related articles
Starting an Aircraft Washing Business
So you love airplanes and you want to start an aircraft washing service? I cannot blame you, as I did the same thing. After cleaning Thousands of aircraft over the years, I have paid for my flight school, first aircraft and then started an aircraft washing franchise as a module of another franchising company I had founded. Named the Aircraft Wash Guys we learned early on what it takes to satisfy aircraft owners, FBOs Fixed Based Operators and Chief Pilots. We always specialized in washing and polishing aircraft. We've cleaned thousands of private planes, corporate jets, flying clubs, flight schools and helicopters. My Car Wash Guys company was originally founded over twenty years ago and started as an aircraft washing service.
Automated Satellite Following System for UAV Swarms
Much work is being done and the USAF has implemented systems to fly UAVs Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in ah hoc formations like swarms of insects or flock of birds. We cannot quite match evolution and bird flock formations but we are on our way. I propose keeping this task of swarming UAVs simple. I propose having every fifth, twentieth or hundredth UAV flown tele-robotically sending information to the satellite. All other UAVs will be controlled thru that data and by satellite in grid formations every half to three miles. All data will be collected by the larger control UAV which is tele-robotically flown. This queen bee, or swarm commander will interpret data and send in relevant data to the command and control tele-robotic augments simulator pilot. Each drone UAV will fly its line on the grid using an offset AFF.
Entering Business Aviation, Part III: Training Options
Time for some training! So, you are not sure what type of training you will need or how it compares to the commercial side of aviation. For starters, there are some very big differences.
Sport Aviation and Jet Aircraft
Do you want a little business jet with a lot of power? Well hold on, as we are almost here. There are many new little Biz Jets about to come to the market place. So what is happening in the Biz Jet marketing the last 2-years? Oh not much, except Cessna now has a new little Biz Jet;
The History of the Aircraft Wash Guys, Part Two
The continuation of the history of a small service franchise business in the aviation sector; whose humble beginnings began in the middle of a recession. This proves that anything is possible and that with enough will and entrepreneurial spirit no matter what the condition of your industry sector, you can succeed in America. Now then to continue the saga; Twelve year old Lance Winslow, the founder is almost twenty years old and is making a name for himself at several local airports. It is still a long road ahead but slowly the journey progresses like it has for countless young entrepreneurs before him. We continue:
Leading Private Jet Charter Operators
Flying with the airlines can be a time consuming as well as risky proposition for businessmen as well as for people of wealth. If you absolutely, positively must get somewhere fast you are putting your trust in a system that is overcrowded, inconvenient, and failing when you fly with the airlines. What are your options? Rent or lease a private jet. The following list features some of the leading private jet charter operators in the U.S.
Atlantic Aviation Flight Services
Automotive Air Charter
Avjet Corporation
Business Jet Services
Clay Lacy Aviation
Delta AirElite
Elite Aviation
Executive Jet Mgt
FirstFlight Management LLC
Flightworks
Hop-A-Jet
Jet Aviation
Key Air
Million Air
New World Aviation
Petersen Aviation
Priester Aviation
PrivatAir
Regal Aviation
Richmor Aviation
TAG Aviation
The Air Group
Trans-Exec Air Service
One common thread with each of the operators is that they fly large cabin aircraft. This group is defined by -- but not limited to -- the following types of aircraft:
Gulfstream 450; 550
Boeing Business Jet
Canadair Challenger 604
Bombardier Global Express; 800
Falcon 2000
In each case you get the security of having two highly trained FAA licensed pilots and you can opt for a corporate flight attendant to provide cabin services and safety assistance. These are no King Airs, Lears, and Westwinds you will be flying. Many rent for $7000. per hour on up, but when you are talking about closing on a merger or acquisition in the morning in Dallas and being back in your Boston office in the afternoon, the price is inconsequential.
There are also several operations that will allow you to purchase a portion of a jet. No, you don't get a wing only, rather -- much like a timeshare -- you get to use a private jet operated by one of the providers. Chief amongst these specialized providers are:
Netjets
Flexjet
Flight Options
CitationShares
A third option is to approach one of the private jet aircraft brokers who will arrange the trip for you. Chief amongst these types of providers are:
Sentient
Gold Jets
Bluestarjets
Marquis Jet
AirRoyale
All in all, private flying is where it's at. If you live in the New York area, you can fly out of convenient Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and land at Van Nuys Airport near Los Angeles. By avoiding Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark airports you save precious time and land unruffled in L.A. Who can put a price tag on that?
Matt Keegan writes for business aviation and manages two very busy aviation related communities: http://www.corporateflyer.net and http://www.aviationemploymentboard.com
