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National Aviation Day - A Look Forward
December 1903 marked man’s first true attempt to conquer the skies. Since then, we have flown passengers to every edge of the globe, gone supersonic and walked on the moon all in the last 115 years. So what will the next 50 years of progress look like?
Today is National Aviation Day!
December 1903 marked man’s first true attempt to conquer the skies. Since then, we have flown passengers to every edge of the globe, gone supersonic and walked on the moon all in the last 115 years. So what will the next 50 years of progress look like?
Supersonic Flight
As I type, there are men and women working to bring sustainable and efficient supersonic flight to both commercial and business aviation. Sure, the Concorde made the hop from JFK to Heathrow at twice the speed of sound, but it was never really economically viable. Aerion Supersonic has teamed up with Boeing and GE to produce a supersonic business jet (SSBJ) that is slated to enter service in 2025
Aerion AS2
Space Travel
Cities like Houston, Texas are already investing huge amounts of money into a future of space travel. The long-term goal of Houston’s Spaceport and facilities like it is the idea of orbital or sub-orbital travel. In a future where we have a safe and effecient way to get into low earth orbit, trips around the globe that currently take 15+ hours on air carriers can be completed in a little over an hour. Not to mention, trips to further locales, like Mars may become more routine.
Houston Spaceport
Urban Air Mobility
Uber has made it clear that they intend to take to the skies to provide air connectivity high above the traffic on the streets below. It may seem far-fetched until you understand that Boeing, Embraer ,and Bell Helicopter (to name a few) are all heavily involved in the research and development of the program. This project aligns with a similar objective to bring electric turbines to the aircraft market - promising a quieter, greener, more reliable alternative.
Uber Elevate
The Future of Aviation is Bright
Aviation has always pushed the boundaries of what is humanly possible. With a new onset of fresh ideas and creative vision, the next generation of flight is well underway. No matter what the future will look like, I know aviation will continue to be at the forefront of innovation and continue to make the world a smaller, more connected place.
Cameron Tipton, ASA, ARM-MTS
Author:
Cameron Tipton, ASA, ARM-MTS
accredited senior appraiser
appraisal review & management - MTS
Cirrus SR22 - The Best Way to Travel Around Texas
Travel doesn't need to be complicated. Buying a Cirrus SR22 can save you time and money while getting you to your destination in style. This luxury 5-seater offers speed and comfort in an affordable package.
American-Made Versatility
Cirrus has been an innovator since they first put pencil to paper in 1984. Through the years, Cirrus has brought bold new design and features to an otherwise stale and stagnant general aviation market. The Cirrus SR22 is a high-performance 4 seat airplane that simply works.
Travel Without Compromise
Most light planes come with too many sacrifices for the price. The Cirrus SR22 is the exception, full fuel, and 4 adults can load up and fly for over 1,000 miles at over 210 MPH - not too bad for an airplane that sips fuel. Luckily, Cirrus didn't stop under the "hood", the interior of the SR22 is reminiscent of a luxury sedan. Leather and soft touch finishes are found throughout the cabin. The flight deck commands attention with its two massive screens powered by Garmin's G1000 (with G1000 NXi on the new G6), which has time and again proven to be an unmatched system for performance and safety. The SR22 also offers a host of creature comforts - air conditioning, XM radio, and in-flight texting.
Real World Flying
Cirrus has made sure that their airplanes are up to the challenges of daily flying. The SR series was the first certificated airplane that came standard with a full airframe parachute that Cirrus has dubbed, "CAPs". Other noteworthy features include airframe de-icing capabilities, airbag integrated seatbelts and a host of redundant mechanical systems. That means that you can fly safely in weather that keeps other airplanes in the hangar.
The Math Works
We find ourselves consistently recommending new and used Cirrus to our clients. If you or your company are making frequent regional trips within 600 miles a Cirrus SR22 may be the best way to travel on your next trip. The Cirrus is the clear answer for regional fliers and offers substantial cost savings over turboprop airplanes. The SR22 costs about $150 per hour to operate, that means a roundtrip from Dallas to Houston will only run you about $300 (Southwest couldn't beat that!). Flight Level Partners works closely with Cirrus and would be happy to offer consultation and place you in the right hands at Cirrus. If a previously loved Cirrus is more your style, Flight Level Partners can offer industry-leading expertise to find you the perfect plane for your needs and budget.
You Can Buy an Airplane
Buying an airplane is a rewarding but complicated process. However, there has never been a better time to buy. From tax incentives to employee productivity private air travel is the answer to airlines travel woes. Here we explain the affordability and accessibility that comes with buying a plane.
Invest in Easy Travel
Private planes definitely have a stigma - they're EXPENSIVE. While an airplane may cost more than your car, it opens up endless possibilities for you and your business. Let's do some quick math. If you or your team use airline travel multiple times per month you are likely spending tens of thousands per year getting around the country. The hours spent commuting to and from an airport, waiting in TSA lines and delayed flights work together to hurt your bottom-line.
Price of a Plane
Prices vary widely in the aircraft market, but there are options for every budget. For many individuals and small businesses, travel is regional and a light plane is a perfect choice. Something like a used Cirrus SR22 or Beechcraft Bonanza will run between $200,000-$500,000 and offer efficient and fast travel around a 600-mile area. Annual and hourly operating costs are very reasonable.
For others, something that flies higher and faster may be necessary. A Citation Mustang or Phenom 100 are great planes to buy. These planes cost between $1-$2.5 million and offer 1,000+ mile range and speeds of an airliner. Many owners are surprised how affordable these private planes are to operate.
If these prices shock you, don't fret. There are so many ways to save on both the upfront capital and operating costs. Our group specializes in cost reduction through the use of fractional ownership, leasing, and chartering with our partners. For example, two companies may choose to team up to buy and operate the plane - reducing overall costs by half. We can even help with the matchmaking process.
Save Big on Taxes
We know what you're thinking, how can I possibly SAVE money buying an airplane. It's actually pretty easy, especially for businesses. Recent legislation has allowed for 100% first-year book depreciation for both new and used aircraft. This essentially means that you can "write-off" (deduct) the entire cost of your aircraft on your taxes the year you purchase.
Not only are you saving upfront but a huge portion of related aircraft operating expenses are deductible too. The IRS doesn't view your flight on your business aircraft differently than a ticket on the airlines. You may deduct these company trips the same way you would any other flight. This makes ownership achievable for a huge number of buyers.
Buy a Plane Today
Flight Level Partners specializes in working with first-time buyers. We take the time to educate you, our clients, on both the good and bad of ownership and build ownership strategies that make you successful. We believe that aviation continues to offer unparalleled advantages to businesses and professionals, alike. Call us or shoot us an email today to talk about how ownership can benefit you.