Jet Advisors

Jet Advisors President Interviewed for CBS News Regarding Corporate Jet Downsizing

2009-04-06T08:16:00.001-06:00

Kevin O’Leary gives his two cents about the effects of the recession on the private jet market

Broomfield, Colo. March 30, 2009 – Kevin O’Leary’s professional advice on current trends of the private jet market is featured in the article: “TARP Banks: Downsizing Their Jets.” Mr. O’Leary explains that private jet sales continue to suffer and have acquired a great deal of negative press. However, O’Leary projects a slight turnaround.

CBS News investigative producer Laura Strickler covered the story in which she describes the pressures of yet another corporation to downsize their private jets in response to the economic recession. Many companies are scaling back despite low returns, in an effort to reverse negative public relations.

Strickler says, “Kevin O’Leary of the private aviation consulting firm Jet Advisors, says when he compares the first two months of 2009 to the first two months of 2008 he sees a 71% increase in inventory and sales are down by 56%. But he says that while jets were being sold at “fire sale” prices a few months ago, sometimes $10 million below market value, prices have recently gone up. He says he is seeing more corporate jets in the marketplace and he attributes it to pressure from the public and the Obama administration, ‘A private jet has a bad connotation right now.’”

The article ran on March 25, 2009. A full-version can be viewed at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/03/25/cbsnews_investigates/main4893176.shtml?source=search_story.

TAG Aviation’s Regional Vice President of Aircraft Acquisition and Sales Joins Jet Advisors as VP of Sales

2009-04-01T07:15:00.002-07:00

Eugene Clow, expert in private jet sales and acquisitions, will bring over 35 years of industry experience to the staff of Jet Advisors

Broomfield, Colo. March 20, 2009 – TAG Aviation’s Regional Vice President of Aircraft Acquisition and Sales Joins Jet Advisors as VP of Sales.

Eugene Clow, expert in private jet sales and acquisitions, will bring over 35 years of industry experience to the staff of Jet Advisors.

The private jet brokerage company, Jet Advisors, announced the addition of aviation professional, Mr. Gene Clow, to its growing staff. Mr. Clow has been named VP of Sales and will be an asset to the company.

With over 35 years of experience in the industry to date, Mr. Clow has held highly-regarded positions at Raytheon Aircraft, Flight Safety, and most recently, TAG Aviation.

A few of Mr. Clows accomplishments to date include being awarded the "Blue Chip" in 1995 and 1998, being named the 1995 "Rookie of the Year" and the 1989 "Salesman of the Year," developing revenue of corporate jet transactions in a 17 state region and establishing the worldwide marketing program for aircraft simulators.

Mr. Clow has Advanced Flight training on the King Air 350, King Air B200, King Air C90B, BeechJet 400A, Boeing 737 and Boeing 757. In addition, he holds a BS in Business Management from Portland State University in Portland, OR.

About Jet Advisors:
Jet Advisors was founded to assist Aircraft Owners/Buyers and Fractional Share Owners in managing their private jet needs. The Broomfield, Colorado-based company routinely handles private jet sales and acquisitions, and fractional and private jet consulting. With one hundred years of combined industry experience and hundreds of aircraft transactions, Jet Advisors is able to provide the most accurate, insightful and objective information available in each unique private jet transaction process.

Robb Report Aviation Board wants Jet Advisors President

2009-03-18T10:25:00.002-07:00

Broomfield, Colo. (PRWEB) February 16, 2009 – Jet Advisors President Kevin O’Leary has been personally asked to join Robb Report’s Private Aviation Advisory Board. The invitation is not only a compliment to O’Leary but to Jet Advisors as well.

Robb Report magazine targets the “ultra-affluent, sophisticated” consumer, providing detailed information in categories that include sports and luxury automobiles, yachts, real estate, travel, private aircraft, fashion, fine jewelry and watches, art, wine and state-of-the-art home electronics.

O’Leary will serve on the company’s private aviation advisory board, whose main objectives are to provide Robb Report members with expert recommendations on private jet models and options, and to help locate available offers. Other duties of the board include compiling noteworthy reports about the industry, as well as composing professional guides to the variety of private flying choices.

With extensive knowledge and experience in the private jet industry, O’Leary will be able to add another credible opinion to the aviation board.

O’Leary will be attending a meeting in New York City on February 17, along with six other board members. These professionals will collaborate to discuss what’s currently happening in the industry.

Investment News Article

2009-02-20T11:17:00.002-07:00

Jet Advisors President Featured in InvestmentNews Report

Kevin O’Leary talks status of aircraft market and a silver-lining

Broomfield, Colo. (PRWEB) February 11, 2009 – InvestmentNews correspondent Mark Bruno contacted Kevin O’Leary for a reliable overview of the current status of the aircraft market, especially after the negative press that corporations have been receiving. Although the numbers speak for themselves, O’Leary acknowledged a silver-lining in the industry’s slump.

O’Leary told InvestmentNews, in an article entitled, “Banks bail out of jets,” that the aircraft market has experienced a rapid decline in the past few months after its steady fall in months prior. In spite of this trend, O’Leary expressed that things are picking back up and the market will start to stabilize and then recover. This means that the current situation may be a great opportunity to buy. There are plenty of deals in the market and financing is becoming more readily available to potential customers. A purchase would be a great investment for when the market does turn around.

Bruno quotes O’Leary in the article multiple times: “There are so few buyers out there at the moment, yet the number of sellers is growing constantly,” and again explaining, “If you want to move something right now, you have to lower your asking price to a number where a buyer just can't say no."

O’Leary also mentioned the large numbers of corporate jets for sale, growing from four or five last year to well over 30, and for prices up to 40% less.

The article featuring Jet Advisors President Kevin O’Leary, “Banks bail out of jets,” was published February 15 in InvestmentNews, and is also available at http://www.investmentnews.com.

About Jet Advisors:
Jet Advisors was founded to assist Aircraft Owners/Buyers and Fractional Share Owners in managing their private jet needs. The Broomfield, Colorado-based company routinely handles private jet sales and acquisitions, fractional jet and private jet consulting. With one hundred years of combined industry experience and hundreds of aircraft transactions, Jet Advisors is able to provide the most accurate, insightful and objective information available in each unique private jet transaction process.

Contact:
Jet Advisors
(303) 410-1900
http://www.jetadvisors.com

info provided by http://www.jetadvisors.com/

private jet advisors

Rocky Mountain Airport Colorado Springs, CO

2008-12-01T10:09:00.004-07:00

Runway Length 13,500
Runway Width 150
Elevation 6,184

Latitude 38 48'21"N

Longitude 104 42' 1"W

provided by http://www.jetadvisors.com

Gulfstream G450

2008-04-14T15:05:00.000-06:00

The Gulfstream 400 was a central figure in the large-cabin private jet lineup since its introduction to the market, and the Gulfstream 450 lives up to its standards. It can fly eight passengers and three crew members from Tokyo to Seattle at a speed of .80 Mach. Everything from its engines to its flight control systems are high-performing and reliable.
Between fourteen and eighteen passengers should ride comfortably in the Gulfstream 450’s 1,513 cubic foot cabin. Passengers can stand up in the 6.2 foot high cabin and will enjoy the 7.4 foot width and 45.1 foot length (an 18 inch increase from the G-III). The 169 cubic feet of baggage space is accessible in-flight. Two full-length closets for coat storage are located inside the two fully enclosed lavatories.

There are plenty of cabin features that should make transcontinental and transoceanic flights enjoyable. Standard and optional electronic offerings include a CD, VHS, and DVD player, two LCD screens, individual headphones at each seat for the cabin audio system, a fax machine, and satellite phones. In case those features aren’t enough, a full-sized galley, power plugs, work tables, and a LAN connection are included as well. Electronics, lighting, and the two-zone temperature control system can be controlled from several different locations in the cabin.
The Gulfstream 450’s Rolls-Royce Tay Mk 611-8C engines are built around the high-pressure engine core of the Spey RB.183-555, which has successfully documented thousands of hours of flight time in various other commercial and private jets. The Rolls-Royce Tay engine, however, gets 2,600 pounds more thrust on takeoff than the Spey. The Tay engines produce 13,850 pounds of thrust each, allowing a sea level takeoff in 5,450 feet.

Much of the Gulfstream 450’s speed and range capabilities can be attributed to some small improvements to the structure. A new wing design cut down on drag and allowed for an increased fuel capacity, totaling 29,500 pounds. Overall weight was reduced by about 500 pounds due to the use of Kevlar and graphite-epoxy composites in some parts of the cabin and engine nacelles.

The fully integrated cockpit is taken up entirely by four Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) that display all flight, systems, and navigation information. The full-color CRTs replace the mass of electromechanical instruments and displays that usually take up the control panel. Color radar, dual Flight Management Systems (FMS), navigation computers, and Engine Instrument and Crew Alert Systems (EICAS) are provided by Sperry Flight Systems. The new Enhanced Vision System (EVS) can create an infrared image of the view from the cockpit and displays it on the Head-Up Display (HUD) of the pilot. This image is accurate enough to show details like lights and reflective strips on the runway, enabling the pilot to fly and even land in low-visibility conditions.

Global Express

2008-04-01T15:11:00.001-07:00

The Global Express was the pioneer of ultra-long-range private jets. At the time of its release, no other private jet had a cabin nearly as large, nor could any jet make such long-range direct flights, like New York to Tokyo or Paris to Singapore. The Global Express offers everything an airliner does – range, comfort, and speed –- without the hassle.

The cabin of the Global Express is designed to be comfortable for the duration of long transoceanic flights. The cabin can be configured to hold between thirteen and nineteen passengers in a cabin that is 6.3 feet high, 8.2 feet wide, and 48.4 feet long. The cabin can be divided into three areas for conferences for increased privacy. Two fully-enclosed lavatories are in the cabin, one of which can be equipped with a shower, if desired. Extensive cabin insulation cuts down on noise and improved engines produce less audible vibration. There is a wide range of standard and optional cabin amenities, including a 17 channel satcom, fax machine, cabin entertainment system with VHS, DVD, and CD players, as well as individual video screens, and a full-sized galley.

The engines themselves are BMW/Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 turbofans, which produce 14,750 pounds of thrust each on takeoff. The Global Express can climb to 37,000 feet in nineteen minutes. Its maximum certified flight ceiling is 51,000 feet, but it generally cruises around 42,000 feet –well above most commercial and private jets. For long-distance flights the Global Express can reach speeds of 488 knots, and reach 499 knots when cruising at high speed. Fortunately, one of the strengths of the Global Express is its ability to fly at high speeds without sacrificing range. Its maximum range is 7,000 miles (6,100 nautical miles) at a speed of .85 Mach.

The avionics and flight control systems were designed to be intuitive and easy to operate. Many systems require almost no input from the pilots. The cabin pressurization system, for example, automatically adjusts the cabin pressure throughout the flight. All that the pilot has to do is enter the altitude of the runway of the initial and final destinations. The cabin is rated to 10 psi, meaning it can maintain a sea level cabin while at an altitude of 26,500 feet. Engine startup is very simple as well, as is the fuel balance system, which automatically adjusts the fuel levels in the two wet wing tanks. Besides being easy to fly, the Global Express is very reliable. Most of its critical systems has two or three backup systems.

The avionics system used in the Global Express is the Honeywell Primus 2000XP suite. It has six 7 x 8 inch screens. Some screen display flight and environment information, while others are blank (to minimize distractions) except when notifying the pilots of an emergency. The avionics system comes standard with a triple LASEREF IV inertial reference system, a GPS receiver, avionics computers, nav/comm radios, and can be configured to include almost any piece of avionics equipment desired.

Learjet 36

2008-03-31T03:20:00.000-07:00

The Learjet 36 is the new and improved version of the Lear 35. The 35’s boasting rights came from its range, and the Lear 36 only expanded on that asset. It can fly 1,530 miles (1,330 nautical miles) nonstop. That means direct flights from San Francisco to Honolulu. Good handling characteristics, low fuel burn, and fast cruise speeds are part of the Lear 36’s assets as well.

A maximum of six passengers can travel in the Lear 36’s cabin. It is 12.9 feet long, 4.9 feet wide, and 4.4 feet high. There are 40 cubic feet of baggage space, enough to hold about eight standard-sized suitcases.

The real strength of the Learjet 36 is its range, takeoff, and cruise capabilities. Two Honeywell TFE731-2-2B engines provide 3,500 pounds of thrust, allowing the Lear 36 to take off in 4,972 feet. The maximum take off weight is pretty high as well at 18,300 pounds.

Components of the TFE731-2-2B engines are used in much higher-performing jets as well. Their pressure compressors were taken from the Garret 660-series engine, which is used on 747s. Their turbine components come from DC-10s, and the high-pressure impellers are a modified version of the one used in the TPE 331 and T76 engines.

The Learjet 36 is has a relatively long range for a private jet, and can cruise at speeds as high as 451 ktas, or 424 ktas with four passengers. Fuel consumption is excellent: the 31A burns only 177 pounds of fuel per hour. For comparison’s sake, that’s 14 pounds fewer than the Hawker 400XP and 64 pounds fewer than the Citation VI.

A few other details make the Lear 36 a popular private jet. First of all, it meets FAR part 36 noise standards, making it a kind of “good neighbor” at airports. Furthermore, the avionics system is completely redesigned from previous models, giving pilots an uncluttered control panel that is easy to work with. Pilots have also commented on its agility and excellent performance capabilities.

The Learjet 36 is a high-performing business jet that meets the standards of excellence of a private jet in the Lear series. It is rare to find private jets that can fly as fast, as far, or as economically as the Lear 36.

Learjet 45

2008-03-06T16:35:00.002-07:00

New models of private jets come out every year, but it’s only once in a while that a jet is released that is truly innovative. The Learjet 45 is one of the rare jets that seamlessly integrates new technology with a tested and successful older design. Its speed and economy are to be expected – it is a Learjet, after all – but the rest of its small features add up to a high-quality private jet. The Learjet 45’s cabin holds eight seats, usually in a double club layout, with plenty of room to swivel, recline, and track. The cabin’s length and width is 59 inches and 61 inches, respectively. Don’t be mislead by the measurements; the interior of the Learjet 45 was designed to offer the most usable passenger space possible so the passengers don’t feel claustrophobic.

Other fine points of the cabin’s design make it useful and comfortable, from work tables that fold down from the walls to an extra pressure relief port on the door for added passenger safety. The noise level in the cabin never exceeds 72 dB and a two-zone temperature control system ensures that both the cabin and the cockpit are kept comfortable. An external compartment provides 80 cubic feet of baggage space.The Learjet 45 can fly 2,471 miles (2,147 nautical miles) nonstop and can cruise at 517 mph. Two AlliedSignal TFE731-20AR turbofan engines provide 3,500 pounds of thrust each on takeoff.

The standards for anti-ice systems were stiffened by the FAA while the Learjet 45 was still in the design phase. It comes as no surprise that the resulting private jet had the most advanced anti-ice system of any light- or mid-sized jet. The engine anti-icing system was completely redesigned for better ice removal. Bleed air load balancing software increases the engines’ total thrust, and improves the rate of climb while the ice removal system is in use. The software distributes the bleed air system between the two engines so that they perform uniformly. The Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics system includes four large-format EFIS (ERO Frequency Information Systems) and a 3-D approach navigation system through a Universal UNS-1C FMS. For the first time in a Learjet, there are no restrictions on the lateral and vertical approach guidance simulations.

***

For more information about the Learjet 45, or for help in purchasing or selling a Learj45, contact Kevin O'Leary at 303-410-1900.

Learjet 31A

2008-02-18T15:22:00.002-07:00

For those unfamiliar with Learjets, their name is a synonym for speed. The Learjet 31 can reach a cruise speed of .81 Mach after climbing to its cruise level in just 28 minutes -- way beyond the capabilities of any competing light private jets. It has great runway performance and a low fuel burn, making it a great candidate for efficient, fast private jet travel.

The Learjet 31A’s cabin can carry up to eight passengers in its 17.1 foot-long cabin. Sixty-seven feet of baggage space are available, or about the equivalent of six sets of skis and four golf bags.
Two Garret TFE 731-2 engines provide 3,500 pounds of thrust each, giving this jet the ability to outperform the rest of the private jets in its class. It has a range of 1,610 miles (1,400 nautical miles) with four passengers, and performs well even in extreme temperatures and at high altitudes.

It can take off in 3,280 feet at sea level at its maximum take-off weight, significantly surpassing other light jets’ runway performance. Another area in which the Learjet 31A outperforms its competitors is in its climb rate – it can reach an altitude of 47,000 feet in only 28 minutes. Furthermore, at cruise altitude it flies at .81 Mach (458 ktas), making it the best light private jet in the speed category as well.

The Learjet 31A has excellent in-flight performance. Its rapid acceleration and rapid response capabilities make it a favorite among pilots. This jet is known for its smooth flights and good performance even outside the recommended flight envelope.

The strong point of the Learjet 31A is its avionics system. The Bendix/King suite has a KFC 3100 autopilot system, complete with automatic climb and descent modes that control the jet’s flight for the best possible performance. The control board is configured to make the pilot’s job as straightforward as possible – systems and circuit breakers are grouped together by function and have small EFIS displays to summarize activity. The layout of the controls makes the systems easier to read and cuts back on clutter. The Learjet 31A’s systems are so comprehensive that it meets the FAA safety standards mandatory for major airliners.

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For more information about the Learjet 31A, or for help in purchasing or selling one, contact Kevin O'Leary at koleary@jetadvisors.com or at 303-410-1900

Piaggio P-180 Avanti

2008-02-17T22:43:00.000-07:00

The Italian private jet manufacturer Piaggio Aero company, like all other private jet manufacturers, announced their goals for the Piaggio P-180 before they started building it. They wanted a light private jet that could cruise at 400 knots, fly at more than 40,000 feet, have a 2,000 mile range, as well as be fuel-efficient and have a comfortable cabin. Considering the fact that no other private jet manufacturer had been able to create a jet that met such specifications, Piaggio had to be truly innovative in making the P-180.

Usually the cabin comes at the end of the design process of a private jet (which explains the oddly-shaped, cramped cabins that are ubiquitous among light private jets). Piaggio instead started by building a comfortable, large cabin, and then building rest of the jet around it. The spacious cabin seats seven passengers in full-sized seats. There is almost no vibration and the noise levels are low. There is baggage space available for about six suitcases and a few golf bags, a total of 44 cubic feet. And, true to Italian form, it is extremely stylish.

The most noticeable feature of the Piaggio is its wings – to be exact, it has three sets. These three sets effectively distribute flight loads and provide three lifting surfaces. The sets of smaller wings total a smaller amount of wing area than is usually distributed over a single wing, but manage to cut down on the Piaggio’s structure weight, drag, and increase lift. The engineers of Piaggio Aero designed the P180’s structure with the help of NASA software and perfected it with over 4,600 hours of wind tunnel testing.

Not surprisingly, the Piaggio takes off quickly (in less than 3,000 feet) and climbs to its flight level of 41,000 feet. At the time of its release, it was the fastest turboprop on the market with a cruise speed of up to 400 knots. It can fly more than 2,000 miles, which far surpasses the average high-speed cruise distance of competing jets. Not only is the Piaggio high-performing, it is economical. It has high fuel efficiency, a low specific fuel consumption, and can be flown by a single pilot.

The Piaggio’s six-blade turboprops are powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66 engines, flat rated to 850 shp for improved efficiency. The heavy wing loading of the Piaggio provides for smooth handling in turbulence and solid, high flight level handling. The cabin is rated to 9.0 psi, meaning it can maintain a sea-level cabin at up to 24,000 feet.

The P180 uses the Rockwell Collins Avionics suite in the cockpit. The system is designed to be highly intuitive – switches and controls are grouped by function, and five sleek screens display systems information. WXR-840 solid-state weather radar and Universal UNS-1kFMS systems come standard for enhance situational awareness. A Rockwell Collins TWR-850 Doppler turbulence detection radar can be included if requested.

CJ4

2008-02-04T21:36:00.001-07:00

Cessna’s latest private jet hasn’t been certified yet, but some details have already been released about how it will differ from the CJ3:

Has shorter wing than CJ3
Cruises at .75 Mach
Uses two Williams International FJ44-4 engines
Uses Pro Line 21 Avionics suite
Increased fuel capacity

Learjet 45

2008-02-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

The Learjet 45’s cabin holds eight seats, usually in a double club layout, with plenty of room to swivel, recline, and track. The cabin’s length and width is 59 inches and 61 inches, respectively. Don’t be mislead by the measurements; the interior of the Learjet 45 was designed to offer the most usable passenger space possible so the passengers don’t feel claustrophobic.

Other fine points of the cabin’s design make it useful and comfortable, from work tables that fold down from the walls to an extra pressure relief port on the door for added passenger safety. The noise level in the cabin never exceeds 72 dB and a two-zone temperature control system ensures that both the cabin and the cockpit are kept comfortable. An external compartment provides 80 cubic feet of baggage space.

The Learjet 45 can fly 2,471 miles (2,147 nautical miles) nonstop and can cruise at 517 mph. Two AlliedSignal TFE731-20AR turbofan engines provide 3,500 pounds of thrust each on takeoff.
The standards for anti-ice systems were stiffened by the FAA while the Learjet 45 was still in the design phase. It comes as no surprise that the resulting private jet had the most advanced anti-ice system of any light- or mid-sized jet. The engine anti-icing system was completely redesigned for better ice removal. Bleed air load balancing software increases the engines’ total thrust, and improves the rate of climb while the ice removal system is in use. The software distributes the bleed air system between the two engines so that they perform uniformly.

The Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics system includes four large-format EFIS (ERO Frequency Information Systems) and a 3-D approach navigation system through a Universal UNS-1C FMS. For the first time in a Learjet, there are no restrictions on the lateral and vertical approach guidance simulations.

***

For more information about the Learjet 45, contact Kevin O'Leary at 303-410-1900 or at koleary@jetadvisors.com

Gulfstream 550 GV-SP

2008-02-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

It says a lot to the be among the first to pioneer something new, an honor which is the Gulfstream 550 deserves. It was one of the original private jets in the ultra-long-range class; at the time of its release it had the longest range (7,760 miles/6,750 nautical miles). It can complete trips of over fourteen hours and easily fly from Tokyo to New York or from New York to the southernmost tip of South America.

The cabin of the Gulfstream 550 is 50.1 feet long, 6.2 feet high, and 7.3 feet wide, for a total cabin volume of 1,669 cubic feet. Its extra-wide oval windows are unique to Gulfstreams and provide plenty of light and a great view. The cabin usually seats between fourteen and nineteen people. The size of the Gulfstream 550’s cabin is similar to that of the Gulfstream 500, but the layout has been modified to be more space-efficient. 226 cubic feet of internal baggage storage is available, a total of 2,500 pounds.

Other standard and optional cabin amenities include an Airshow 400 flight information system, a radio/satellite phone, fax machine, two LCD monitors, a DVD and CD player, wireless LAN, and power outlets. The two-zone temperature control system, which provides only fresh air, can be controlled from several locations in the cabin. Noise levels in the cabin are low, but additional sound proofing can be added if desired.

The Gulfstream 550 is equipped with two Rolls-Royce Deutschland BR700-710C4-11 engines, each able to produce 15,385 pounds of thrust on takeoff. Runway requirements for a sea level takeoff is 5,910 feet, at an elevation of 5,000 feet and a temperature of 77˚F, the required length is 9,010 feet. The Gulfstream 550 can climb directly to 37,000 feet in eighteen minutes.
The avionics suite of the Gulfstream 550 is unique among private jets. Gulfstream’s Plane View Cockpit is based on the Honeywell Primus Epic Suite. It is unique because it includes the Honeywell Head-Up Display (HUD) and visual guidance system as well as the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS), which together allow pilots to complete instrument in very low-visibility conditions. The EVS and HUD create a real-time display of the runway and the surrounding area with infrared sensors. The light sensors are accurate enough to display the reflective lights on the runway stripes. This system allows landings to take place in conditions that practically every other private jet cannot.

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for more information about the G550 or other private jets, contact Kevin O'Leary at 303-410-1900 or at koleary@jetadvisors.com

Learjet 40

2008-01-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

The Learjet is quite a contender in the competitive private jet market. Its cruise speed, cabin space, and technological advancement are greater than other light private jets. It has excellent range/payload flexibility and climbs quickly to elevations far above most air traffic and bad weather. Its range allows for nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco or from Singapore to Hong Kong -- trips that few other light private jets could complete.

The Learjet 40’s cabin is, to the pleasure of its marketing department, the biggest of its class. It stretches to a length of 17.7 feet, a width of 5.12 feet, and a height of 4.92 feet, which works out to a total cabin volume of 363 cubic feet. There are seats available for seven passengers, and baggage compartments that can store 65 cubic feet of baggage.

The Learjet 40 also outperforms the competition while in the air. Its average cruise speed is 457 ktas (.79 Mach), but can cruise as fast as 464 ktas (.81 Mach). It can fly up to 2,248 miles (1,954 nautical miles) nonstop and take off in 4,285 feet at high altitudes. Its runway capabilities at sea level are less than 3,400 pounds. Even when loaded to its maximum takeoff weight of 20,350 pounds it can take off in just 4,250 feet from a sea level runway.

Despite the high speeds of the Learjet 40, it has relatively economical fuel consumption due to its aerodynamic design that cuts down on drag and its two fuel-efficient Honeywell TFE731-20AR-1B engines.

The Honeywell Primus 1000 digital avionics suite certainly keeps up with the high-performing jet: its four cathode ray tube screens are located at logical positions on the control panel. The designers of the Learjet 40 paid a lot of attention to arranging the avionics in an easy-to-use, logical layout, ultimately making the pilot’s job easier – and each flight safer.

*****

Questions about the Learjet 40? Interested in finding one, or need help selling yours? Call Kevin O'Leary at 303-410-1900 or e-mail him at koleary@jetadvisors.com

Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)

2008-01-28T01:07:00.000-07:00

The Boeing Business Jet is a member of the venerated 737 family. The 737s collectively have over 60 million hours of flight time and are still in high demand in the commercial aviation market. The BBJ sold more than a hundred planes in just four years of production, and orders continue to come in. No other private jet offers as much cabin space or reliability. After all, the BBJ is a descendant of commercial aircraft, designed to last decades.

The Boeing Business Jet’s full name is the BBJ 737-700 IGW. IGW stands for “Increased Gross Weight,” much of which is due to its massive cabin. The total cabin volume is 5,390 cubic feet and can be configured almost any way desired. Most configurations divide the cabin into four compartments (in addition to a crew rest area). The four compartments generally consist of a board room, a lounge, a VIP bedroom (with a queen-sized bed, if desired), a business office, and two lavatories with showers.

The BBJ, despite its size and its maximum take off weight of 171,000 pounds, can take off from a sea level runway in 5,885 feet. At an altitude of 5,000 feet and a temperature of 77˚F, the required runway distance increases to 9,645 feet. For comparison’s sake, the average takeoff distance of heavy private jets at sea level is 5,500 feet. The average MTOW of these private jets is 52,000 pounds, 30% of the BBJ’s MTOW.

Another area in which the massive BBJ performs like one of the smaller heavy private jets is in its climb rate. It climbs directly to 37,000 feet in 25 minutes. At this altitude it achieves its high speed cruise of 470 ktas. At 39,000 feet it gets optimal long range cruise performance of 451 ktas. Its range, with eight passengers and required NBAA IFR reserves, is 6,098 nautical miles. It can easily complete trips from Denver to Tokyo or from Los Angeles to Frankfurt – distance is no limitation. Its required amount of runway for landing will not be a limiting factor, either: when carrying four passengers and NBAA IFR reserves, the BBJ needs only 2,330 feet to land.

The Boeing Business Jet is pretty economical as far as ultra-long-range jets go: on a 6,000 nautical mile trip carrying eight passengers, such as New York to Beijing, it will use 10,000 gallons of fuel and reach the destination in 50 minutes. On a shorter trip of 1,000 nautical miles with eight passengers, such as from Denver to Detroit, 1,600 gallons of fuel would be used and the flight time would be 30 minutes.

The flight controls themselves are designed to be extremely easy to use, so that even pilots from third world countries with little flight training could use them. Even though any pilot qualified by FAA standards to fly a Boeing Business Jet will have ample experience, the thought is nonetheless comforting. The plane lacks no piece of guidance or system awareness technology that could be added to a commercial or private jet.

Truly, the BBJ lacks nothing. For those that can afford it, it is the epitome of everything that could be desired in a private jet.

for more information on the Boeing Business Jet, contact Kevin O'Leary at koleary@jetadvisors.com or 303-410-1900.

Learjet 40

2008-01-22T19:33:00.001-07:00

For more information about the Learjet 40, contact Kevin O'Leary at 303-410-1900 or koleary@jetadvisors.com

Hawker Horizon

2008-01-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

The goal of the design team from Raytheon that made the Hawker Horizon was not to design the fastest private jet, or the jet with the longest range, or the most economical mid-sized private jet. Their goal was to strike a balance between all of the things aircraft owners value: cabin size, speed, operating cost, and range. This goal was met in the Hawker Horizon, a private jet that is strong on all fronts.

The Hawker Horizon’s cabin can carry between eight and fourteen. It is 29.5 feet long, 6 feet high, and 6.5 feet wide. There is 110 cubic feet of baggage space available in an unpressurized external compartment. All of the typical amenities are available as well: a fully enclosed lavatory, appliances for hot and cold food preparation, and power plugs.

The Hawker Horizon is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A engines, which provide 6,900 pounds of thrust each on takeoff. They are similar to the PW305 engines used on the Hawker 1000, but produce more thrust, are more economical, and have better temperature margins than the 305s.

The runway requirements for the Hawker Horizon are impressive for a private jet of its size. It can take off in 5,088 feet on a sea level runway, or in 7,598 feet on a runway at an elevation of 5,000 feet. It can climb directly to 41,000 feet in twenty minutes at its Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of 36,000 pounds. When loaded to its maximum fuel capacity, it can fly 3,570 miles (3,100 nautical miles) at a speed of .80 Mach.

For an optimum range cruise, the Hawker Horizon can fly at 430 knots at its maximum flight level of 45,000 feet. Its high speed cruise is 470 knots at 41,000 feet. The aircraft’s pressurization system is rated to 9.8 psi, meaning that the Hawker Horizon can maintain a 6,000 foot cabin altitude while flying at 45,000 feet.

Raytheon selected the Honeywell Primus Epic Avionics Suite for use in the Hawker Horizon. It integrates and controls many of the vital functions of the aircraft. It comes standard with a GPS sensor, an FMZ-2000 FMS (Flight Management System), dual autothrottles, and dual automated flight control systems. Five 8 by 10 inch flat panel LCDs show all of the necessary flight information. Two serve as the primary flight displays, two as multi-function displays, and one as an EICAS (Engine Indication and Crew Alert System), which cycles through seven pages of systems information. The electronic system displays will allow the pilot to control all shown functions directly from the display.

Sino Swearingen SJ 30-2

2008-01-17T16:09:00.001-07:00

The Sino Swearingen SJ 30-2 is a little-known private jet from an almost unheard-of company. It is an anomaly among light jets: it has transcontinental range and a maximum cruise speed of .83 Mach. The SJ 30-2 is very fuel efficient at high speeds, burning just over 100 gallons of fuel per hour

The cabin extremely small, even for a light private jet. It is 12.6 feet long, 4.3 feet wide, and 4.7 feet high, which totals a cabin volume of 191 cubic feet. It fits five seats, and since the SJ 30-2 will generally be flown by a single pilot, an additional passenger can ride in the cockpit. Some cabin amenities include an Iridium satcom phone, power outlets, two-zone temperature control, and cup holders by each seat.

The SJ30-2 uses two Williams International FJ44-2a fanjet engines, the same class of engines used on the CitationJet series and the original SJ30. Each are flat rated to 2,300 pounds of thrust each. They are controlled partially by two Electronic Control Units (ECTs) that are comparable to an FADEC (Full Authority Digital Electronics Control), which automatically limits takeoff thrust, schedules climb and cruise thrust levels, and distributes fuel. Backup hydromechanical fuel control is available if the ECU fails.

One of the most surprising attributes of the SJ 30-2 is its range of 2,870 miles (2,500 nautical miles). Fortunately, its cruise speed is up to par with the uncharacteristically (for a light private jet) high range. Its maximum cruise speed is .83 Mach (486 knots), and its long range cruise speed is .78 Mach (447 knots). The SJ30-2 is very fuel efficient, burning 150 gallons of fuel per hour, 40 gallons less than the average fuel consumption for light private jets. This is surprising, considering the fact that no other light private jets come close to the SJ 30-2 in range or speed. The SJ30-2 can be even more fuel efficient when performing for optimum range, burning only 102 gallons per hour.

The fully integrated Honeywell Primus Epic CDS avionics system centers on two 8x10 flat panel liquid crystal displays. The cockpit comes equipped with the Primus 331 weather radar, the Dual Primus II radio system, and can be configured to include a lightning sensor system, TCAS 2000 (Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System), GPS, and other flight control systems. The SJ 30-2 can be operated by a single pilot.

Challenger 300

2007-12-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Challenger 300 falls into the “super-midsize” private jet class, along with jets like the Citation X and the Gulfstream G200. It can fly eight passengers coast-to-coast nonstop, and was designed to have low direct operating costs – making it a strong contender against other newly arrived super-midsized private jets.

The cabin of the Challenger 300 fits eight or nine passengers in a double-club configuration. Two-zone air conditioning keeps both the pilots and the passengers comfortable, and low-heat LED overhead lights (with a 10,000 hour life) give the cabin an open feel. The cabin itself stretches to a length (not including the cockpit) of 16.5 feet, a height of 6.1 feet, and a width of 7.2 feet. The 106 cubic feet of baggage (750 pounds) stored in an exterior compartment is accessible in-flight through the fully enclosed lavatory.

The real draw of the Challenger 300 is its range/payload capabilities. It can fly eight passengers 3,560 miles (3,100 nautical miles) at .80 Mach – quite a feat for a jet of its class. The Challenger 300’s top cruise speed is .82 Mach (470 ktas), but it usually flies at about .80 Mach (459 knots) and burns 1,577 pounds of fuel per hour.

The Challenger 300 uses the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system, with four 12x10 inch LCD screens. The EICAS (Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System) comes standard, which gives engine performance information such as fuel flow, oil and turbine temperatures, torque, and visual deicing and environmental control information. Other systems include the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) and the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II). Functions such as engine startup are almost completely automated.

The Challenger 300 is a solid private jet that will consistently deliver high performance and economy of operation. It was designed to be simple to operate and easy to maintain, so it will not encounter difficulties in regularly completing cross-country flights.

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For more information about the Challenger 300, contact Kevin O'Leary at 303-410-1900 or koleary@jetadvisors.com

Premier 1

2007-12-19T10:34:00.001-07:00

One of the main design objectives for the Premier 1 was to create a private jet that was uncomplicated and easy to operate, resulting in a jet that can be operated by a single pilot. The fully integrated Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system, designed specifically for the Premier 1, consolidates displays and functions to make the pilot’s job easier and to increase situational awareness. Two large-format 8x11 inch flat panel color LCD screens, one primary flight display and one multifunctional display, dominate the control panel. New LCD technology allows the pilots to see the screens clearly, regardless of the lighting in the cabin or the angle of viewing.

The fully integrated flight management system not only makes the pilot’s job easier, it ensures optimal system performance. The components of the avionics system – dual air data computers, ADF and DME radio, sold-state WXR-800 weather radar, and integral satellite-based GPS, to name a few – maximize situational awareness and make for a safe, uneventful private jet flight.

The Premier 1 is the first private business jet to use the electromagnetic expulsive deicing system (EMED) on the horizontal stabilizer. It produces electromagnetic waves across the surface of the metal which breaks the ice off. Deicing systems for the rest of the jet use engine bleed air.

The landing gear is controlled electronically and utilizes a hydraulically actuated gear and a free-fall landing gear for emergencies. An electronic anti-skid brake system is included, powered by two hydraulic engine pumps. These two engine-controlled pumps also control the landing gear, spoilers, and parts of the anti-ice system.

The swept wings on the Premier 1 are an original design from Raytheon. Their unique design minimizes drag and increases cruise speed and high altitude capabilities. Although the wing was enlarged to add an additional 250 pounds of fuel than was originally planned, the Premier 1 still manages a short enough takeoff distance to be able to utilize small airports.

The Premier 1 can take off in 3,792 feet and climb to 37,000 feet in seventeen minutes when loaded to its maximum takeoff capacity of 12,500 feet. Its cruise speeds can reach 461 ktas (.785 Mach). Its maximum range is 1,726 miles (1,500 nautical miles).

Embraer Legacy Shuttle (EMB-135LR)

2007-12-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

The EMB-135LR is designed to work best on shorter trips. It can carry more passengers than its predecessor, and is designed to be used as a corporate shuttle for anywhere between 16 and 37 passengers, not as a luxurious office at 39,000 feet.

With that in mind, the Legacy Shuttle does meet its design objectives very well. It is extremely practical, an ideal private jet for day-to-day business use. It is extremely reliable, and has plenty of backup systems for each key function, as should be expected from a private jet originally designed for day-in, day-out commercial use.

The cabin of the Legacy Shuttle is the second-largest of any heavy jet (the late-generation Gulfstreams come in first place), with a cabin volume of 1,410 cubic feet. The cabin measures 6 feet high, 6.9 feet wide, and 42.4 feet long. The internal and external baggage compartments, totaling 142 cubic feet, can hold 1,415 pounds of baggage and are both accessible in-flight. The external baggage compartment is pressurized, air-conditioned, and has class C fire protection.

The exact interior configurations will vary greatly according to how many passengers the jet holds (16-37 passengers), but typical amenities include a galley with an oven, coffee maker and cold food storage. Airshow 400, single-channel satcom, and multiple AC power outlets are included in the standard interior configuration. The in-flight entertainment system consists of a 20-inch flat-panel screen mounted at the front of the cabin with DVD, VCR, and CD players with headphone jacks at each seat. Alternately, individual passenger screens may be installed, along with multi-channel satcom, various pieces of office equipment, a microwave, and so on.

The Legacy Shuttle is powered by two Rolls-Royce AE3007 A1/3 turbofan engines. Each engine is flat-rated to 7,057 pounds of thrust. Inspection is on-condition. FADEC makes engine startup almost entirely automatic and regulates their performance in-flight for optimal fuel burn and speed. They burn, on average, 313 gallons of fuel per hour.

Runway performance is not the Legacy Shuttle’s strong point, but it makes up for it with its ability to operate with heavy payloads and still fly a decent distance. On a sea level runway, the Legacy Shuttle requires 5,600 feet to take off. For a runway at 5,000 feet and a temperature of 77˚F, the requirement increases to 7,024 feet. Although the high-altitude takeoff length is longer than the average heavy private jet requirement, the Legacy Shuttle can fly 2,049 nautical miles (Seattle to Boston, for example) after such a takeoff. It would fly this distance by first climbing directly to its long-range cruise altitude of 37,000 feet in 22 minutes, then cruising at 387 ktas (.68 Mach). A high speed cruise of 446 ktas (.77 Mach) can also be achieved at 37,000 feet and will consume about 10% more fuel than consumption at the long-range speed. The Legacy Shuttle’s average speed, including climb and descent, is 371 ktas.

G1000: New Avionics Suite for Private Jets

2007-12-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Garmin’s G1000 avionics suite is one of the newest options on the market for private jets. The G1000 is an integrated avionics suite that fulfills the role of most standard-issue flight deck instruments, including radio navigation, communications, and GPS. It has received good reviews from pilots and aircraft manufacturers alike and has been selected for standard installation on private jets such as the Citation Mustang, the Phenom 100 and 300, and the HondaJet.

The configuration of the G1000 varies by aircraft manufacturer, and can include two 10- or 12- 15-inch LCDs. Private jet pilots can access a variety of screens through the Multi Function Display (MFD), including satellite weather, traffic awareness information, and checklists. In its standard mode, the MFD displays engine instrument information and a moving map. The two display screens are connected by a high-speed Ethernet data bus and each can display either the PFD or MFD, according to the pilot’s preference.

The two (or, in the case of Citation Mustang, three) LCDs offer private jet pilots a unique level of situational awareness. The G1000 has built-in database of terrain, navigation, and airport information. Jeppesen offers subscription services which provide updated aviation database information monthly, and updated terrain/obstacle information bi-monthly. The built-in database can be updated easily through inserting SD memory cards into slots in the PFD or MFD.

Garmin’s G1000 avionics suite optimizes flight performance through its advanced GFC 700 autopilot, which can handle most tasks throughout flight. It can maintain a steady airspeed and automatically optimizes the private jet’s performance during the climb and descent phases of flight. Perhaps most important of all, the GFC 700 has an emergency descent mode which is automatically activated in emergency situations .

In summary, the G1000 provides the high-caliber performance expected in private jet aviation while exceeding all expectations in its situational awareness capabilities. Pilots flying with the G1000 have almost every advantage technology can offer. Superior quality meets superior efficiency in Garmin’s G1000 avionics suite.

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For more information about the Garmin's G1000 avionics suite, contact Kevin O'Leary at koleary@jetadvisors.com or 303-410-1900.

Fractional Options: Citation Shares

2007-12-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

In the steadily expanding world of fractional private jet ownership, Cessna has established itself as a fractional company whose service and capabilities are as reliable as their aircraft. Needless to say, Citation Shares only operates Cessna business aircraft, most notable the CJ3, XLS, and Sovereign. A variety of pricing plans are available, as well as several premium-day options.

For a more detailed look at their services, check their website: www.citationshares.com

Private Jets Guide: Phenom 100

2007-12-04T14:21:00.001-07:00

The Phenom 100 is a fairly new addition to the light private jet market. Below are some quick stats to give you an idea of its capabilities (all numbers have been taken from Embraer's published performance data).

VFR Range (with NBAA IFR reserves: 1,160 nm
High speed cruise: 380 ktas
Runway length at sea level: 3,400 ft
Cabin height: 4 ft 11 in
Cabin width: 5 ft 1 in

Under optimal conditions, the Phenom 100 could complete a flight from New York to Miami or from Las Vegas to Minneapolis. The Phenom 100's cabin can fit four passengers and has space for 50 cubic feet of baggage.

For more information on the Phenom 100, consult the websites of Embraer or Jet Advisors.