Whether your aviation experience is just taking off or a lifelong aviator Gear Up, Flight Level’s aviation blog, brings you industry insights, aircraft reviews, business aviation news, and everything flight level.
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
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.