In the U.S., we’re celebrating Independence Day on July 4. Air Force One, the private jet that carries the president of the U.S., symbolizes the American values of freedom and independence.
Air Force One is actually the call sign, and it was first coined in 1953. It technically refers to any Air Force aircraft the president uses. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first president to fly while in office when he traveled to the Yalta Conference in 1945. After a series of prop planes were used by presidents, John F. Kennedy traveled in a personal jet, a Boeing C-137 Stratoliner. This plane served 36 years, all the way through the Clinton administration.
Today the name Air Force One belongs to a pair of modified Boeing 747s. The similarities to the 747 end at the frame. Extensive upgrades to communication equipment, defense systems, and amenities set the jets apart from all others.
This global command center in the sky boasts amenities you won’t find on another aircraft:
- The jet has its own medical office, with a doctor permanently on board. The medical office can be quickly converted into a surgical suite if needed.
- The two food galleys on board can feed up to 100 people at a time.
- Air Force One can refuel in midair, giving it essentially unlimited flight range.
- The electronics have been protected against electromagnetic pulses, and the communications equipment has top-secret security. This allows the plane to be used as mobile command center for the president in case of an attack on the United States.
- The president has his own office, lavatory, and conference room on board.
All of this is housed in over 4,000 square feet of space on three levels. That gives plenty of room for anyone who might be traveling with the president, including staff, press, and guests.
The U.S. Air Force will be replacing the current planes in 2017. The sole bidder was the bizav giant Boeing. The new planes will either be their Boeing 747-8 or the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The current planes will likely be put on display like their predecessors. You can see the jet that served from 1972—2001 on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif.
The article below was posted on AINOnline yesterday. Read it carefully, as the new ruling affects up to 599 civil jets. At L&L International, we have a Stage 3 Gulfstream III for sale right now. Get in touch with us, as this jet will surely be in demand!
“FAA Finalizes Rule To Ban Stage 2 Bizjets
The FAA issued a final rule today that prohibits jets with an mtow of 75,000 pounds or less from operating in the contiguous U.S. after Dec. 31, 2015, unless they meet Stage 3 noise levels. To take effect on September 3, the rule could affect up to 599 civil jets, though any of these aircraft that are hushkitted or otherwise modified to meet Stage 3 standards will be permitted to operate in the U.S. in 2016 and beyond.
Some models of the banned airplanes can be modified to meet Stage 3 noise levels with the installation of a hushkit, the FAA noted. “Of the 17 models of airplanes affected by this ban, hushkits had previously been available for six models: the Dassault Falcon 20; Learjet 23, 24 and 25; and the Gulfstream II and III. An unknown number of these airplanes may already have a hushkit installed.”
However, the only hushkits currently available for the affected Stage 2 jets are for the Gulfstream II and III, the FAA said. With cost estimates ranging from $850,000 to $1.5 million for the modification, it added, “the cost of the hushkit for the Gulfstream II exceeds the recorded value of the airplane.” Avcon said last week that STC approval of its new hushkit for 20-series Learjets is in the hands of the FAA.”
A corporate jet says a lot about a company. That you’re successful, that you’re a go-getter, that you take your business seriously. Your business jet should reflect your company’s values and style. Luckily, you don’t have to buy a brand new jet to accomplish these goals.
There are many perks to investing in a preowned jet. You don’t have to wait a year or more for delivery. You get all of the value and perks of private flight, like privacy and convenience, without the price tag of a new aircraft.
Making a preowned aircraft your own
But buying preowned doesn’t have to mean settling for a dated interior. You can find the right used aircraft, and then customize it to make it perfect for your business travel needs. Refurbishments can include changing upholstery, leathers, and rugs or even modifying the woodwork, galleys, wardrobes, cabinets, and so on.
You can upgrade the plane to meet aesthetic, business, comfort, and medical needs. You can also update the aircraft to highlight business branding, such as logos on seatbacks and interior colors that reflect your company’s market presence.
You can modernize the cabin of a preowned jet with a new in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and the addition of a wireless broadband cabin connectivity system. These types of updates give you the amenities, look, and feel of a new jet at a much more budget-friendly price.
Considerations
Although most industry insiders recommend you update an aircraft to meet your company’s needs and tastes, it doesn’t hurt to keep resale value in mind. Tasteful interiors and modern technology mean less time on the market when you go to resell.
You can start the process of creating an ideal business aircraft by working with L & L International to find a great used jet. L & L can then refer you to a supplier that provides turnkey solutions for customizations to make your company’s new preowned jet ideal for your business travel needs.
– See more at: http://www.updatefrom.com/l-l/1306/interior_insights.asp#sthash.3ENRVx3d.dpuf
Tired of turning off your electronic devices at the beginning and end of a long flight? You might not have to for much longer. A government-industry group formed by the FAA is expected to recommend relaxing the ban.
Currently, flyers are asked to shut off their devices while the plane is below 10,000 feet for fear the devices will interfere with the plane’s instruments. The rule that forces eReaders, iPods, and laptops into off mode was actually written in 1966. At the time, there was concern about electromagnetic interference from devices. But no one could have predicted the proliferation of consumer electronics. So the FAA asked the panel to look into whether it is, in fact, okay to keep electronics on for the duration of a flight.
The panel found that today’s aircraft are much more resilient to interference than their 1966 predecessors. Today’s devices are less of a concern, too. They emit much weaker signals and stay in a tighter frequency range. That makes them less of a concern to the safety of the aircraft. The combination of hardier aircraft instruments and more sophisticated consumer electronics persuaded the panel to give electronics use a thumbs up.
The rules won’t change immediately, however. The final report won’t come out until the end of September, and the FAA won’t change standards until that happens. Commercial airlines are already looking to capitalize on the potential new rules. Consumer demand for in-flight WiFi on both commercial and corporate jets is huge. This opens up new revenue opportunities for commercial carriers.
One popular gadget hasn’t been granted amnesty on board, however. Cellphones use a much stronger radio frequency, so there is still concern that they could interfere with the plane’s instruments. The panel didn’t examine cellphone safety, so for now, taking calls in-flight will continue to be banned—much to the relief of fellow passengers.
This is all good news for future commercial flights. Passengers will be happy to stay connected to what’s happening on the ground. Of course, it will also be nice to watch your favorite TV show while waiting for take off.
The new Gulfstream Aerospace G650 has more than 200 people lining up to pay $65 million, and they’re willing to wait until 2017 to get it. Why? Well, it’s simple. Gulfstream is the ultimate in luxury business jets.
- Capacity — The G650 can comfortably carry eight passengers and four crew members on long-leg trips from Dubai to New York, for example.
- Design — With 12 floor plans to choose from, the G650 interior is longer, wider, and taller than any other cabin in its class.
- Flight distance — Cited as the most technologically advanced business aircraft available, the G650 can travel non-stop legs of 7,000 nautical miles.
- Speed — This new jet can nearly reach the speed of sound, making it arguably the fastest civilian jet in the world.
- Safety — The G650 offers next-generation advanced safety features, including the Enhanced Vision System (EVS) II™, the Head-Up Display (HUD) II, the Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display (SV-PFD), and a PlaneView II™ cockpit.
However, if you’re not interested in waiting for the new G650 (or its hefty price tag), there are equally impressive Gulfstream models available. But they’re hard to come by. Gulfstream jets don’t stay on the market for very long — even in this economy. In fact, some older Gulfstream aircraft have appreciated in value.
But finding, financing, and insuring the perfect Gulfstream for you is made easier with an experienced broker. L & L International has the knowledge and experience to procure a new or used Gulfstream, taking care of the details so that you can hit the skies sooner.
Drones are an unavoidable news topic right now. There are massive privacy concerns involved with the flight and use of these unmanned vehicles. There is also plenty of good that can come from UMVs in the private sector. Because of this, there are numerous groups, including the Federal Aviation Administration, that are dedicated to trying to figure out policies, rules, and procedures for drones of all types. Integrating drones into established American aviation policies and infrastructure will be challenging—but necessary.
The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 took on the challenge of integrating drones into current FAA policy. They have a target date of September 2015 to complete the task. The main issue will be safety, but other issues will be addressed including the legal gray area that drones are currently operating in.
One of those legal issues is the flight of drones over private property and whether that will that be considered a violation of privacy. Manned commercial and private flights can currently fly over private property, but government and civilian drones may require a separate rule. It could even be seen as a violation of constitutional rights, depending on the purpose and capabilities of the drone.
Despite the potential for abuse, civilian drones are presenting an opportunity for some industries to run safer, more efficient operations. Some creative uses for UMVs are already in the works:
- Farmers monitoring crops, quickly responding to disease or other conditions
- Conductors easily completing mandated safety checks
- Detectives investigating crime scenes with no risk for contamination or interference
The FAA is expecting 30,000 operational drones by 2020, and the drone industry could be an $11.3 billion industry by 2021. There is no doubt more drones are coming to our airspace. Staying informed about the rules of drones will be important, especially for the general aviation industry.
In just the past five years, the Chinese aviation market has really taken off. Bloomberg notes that there are now more than 330 private planes in China, and buyers are expected to purchase 40 private jets in 2013, compared with 27 ordered in 2012. Business jet buyers in China have very specific tastes: large and new.
Going the distance
They prefer large, long-range aircraft; trips of 3,000 to 4,500-plus miles are common for regional users. In fact, according to an April article in Aviation Week, 61% of mainland China’s business aircraft are large, super-large, or ultra-long-range jets, or they’re corporate adaptations of airliners. The main aircraft in Chinese business fleets are the big ones, including larger Gulfstreams, Dassaults, and adapted Airbuses and Boeings.
A major influence on this market is a cultural factor: Owning a private jet has become a symbol of wealth for Chinese owners, and preowned aircraft simply won’t do. This market is interested in custom interiors that reflect the buyers’ affinity for luxury.
Global influence
Exactly how will Chinese taste in aircraft affect the global market? It’s too early to tell for certain. The Chinese government has permitted private jet ownership only since 2003. Complicating forecasts is the difficulty in predicting how quickly Chinese buyers will upgrade their aircraft. The market is too new to reveal turnover times, but it is likely that owners will not want to be seen flying around in the same jet for more than six or seven years.
With this in mind, many industry insiders expect that Chinese buyers’ preferences will likely create a large supply of secondhand aircraft. These jets could be exported to other countries, such as the U.S., that have more robust and established preowned jet markets. Another possibility is that used aircraft may become more appealing to Chinese purchasers. As more Chinese businesses begin acquiring business jets, the considerably shorter wait time, smaller price tag, and value of a preowned aircraft could boost the market.
Without a crystal ball, predicting the influence of the vigorous Chinese private jet market is a difficult task. However, with China forecasted to become the world’s third-biggest private jet market by as early as 2022, one thing is certain: This is a market to watch.
Father’s Day is Sunday and it can be tough to try to buy for the dad who has everything. But since the man gave you everything, you’ll want to find him the perfect gift. Instead of another tie he won’t wear or another gadget he won’t use, why not really wow him this year? Get him his own private jet! The bizav industry is full of private jet options that are perfect for dad.
Here are 10 reasons you should buy dad his own jet this year:
- Easy to travel to see his grandkids. He won’t have to find a cheap flight or enough time to drive across the country. Now he can jump in his plane and see his grandkids whenever he wants!
- He bought you your first car, so it’s only fair that you buy him his first jet.
- He can visit all the places he’s talked about seeing all these years. He can jet around to Wrigley Field, the Grand Canyon, and Disneyland and still make it home for the weekend.
- He won’t have to worry about baggage overage fees for his tackle box, golf clubs, and hunting gear like he would on a commercial flight.
- You know he’ll get you awesome souvenirs from his travels, so you’re winning in this deal, too.
- Remember when he got you that pony you always wanted when you were 7? This is the perfect way to pay him back.
- The guy is worn out from teaching you all those sweet football moves, and he deserves to travel in luxury.
- When he falls asleep during the flight, his snoring won’t disturb other passengers (just the crew).
- Great bragging rights to his buddies. Oh, their kids got them a juicer? His kid got him a jet. He wins.
- He deserves it. He’s been an awesome dad, and you’d do anything to pay him back for everything he’s done for you.
Private and corporate jets are a great way to get more done in your personal and professional life. If you are ready to get Dad a jet for Father’s Day, we’ll help you find the right one. But if you aren’t ready to make that purchase for dad, don’t worry. We know he’ll love you no matter what (even if you do get him another tie).
Wouldn’t it be nice if, on those especially long trips, your private jet had a four-poster bed so that you could lay your head down and get a great night’s sleep, like you do at home?
Although your aircraft may not be a flying palace like the Turkish jet recently built for a Middle Eastern prince (it has king-size beds, a sauna, a board room and a concert hall, among other amenities), it is possible to get a good night’s sleep — or just a great power nap — with the mattresses and bedding available today for private jets.
From bedding packages complete with mattress, sheets, blanket and pillow in easy-to-store bags, to custom-designed memory-foam mattresses that fit over your jet’s furnishings, you’re sure to find a comfortable solution for overnight trips.
Private jet bedding businesses:
- In-Flight Bedding by Simone
Wouldn’t it be cool to build a jet from parts you produced in your hangar? 3D printing just might make that dream a reality.
3D printing technology has been around for nearly 30 years, with the first 3D printers developed in 1984. The technology has only improved. The printers use materials like plastic to print instead of ink, and they were originally adopted by manufacturers to efficiently create prototypes. Later, the medical community began printing pieces to repair organs. Scientists even “printed” a working, miniature kidney. 3D printing is becoming more affordable, too, and more 3D printers are becoming available to consumers for at-home use.
Opportunities for aviation
This has the potential of having a big impact on bizav. 3D printing is capable of creating large pieces needed for the manufacturing of aircraft, and the pieces meet the strict manufacturing requirements of aircraft parts. They also have advantages over traditionally manufactured pieces, including being lighter and stronger. One such piece created through 3D printing technology was a 3-meter wing span. The piece will be used in manufacturing a passenger plane in 2014 and enter commercial service in 2016.
GE is working to increase 3D printing speeds, and is hoping to use the technology to speed up the production rates for their LEAP fuel nozzles and jet engine components. The fuel nozzles created on a 3D printer are lighter and more efficient than their manufactured counterparts. These advances could lead to quicker turnaround time for finished corporate jets, and increase their safety and performance.
Future applications
Where is 3D printing technology headed? NASA is sending a 3D printer to the International Space Station. Over 30% of the ISS’ parts can be made by a 3D printer, which means astronauts will be able to manufacture tools and parts they need. They won’t have to wait for something to be launched from Earth.
The potential for inexpensive, reliable manufacturing with 3D printers is exciting. It will be interesting to see how larger manufacturers begin integrating 3D printed pieces into corporate jets and how that affects the industry. With quicker production times and stronger, more efficient pieces being produced, it definitely seems like a win for both manufacturers and buyers.
