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This may not be your first aircraft – and after this past year, it’s probably not your last. So it’s critical that you establish a relationship with an experienced and capable maintenance service – one that can keep you flying safely and efficiently, regardless of what make and model – and age – aircraft you’re currently operating. That can mean working directly with an independent shop – one with technicians trained, certificated, and authorized to inspect and repair a wide variety of makes and models, both new and preowned. In Wrenching Decisions, David Davies, CEO of Constant Aviation, details how building that kind of reliable relationship with an independent maintenance provider can be beneficial in the long term – for both scheduled and unscheduled events!  When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor “Above and Beyond” podcast series to get you the information you need, enabling you to make the most of your aviation investments.  Thanks for reading – and listening!

When it comes to aircraft maintenance, you’ve got lots of choices. For new aircraft, the decision can be pretty simple; it’s under warranty, so your most cost-effective choice likely is taking it to a factory-owned or factory-authorized facility. But once out of warranty – or absent an hourly-cost-maintenance program – the “where-to-go” decision for service becomes a bit more complex. In Homeward Bound, Bombardier’s VP OEM Parts and Services Chris Debergh details why bringing your aircraft back to the manufacturer’s facilities can be the logical choice for both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. And how those maintenance decisions can have an impact on your aircraft’s future market value.

It’s so tempting. The inventory of preowned turbine aircraft for sale was down near 7.2% in late March, according to JETNET. This might be a great time to sell or trade your current aircraft, as market values appear to be near all-time highs. Market value depends not only on total hours flown, but also on your aircraft’s maintenance record: how close it is to major inspections, overhauls, updates, or refurbs. In Past Maintenance Predicts Future Value, Asset Insight’s Tony Kioussis discusses how to calculate the impact of your aircraft’s current maintenance condition on its current and future market value – and how to use those data to manage your investment maintenance. 

Decisions, decisions… with so many new aircraft makes and models coming from the manufacturers, you’re faced with some major near term aircraft investment decisions. Do you trade up – or refurbish and upgrade?  Buying new can mean waiting for a delivery slot. So whether you plan to trade, or keep flying your current aircraft, now is an excellent time to upgrade your aircraft: to preserve its value – and improve its buyer appeal and trade-in value. In this podcast, Improving Your Pre-Owned Position, Flying Colours’ Kevin Kliethermes discusses how investing in refurbishment and overhaul (MRO) will help you “future-proof” your aircraft’s value –  with the latest in technology and cabin comfort – whether for your own use, or trade-in.  When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor “Above and Beyond” podcast series to get you the information you need, enabling you to make the most of your aviation investments.  Thanks for reading – and listening!

Whew! We sure are glad to see 2020 in the rearview mirror. Fewer than 600 new business turbine aircraft were sold, and only 2,470 retail pre-owned aircraft deals consummated. And that’s despite a hectic December, as fears that the 100% bonus depreciation would be canceled drove buyers to close by yearend. So what does 2021 hold for aircraft owners and charterers? What does it mean for you? Join me and guests Rolland Vincent of Rolland Vincent Associates and JETNET’s Paul Cardarelli in Business Aviation Advisor’s 2021: Off To The Races…Or Just Off? as we explore the forecast for new and pre-owned aircraft price and sales activity.  When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor “Above and Beyond” podcast series to get you the information you need, enabling you to make the most of your aviation investments.  Thanks for reading – and listening!

Great question – particularly now, when seven worldwide business aviation trade groups have united to inform you about the dangers inherent in illegal charter, via the newly created the Air Charter Safety Alliance (ACSA).  But what is illegal aircraft charter? And what do aviation’s regulatory enforcement agencies have to say about the very real – and very expensive – safety risks that arise when you sell or buy charter “under the table,” or fly on an FAR Part 91 “borrowed” aircraft. Listen in as Greg Lander, FAA Enforcement Branch Attorney; and Ryan Waguespack, NATA’s Senior Vice President; define what constitutes illegal charter, and discuss the FAA’s renewed enforcement efforts to combat it. When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor Above and Beyond podcast series to get you the information you need, enabling you to make the most of your aviation investments.

A lot can happen in three years. That’s how long it’s been since Shaesta Waiz became the youngest woman to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft – and that was after becoming the first certified female civilian pilot from Afghanistan!  That 2017 trip has inspired thousands of young women to follow their dreams thanks to Dreams Soar, the nonprofit organization she founded to promote both STEM and aviation careers to young women. Listen in “Solo Inspiration,” as Shaesta tells the story of how her family’s flight from Afghanistan set the stage for her record-setting around-the-world flight, supported by a broad range of aviation companies – including Jet Support Services, whose Senior Vice President George Kleros provided counsel and support throughout the flight.

He was a toy mechanical man, popular in 1960s through the 1980s. When wound via an oversized key in his back, he could walk, swing his arms, ring a mounted bell – and say “Ah!” every few steps. Mr. Machine performed with precision, but had no ability to improve, doing only exactly same thing, in exactly the same way – over and over again.  Improvement depends on an ability to collect, analyze, and apply data to real life. And that depends on intelligence  – natural… or artificial.  In Artificial Intelligence Applied, My Sky’s Jean de Looz details how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the way aircraft owners and operators today collect, analyze, and apply data in real time to improve performance and cost control.

Business aviation is all about saving time –  you fly according to your schedule, departing and arriving at your convenience.  But convenience is only part of the timesaving equation. You need speed and comfort to make your travel time effective, and get the most out of life – in the air and on the ground. In Designed for Speed – and Comfort, Embraer’s Jay Beever and Porsche Design’s Roland Heiler discuss how their companies came together to create the interior and exterior features shared by the Duet: a limited edition combination of the Phenom 300E and the Porsche 911 Turbo S.  When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor Above and Beyond podcast series to get you the information you need, enabling you to make the most of your aviation investments.

Business aviation travel has gotten very personal during the past several months.  With severely reduced airline schedules and pandemic fears dominating air travel, more HNWI and UHNWI folks are turning to business jets and turboprops to meet their family flying requirements.  The National Air Transportation Association estimates that 90% of today’s turbine aircraft travel is personal, much of it from first time users. And it’s up to their Family Office executives to help them select the safest and most cost-effective option: charter, jet card, fractional, or aircraft ownership. In It’s a Family Affair, PNC Aviation Finance’s Keith Hayes and PNC Financial Services-Hawthorn’s Alexandre Monnier discuss what Family Offices need to know, to help them manage their clients’ growing use of business aircraft travel – and avoid the illegal options! When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor “Above and Beyond” podcast series to get you the information you need, enabling you to make the most of your aviation investments. Thanks for reading – and listening!

To ensure your travel safety and that of your family and business associates, you’ve invested millions in your aircraft. Its annual operating budget likely runs to seven figures, with more than fifty individual line items. From catering to fuel to en route maintenance, there’s lots of room for invoicing error. And unfortunately, lots of opportunity for fraud as well. In The $10,000 Tuna Sandwich, Deloitte Forensic Advisor Mike Brodsky and I discuss how and where that opportunity makes you vulnerable to overcharging and worse – and how keep a watchful eye on all those expense lines!

If you think that flying safely means simply “doing things by the book,” then think again. Even if that book is your flight operation’s official Safety Management System manual. Because ensuring true flight safety is not just your flight department’s responsibility. It’s also yours. The commitment to aviation safety is cultural, and must start at the top – with you. In Safety “By the Book” isn’t Enough, National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt joins me in describing how to harness industry expertise to ensure that a “safety first” culture is in place, and how to make “operational safety” more than just words in a dusty book on your shelf. When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor “Above and Beyond” podcast series to get you the information you need, enabling you to make the most of your aviation investments. Thanks for reading – and listening! Gil Wolin, Publisher

It’s not your first rodeo. You’ve bought business aircraft before, and now it’s time to make another move. Maybe your travel requirements have changed, the upkeep on your current aircraft has gone through the hangar roof – or today’s financing and tax opportunities are better. Or maybe it is your first acquisition. Occasional charter was OK, but your travel schedule now requires immediate access to your own aircraft. In both cases, buying the right aircraft at the right price today requires the right knowledge and expertise! In Drafting Your Team, aviation attorney Chris Younger of GKG Law describes what expertise you’ll need to make sure your first – or next – business aircraft acquisition meets your business and personal requirements. When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor “Above and Beyond” podcast series to get you the information you need, enabling you to make the most of your aviation investments.

Unmasked In Flight Is Unsafe Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. Sometimes thatmeans changing the way we’ve done things before. Like wearing an appropriate mask while flying – even when traveling with familiar co-workers, friends, and family. And that includes your flight crew. Because science indicates that transmission via aerosol – droplets in the air – is this virus’ preferred method of transmission. And because virus carriers can be asymptomatic, masks need to be mandatory for all while aboard your aircraft. In Unmasked In Flight Is Unsafe, MedAire’s Global Medical Director Dr. Paulo Alves details why you and your flight crew need to wear such masks at all times when flying aboard your aircraft. Even at altitudes where wearing an O2 mask in the cockpit is mandatory. Uncomfortable? Perhaps. But preferable to unsafe.

You’ve arrived at the FBO. You’re ready to board – and your flight crew informs you, “Sorry, we can’t depart right now. And perhaps not even today.” Whether it’s weather, maintenance, or some other factor, it’s their call – 100%. When it comes to operational safety and control, there are no “ifs,” “ands,” or “buts” about it. Your travel safety – and sometimes the financial health of your business aircraft operations – depend on the expert judgement of your flight crew. In When the Pilot Says “No!”, aviation lawyers Alison Squiccimarro and Chris Poreda explain why your flight crew must always have the last word on whether your flight is a “go.” When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor Above and Beyond podcasts to get you the information you need, to help you make the most of your aviation investments.

The aircraft is clean – your flight crew made sure of that. Your car or limo is clean – you made sure of that. But what about the FBO? You know – the chair you sat in, waiting for your other execs or family to arrive in time for departure. And the rest room… Who takes care of that? Yes, there’s much more to your travel safety today than just the aircraft and ground transport. In Boarding in Safety, Signature Flight Support executives Tony Lefebvre and Shawn Hall detail how their 200 FBO locations are keeping you, your flight personnel – and your aircraft – clean and safe during the current pandemic. When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor Above and Beyond podcasts to get you the information you need, to help you make the most of your aviation investments.

As if medical and travel safety issues weren’t enough, the COVID-19 crisis also has triggered some critical legal challenges, as well. Like managing flight operations staff reductions – whether temporary or permanent. These key aviation professionals are charged with your travel safety and security, as well as business confidentiality. And there can be real challenges and costs to recall or replace them when you resume your more normal bizav travel schedule. Listen as aviation lawyer Alison Squiccimarro, and DaVinci Jets’ Paul Langvold discuss the often unintended consequences of furloughing or terminating flight and maintenance personnel due to the COVID-19 travel slowdown. When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor Above and Beyond podcasts to get you the information you need, to help you make the most of your aviation investments. Thanks for reading, listening – and flying safely!

It’s been tough sledding for business aircraft owners and operators. With many aircraft parked and crews furloughed during the current quarantine, owners and charterers have had to modify their schedules as well as their expectations. But there are better times ahead, as Par Avion’s David Wyndham, Business Aviation Advisor’s new featured moderator, discusses with established aviation consultant Brian Foley and NATA Senior Vice President Ryan Waguespack in Flexible Flyers, Listen as they detail the better tools and processes under development to ensure you and your business aircraft passengers and crews remain safe. When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor Above and Beyond podcasts to get you the information you need, to help you make the most of your aviation investments. Thanks for reading, listening – and flying safely!

It’s time to think about rebuilding your business. And doing so as soon as it’s safe will require traveling via business aircraft, to reconnect personally, face-to-face, with your key customers, allies, and associates. It also may require redeploying your capital to fund those rebuilding efforts. Using an operating lease to finance your aircraft can help you do just that. Listen as Keith Hayes, PNC Aviation Finance Senior Vice President,, and Lou Seno, JSSI Chairman Emeritus, detail how financing a new aircraft – or refinancing your current one – via an operating lease enables you to devote more capital to your core business. When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor Above and Beyond podcasts to get you the information you need, to help you make the most of your aviation investments. Thanks for reading, listening – and flying safely! Gil Wolin, Publisher

There’s more to “Going Green” than owning a hybrid car – or seeking an FBO offering Sustainable Alternative Fuel to power your business aircraft. You can make sure your aircraft’s interior finish is eco-friendly, from fabric, carpet, and paneling material selection, to minimizing material transportation costs. Join Autumn Duntz, president of Autumn Elizabeth Design and author of Business Aviation Advisor’s “Comfortably Green,” and Jay Beever, Embraer Executive Jets’ Vice President, Interior Design, as they describe how business aircraft owners can make “going green” an integral part of your aircraft interior completion process – with no compromise to comfort, interior finish, or asset value. When there’s more to be said than space and copy deadlines allow, you can rely on the Business Aviation Advisor Above and Beyond podcasts to get you the information you need, to help you make the most of your aviation investments. Thanks for reading, listening – and flying safely!