Are fuel prices weighing down your jet? Does your aircraft need to shave off a few pounds? Composites — fiber-reinforced polymers made of glass fiber or carbon fiber and fabricated using a heat or chemical reaction — might be the answer.
Cut pounds to save dollars
Composites are popular among aircraft owners and manufacturers for many reasons, but a major one is improved fuel efficiency. Industry experts predict fuel costs could comprise more than 50% of operating costs by 2022. In this regard, composites can make a big difference: Lightening a single-aisle aircraft by just one pound could save $150 per year in fuel costs.
In addition to cutting fuel costs, composites are also strong and durable and they can improve the corrosion and heat resistance of an aircraft’s interior. They’re also more wear-resistant than their metal counterparts, extending the life of a jet’s interior parts.
The aircraft interiors aftermarket is “really where composite materials have the opportunity to shine,” says composites market analyst Chris Red. Refurbishment with composites is a great way to update your aircraft with a modern, long-lasting interior that also reduces your fuel costs and adds value to your aircraft investment. A number of aircraft interior service providers are experienced with composites and can create a composite interior customized to your specifications.
Endless opportunities for upgrades
The opportunities for interior upgrades afforded by composites are bound only by your budget and imagination. You can improve seats, passenger cabin walls and ceilings, overhead stow bins, lavatories, interior panels, closets, galleys, floors, ducts, and many other cabin components with aftermarket composite parts.
Composites offer a way to increase the strength and durability of your aircraft while improving the look and feel of the interior — all while giving you considerable cost savings.
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.
Sure, you can add gold faucets to the bathroom and high thread-count sheets to the master, but is there any greater luxury than experiencing true peace and quiet while you fly? Many jet owners are discovering that the most lavish upgrade is one you can’t see — or, more importantly, can’t hear: Soundproofing.
But creating a truly quiet environment is no easy task, as many variables contribute to all that noise: Flaps, spoilers, aircraft altitude, fuselage construction (that is, aluminum or composite), engine speed, the fresh air circulation system, and more. Fortunately, today’s aviation soundproofing experts are up to handling that challenge.
By adding extra insulation and replacing climate control units, engineers can bring the decibel level inside the cabin to below 50. That is quiet enough to enable you to speak at conversational volume to someone more than six feet away, and is half as loud as the quietest seat on the quietest plane currently on the market, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
To put 50 decibels into perspective, a typical home is usually in the 50 to 55dB range, a brand-new business jet has cabin noise in the low 60dB at most, and a turboprop aircraft or helicopter cabin usually exceeds 90dB. Mohammed Alzeer, general partner of Gore Design Completions, says the quietest plane he’s worked on was 46dB. “You could hear a whisper, literally,” he says.
Jet owners know that customizing aircraft is an investment, and all modifications have to be FAA approved. Adjusting the engine to muffle the sound means engineers are modifying systems directly related to safety.
Custom interior work that includes soundproofing can cost about $35 million for a single-aisle plane. Although soundproofing is pricey, many frequent flyers couldn’t think of a better investment, especially those trying to conduct business en route. For many jet owners, being able to focus on the business at hand during an in-flight meeting in quiet comfort is priceless.
So go ahead and whisper to your fellow passenger across the soundproofed cabin, “Can you hear me now?” The answer will be a resounding “Yes!”
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.
For pilots of all skill levels, hypoxia is a serious concern. That’s why so many high-flying pilots keep an oximeter in the cabin to keep track of their oxygen levels. But sometimes these tools can be cumbersome, complex, or inaccurate — that is, until recently!
Now you can read your oxygen levels on the fly with Masimo’s new iSpO2 Pulse Oximeters. Just attach the reader to your fingertip, plug it into your iPhone, iPod, or iPad, and voila! You get a graphic readout that displays key data:
The iSpO2 has a special fingertip reader that works by shining LED lights through your fingertip. Sensors on the other side read a variety of light wavelengths to calculate your health stats.
The impressive app also tracks your readings and displays trends over time. The software keeps measurement histories second-by-second, which you can transfer via e-mail to your computer or anywhere else for graphing, analysis, or long-term storage.
The iSPO2 was introduced at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show and is now available for purchase — and at $249, it’s a great gift idea for the pilot in your life!
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.
November is National Aviation History Month! Celebrate by treating yourself or an aviation-loving friend to a truly timeless gift: A Bremont Supermarine watch.
The Supermarine’s sleek-yet-rugged design offers everything you need to celebrate just how far aviation technology has come. Like all of Bremont’s luxurious timepieces, this watch is made for pilots and jetsetters alike. Its precise, rigorously tested chronometer is encased in an anti-magnetic Faraday cage, and a sapphire bezel makes reading the face possible even in low-light conditions. Depending on the model, the Supermarine is water resistant up to 6,150 feet. The price starts at $5,150.
Whether you’re scaling Everest, diving off the coast of Australia, or attending a board meeting, the Supermarine is the perfect companion.
Happy National Aviation History Month!
When people hear talk of aircraft safety, their first thoughts are often of in-flight practices. Little thought goes to a business jet once it has landed and been parked. However, this ground time puts the parked jet at risk for often-overlooked but increasingly common dangers:
- Theft, vandalism, and damage to the aircraft or the sensitive tools and equipment on board.
- Theft of and/or tampering with aviation fuel.
- Becoming the unknowing transporter of illegal or dangerous materials and substances that are clandestinely loaded as cargo.
These dangers are considerable at minor airfields where security can be rudimentary. However, even at larger airports, private aircraft aren’t always parked in range of security cameras.
To address these dangers, Blue Green Technology developed VIGIPLANE™. This security system for parked aircraft provides constant, real-time surveillance while operating autonomously from the aircraft systems. The system is aware of routine activity and notifies the pilot directly if there is a security threat.
VIGIPLANE™ uses high-performance and low-power detectors, day and night HD cameras, cellular and satellite modules, as well as a flashing alarm light to detect intrusion. It takes pictures and videos that are transmitted almost in real-time to the safety staff of the aircraft. The system does not require certification and it’s cost-effective, small enough for pilots to carry, and installs on the front landing gear of the aircraft in less than two minutes. Once it’s locked, VIGIPLANE™ cannot be released or removed by anyone other than authorized personnel, and it can immobilize the aircraft through a special nose wheel chock should a theft attempt take place.
Heads of state, medical air services, and business travelers who fly into dangerous areas look to VIGIPLANE™ for ground security. If you fall into one of these categories, this technology may be a necessity for your business. But it’s also for anyone looking for 24/7 surveillance of their aircraft — so you’re protected no matter what.
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.
This April, you probably saw the video of professional golfer Bubba Watson speeding across the green in his Oakley hovercraft golf cart. (If you missed the video, you can watch it in all of its glory right here.) For many, this snapshot of luxury simply inspires amazement.
However, for a select few, a hovercraft offers a glimpse into the bright future of their golf game: Sand trap? No problem. Water hazard? Get outta my way! Old golf carts seem downright klutzy in comparison — why limit yourself to paved paths when you can float effortlessly across the fairways?
So, how can you get your own? For Watson’s specialized cart, Oakley worked with Neoteric Hovercraft in Terre Haute, Ind. After the video’s release, requests for the hovercraft started rolling in, but the companies haven’t committed to its commercial production — yet. Oakley and Neoteric have noted that they’ll consider it if interest is high enough.
You can currently purchase the base model of the Oakley golf cart hovercraft for $16,000-$20,000 from Neoteric Hovercraft. Or, a fully tricked out, non-branded version is available through Hammacher Schlemmer for $58,000. When you think about it, the price is well worth it considering how much fun you’ll have gliding across the green in style!
Technology moves quickly in the private jet industry. From facial recognition tools to on-board entertainment options, James Bond-worthy gadgets are becoming commonplace aboard private aircraft. But that’s not the only arena that’s made impressive advancements: New developments in luggage mean your bag can do a lot more than simply carry your suits.
The creature comforts in your cabin may be cutting edge, but is your luggage keeping up? Check out these three high-tech luggage trends:
Power on the go: Searching for a power outlet when you’re on the go is a thing of the past. The Powerbag briefcase includes an on-board battery that allows you to charge a smartphone twice and the bag keeps all your electronics safe and organized. Another bag, from Yanko Design, uses kinetic energy from the wheels to charge your electronics via adaptors built right into the top of the bag.
Track your bag from anywhere: Need to keep an eye on your luggage and its valuable contents? More and more luggage companies are integrating tracking devices into their bags. Now you can see if your luggage ended up in New York when you are standing at LAX. Airbus and Design Q are collaborating on a bag that allows you to scan a QR code to check in your luggage and track it with your smart phone.
Have a seat: Catching up on emails before you board your jet sounds like a good idea, but when you’re waiting in a regional airport or hangar it can be difficult to find a place to sit — unless your luggage is your seat. Agent is working on a concept case that integrates a seat right into the top of the bag, and one version even turns into a scooter for kids. And the ZUCA Pro Travel bag has a seat that supports passengers up to 300 pounds.
The advancements don’t end there. Brookstone offers a bag that uses biometric technology to lock up your valuables. And if you are getting tired of hauling your luggage, Cargo Collective is working on a suitcase that actually rolls itself — the hop! tracks you via your smart phone and follows you around automatically.
No matter your needs, there’s a high-tech luggage solution out there that’ll make your travels a little more organized and comfortable. Find the bag that’s right for your next trip and keep your luggage as advanced at your private jet!
A private jet is a mobile office, allowing travelers to stay connected and productive while they’re soaring through the skies. To enable a seamless work environment, passengers need secure, reliable Internet access. And the latest technology makes that connectivity a reality.
Options for onboard Wi-Fi depend on the size of your jet and how much you want to spend. However, big jets don’t have all the fun: Advances in satellite technology mean even small, shorter-range jets can have a reliable Internet connection.
For connectivity during international travel, Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband is a satellite-based service that lets you log on worldwide for $8.50 per megabit. Another option is Aircell’s Gogo Biz service, which requires the installation of two black boxes and two small antennas and comes at an installed price tag of around $120,000. You then invest in the service plan that meets your needs to access download speeds of about 3.2Mbps.
Looking for something smaller and simpler? An exciting new option is Bizjet Mobile from Execjet Mobile. This plug-and-play portable device is roughly the size of a wireless router and allows the crew and passengers to send and receive emails and texts from iPads and iPhones while in-flight. For installation, you simply connect to an Iridium data port and power onboard — meaning you don’t have to ground your jet for a time-consuming upgrade. Once the system is installed, passengers easily download the Bizjet app onto their iPad or iPhone and connect with the onboard Bizjet system. The pricing is set at $35,000 for the unit and $799 per month for unlimited texts and emails.
These new, high-tech connectivity options mean your company’s business travelers can close deals and maintain productivity all flight long, keeping profitability sky high.
Why is jet biofuel such a hot topic? With between 15,000 and 18,000 business jets in the world, and more than 11,000 of those based in the U.S., it’s estimated that the global fleet of business jets burn between 60 and 70 billion gallons of fuel each year.
The reality is that business aviation has a big carbon footprint, and its shoes are growing. According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, carbon dioxide emissions from the aviation industry grew by 42% between 1990 and 2005. And the expectation is that emissions will grow 50% to 70% by 2025, and 300% by 2050.
A potential solution exists in the widespread manufacture and adoption of “drop-in” biofuels — derived from renewable feedstock such as algae, plant biomass, and woodchips — that power existing engines in place of oil. According to biofuel companies, the new fuels could reduce carbon emissions by as much as 80%.
Steps toward reality
Biofuel isn’t just an idealistic vision for the future — it’s fast becoming a reality. In July 2011, airlines were given approval to commercially operate aircraft using a 50/50 blend of petroleum-based jet fuel and biofuel. That same summer, a Gulfstream G450 business jet made the first transatlantic flight from New York to Paris powered by a biofuel blend, saving around 5.5 metric tons of net carbon dioxide and burning approximately 20 gallons less fuel.
More recently, the National Research Council of Canada flew a Dassault Falcon 20 business jet powered completely by unblended biofuel. Analysis of flight information revealed a 50% reduction in aerosol emissions and 49% decrease in black carbon emissions, and the engines burned 1.5% less fuel when running on pure biofuel.
Jet biofuel is also gaining traction in both the public and private sectors. In April, the Obama administration renewed its support for the development of biofuels for the aviation industry by signing a pact to extend the Farm to Fly program.
Farm to Fly, which has the support of large organizations such as the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), works with the private sector and rural communities to create fossil fuel alternatives for aviation. The program aims to support the annual production of 1 billion gallons of aviation biofuels by 2018.
In the private sector, Richard Branson’s Carbon War Room non-profit organization, Renewable Jet Fuels, is working to make jet biofuel a win-win solution for investors and buyers, and bring renewable fuel sources to the mass market.
What the future holds
Although support is growing, there is still a long way to go before biofuel is commonplace. The biofuel industry needs to find a way to increase the availability of source material without disrupting food supply production or the oil and gas market. And they need to find investors willing to take on the risk of an emerging industry.
Despite these hurdles, there is a feeling of optimism that renewable jet biofuel will become a commercially viable solution, with the aviation industry leading the way to cleaner and more sustainable business practices.
Private jets will have to meet Stage 3 noise level requirements. In the July 2 issue of the Federal Register, the FAA announced a ban on operating Stage 2 aircraft within the contiguous U.S. As part of the FAA Modernization and Reform act of 2012, the ban takes effect Dec. 31, 2015. The ban is in response to noise level complaints from communities around airports, where private jets are the last Stage 2 aircraft left. Larger Stage 2 planes, like commercial airliners, were phased out beginning in 1999. The ban is also in response to the international community’s desire to move to an all Stage 4 fleet.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) said that negotiations about the phase out of Stage 2 private jets have been underway for a long time, and that they’ve pushed for a reasonable timetable to make the deadline workable for jet owners. That’s part of the reason smaller jets have been exempt from the phase out that previously affected larger aircraft.
The ban leaves owners of Stage 2 jets with few options. Jets that can meet Stage 3 noise levels with the use of a hushkit will be immune from the ban. Of the models affected by the ban, only about six models have hushkits available. And for some of the aircraft, the value of the hushkit exceeds the value of the aircraft itself. That’s leaving some jet owners with a dilemma about what to do. The market outside of the U.S. is limited for Stage 2 jets, so many of the planes will have to be scrapped. And while the ban is going to cost operators an estimated $330 million, the FAA and Congress feel that the benefits achieved by the rule are worth it.
If your company owns a Stage 2 aircraft, contacting a knowledgeable and reputable company like L&L International well before the December 2015 deadline is essential. We have relationships with owners, brokers, and manufacturers to help you find a solution that works for your company. If a hushkit isn’t available for your Stage 2 aircraft, you’ll have the help of an experienced, reputable private jet broker to help you find a new or used aircraft with minimal disturbance to your business.
