privatized their aviation systems or system components. In Germany and France, government-owned companies manage air traffic; British and Canadian air traffic control is privatized.
Of course, air traffic volume in other countries doesn’t compare with the U.S., in which airlines operated 9.6 million departing flights in 2014. Canada had only 1.3 million commercial flights depart that year. One benefit many cite is that privatization could lead to faster modernization, benefiting all aircraft and fliers. The project, called NextGen, is supposed to increase the nation’s flight capacity and improve on-time arrivals but has been a more lengthy and expensive process than planned.
So, what does this all mean for private jet owners? Should prospective buyers wait until any uncertainty is resolved?
Probably not. There’s no indication that privatizing is a priority for the new administration — even if the president told aviation executives he favors it. Given the complexity of the U.S. system and the FAA success record, it’ll likely be difficult to demonstrate the value in making a major change and expending the political capital to bring it about.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance 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.
Whether you just signed off on your first aircraft lease or are a seasoned jet owner, finding the right place to keep your aircraft can be tricky. Even experienced owners face difficulties while first-time owners have no idea what challenges may lie ahead.
Factors like location, cost, and convenience are easy enough to anticipate, but those aren’t the only considerations. Different hangars accommodate different jet sizes. Maintenance amenities vary from hangar to hangar — even at the same small airport — and security and safety arrangements drive insurance rates.
So, let’s start to narrow down your options. When it comes to storing your aircraft, there are three hangar types available.
1. Shared hangars
Shared hangar owners typically offer affordable rates to users, but they have drawbacks.
With common or shared hangars, shuffling aircraft inside tight spaces can lead to “hangar rash,” a term used to describe minor accidents or scrapes. Insurance providers are likely to increase your rates if you store your aircraft in a shared space.
Those last-minute trips could also be limited. At some shared hangars, you need to provide 24 hours’ notice so the crew can prepare your jet for travel.
You also have less control of certain support services at shared hangars. You should evaluate snow removal, off-hours arrivals and departures, fuel discounts, hangar insurance, and available maintenance.
2. Rented hangars
You can avoid some shared hangar drawbacks by renting your own space. T-hangars earn their name from the building’s shape. They’re standalone structures that vary in size, each with a single door to accommodate personal aircraft.
Airport authorities or management groups tend to lease these buildings. The downside is you have no room to store support equipment and, in many cases, performing maintenance is not permitted inside these buildings.
Depending on jet size, you might need additional square footage for your pilot’s office, maintenance personnel workspace, or workshop. Newer facilities may offer flight planning areas or crew showers.
3. Owned hangars
Leases are complicated, but nothing matches the simplicity of owning a hangar. With the right property, your own hangar provides the opportunity to control your maintenance costs, eliminate hangar rash, or even generate revenue by leasing space or services to other owners.
In areas where shared spaces are not available, it might be worth the cost of building your own or converting an existing warehouse into a hangar to reduce travel costs. You can fly when and where you want without the restrictions shared or rented hangars impose.
Plenty of options are available, but finding the best one for you and your jet will require research, consultation, and casting a wide net. Keep in mind the closer you are to a major urban center, the more likely higher costs and hangar space competition will limit your options.
When you’re preparing to buy or sell a private jet, do your research, visit the facilities you’re considering, talk to jet brokers and representatives, and get advice from industry experts. Contact the professionals at L & L International today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us anytime at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology uses satellite navigation and GPS data to track aircraft both for air traffic control ground station benefit and to allow pilots more complete pictures of air traffic in surrounding areas.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 14 CFR Title 14 91.225 and 91.227 require ADS-B out technology in all aircraft by Jan. 1, 2020. In an effort to encourage early installation, the FAA, in collaboration with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Aircraft Electronics Association, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, opened a rebate program in September for those who install and prove ADS-B out equipment installation.
The rebate program provides “owners of U.S.-registered, fixed-wing, single-engine piston aircraft that were first registered before January 1, 2016,” a $500 rebate when they purchase and install ADS-B out equipment. The rebate is only available to owners who didn’t previously have ADS-B out equipment installed or purchased and scheduled for install before the rebate program began. FAA personnel plan to issue rebates for a one-year period, ending September 2017, or until they’ve issued 20,000 rebates, whichever comes first.
To qualify for rebates, pilots with eligible aircraft must go through a five-step process.
Choose proper ADS-B out equipment.
Reserve a rebate on the FAA website.
Install the ADS-B out equipment.
Perform a qualifying flight to validate the ADS-B equipment.
Claim a rebate.
According to the APOA, some pilots have difficulties with steps 4 and 5 in the process because they don’t perform the qualifying flight properly or because they don’t wait at least one hour after a flight to request the Public ADS-B Performance Report (PAPR) required to complete the rebate process. Pilots who review the requirements and follow them closely, however, should have no problem securing the $500 rebate, so long as they complete all the steps before the FAA awards the maximum number of rebates or the one-year time frame has closed.
Contact the experts at 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.
Among the state-of-the-art exhibits at the 2016 European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition was the Deer Jet “Dreamliner” or “Dream Jet” unveiling. The Dreamliner is a VVIP Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 787 outfitted as the most luxurious private charter on the planet.
The BBJ 787 can fly more than 17 hours — or nearly 10,000 miles — at Mach 0.85 without need to refuel. Equally impressive on the Dream Jet technical spec list is a reduced interior cabin noise level at 48 decibels for a quiet environment.
The luxurious design is the result of a partnership between Kestrel and Pierrejean Design and, according to BlueSky Business Aviation News, features an improved air circulation system that keeps the interior cabin pressure at 6,000 feet while the aircraft reaches a 45,000-foot cruising altitude. The circulation system is also designed to reduce dust, germs, and allergens as well as help alleviate altitude sickness and fatigue.
While Dream Jet technical capabilities are impressive, the 6,500-square-foot cabin is the crown jewel of air travel luxury. It features a private master bedroom, which includes a full-sized bathroom with an oversized shower, dual marble sinks, a walk-in closet, and a dressing area that houses both a refrigerator and an in-wall safe.
A circular lavatory separates the main lounge from 18 luxury first-class seats and six premium economy seats in the aft cabin. According to Daily Mail, the spacious main lounge is subtly divided into multiple areas, including a dining area, office space, and a cinema with 55-inch flat screens. Silk-trimmed carpeting, hardwood accents, the highest-quality silver and glassware accents, and furniture designed to be safer during turbulent rides also help accentuate this opulent flight experience when passengers begin flying the most luxurious charter on the planet.
Contact the experts at 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 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) 2016 Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (BACE) is just around the corner. The Nov. 1-3 event in Orlando, Florida, will offer an inclusive look at the aviation industry from the politics of aviation to what’s new in the market. The NBAA plans for 27,000 industry professionals, including “current and prospective aircraft owners, manufacturers and customers,” to attend the event along with over 1,100 exhibitors. Event highlights include two static displays that will feature over 100 aircraft and 50-plus educational sessions designed to educate and inform attendees.
One of the NBAA’s BACE goals is to inform aviation industry professionals about key influences in the industry, including information from day-two keynote speakers and political power couple James Carville and Mary Matalin. Carville and Matalin represent both sides of the political debate. Carville, former President Bill Clinton’s campaign manager, and Matalin, former President George H.W. Bush’s campaign manager, are set to discuss today’s most pressing political issues, including the presidential campaign. They are also set to share a behind-the-scenes look at politics and the changes that have taken place in the U.S. political climate over the past two decades.
Also of note is opening-day keynote speaker David McCullough, best-selling author of The Wright Brothers. McCullough is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner who has also won two National Book Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. McCullough’s address, “Lessons in Leadership,” will focus on the leadership challenges the Wright Brothers faced and how they overcame those challenges.
According to the NBAA website, the BACE is the sixth-largest trade show in the United States. As a respected industry event, the product, technology, and service exhibitions are designed to inform business and purchasing decisions. Additionally, awards such as the American Spirit Award, the Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, and the John P. “Jack” Doswell Award highlight and celebrate those who have made significant contributions to the aviation industry. Both new and returning attendees can find the three-day event valuable and informative.
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.
Connectivity counts
Though it may seem the biggest vulnerabilities are at the private and public levels, closed systems are also at risk. In 2015, ethical hacker Chris Roberts claimed to have broken into the Thrust Management Computer on a United flight, according to the Avionics article. Other experts have claimed large holes in connections between flight ops and in-flight entertainment. Plus, the airline industry tends to have a hard time keeping up with the continually rapid pace of technology.
The ICAO Council adopted new standards for carbon dioxide emissions March 6, according to the ICAO article. The international standards will be applied to new aircraft designs beginning in 2020, or 2023 for aircraft already in production. Compliance is 
Choose proper ADS-B out equipment.