Aviation and Flight Information

The importance of planning

2008-04-08T18:42:00.001-07:00

Are you planning to start a new business? Or are you considering expanding your current business and require a bank loan or investment from outsiders?

If you are going to look for an investment of capital it is quite likely that you will be required to have a business plan. If you are starting a business, despite the work involved, a business plan can prepare you for the obstacles ahead and help ensure your success.

A business plan is something that many small businesses fail to create, however, many business owners are adamant that having a written business plan is one of the keys to their present success. Creating a business plan forces you to contemplate possible obstacles to your business and prepares you to find solutions that will help you to overcome them.

To find investors or get a bank loan, they will want to see that you have the experience or resources to run the business. They will want to see your projected income as well as your suggested repayment plan already laid out. Taking the time to do this is not only important for them, but it gives you a measuring tool to verify if your business is growing properly. You can gage your success on how close to the plan your business has actually performed. Perhaps you'll do worse, or perhaps you'll do better, either way it helps you determine how well your business is getting on.

If you have never seen a business plan before you may be concerned that is is too difficult a proposition for you to manage on your own.

While there are services available where you can hire someone to write a business plan for you, depending on your needs it may be wise to familiarize yourself with a business plan's layout. This will not only help you to provide the necessary information, but may encourage you to try your own hand at it.

There's a free tool at www.bdc.ca which will assist you in creating a business plan. Some of the topics you will be required to explain are your Market, Customer, Competition, Marketing Plan, Research & Development along with financial forecasts. You may consider hiring someone to help you with your financial sheets after completing the written part of the Business Plan.

Your Business Plan will become your guide and silent business partner - indicating where you need to improve and helping you stay one step ahead of your competition. Make it a priority to have this crucial road map for your business.

Developing Realistic Financial Assumptions in Your Business Plan

2008-04-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

Many investors skip straight to the financial section of the business plan. It is critical that the assumptions and projections in this section be realistic. Plans that show penetration, operating margin and revenues per employee figures that are poorly reasoned, internally inconsistent or simply unrealistic greatly damage the credibility of the entire business plan. In contrast, sober, well-reasoned financial assumptions and projections communicate operational maturity and credibility.

For instance, if the company is categorized as a networking infrastructure firm, and the business plan projects 80% operating margins, investors will raise a red flag. This is because investors can readily access the operating margins of publicly-traded networking infrastructure firms and find that none have operating margins this high.

As much as possible, the financial assumptions should be based on actual results from your or other firms. As the example above indicates, it is fairly easy to look at a public company’s operating margins and use these margins to approximate your own. Likewise, the business plan should base revenue growth on other firms. Many firms find this impossible, since they believe they have a break-through product in their market, and no other company compares. In such a case, base revenue growth on companies in other industries that have had break-through products. If you expect to grow even faster than they did (maybe because of new technologies that those firms weren’t able to employ), you can include more aggressive assumptions in your business plan as long as you explain them in the text.

The financials can either enhance or significantly harm your business plan’s chances of assisting you in the capital-raising process. By doing the research to develop realistic assumptions, based on actual results of your or other companies, the financials can bolster your firm’s chances of winning investors. As importantly, the more realistic financials will also provide a better roadmap for your company’s success.

Business Plans - What Do They Include?

2008-04-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

Ok... so you've finally reached that stage in the development of your home business to get started. You've done the research, you have a game plan and you're ready to go except for one small detail... you need money. Whether it comes from a loan or from investors it doesn't matter but you need a good dose of seed money to put all your hard work and planning into action. However, regardless of who hears your money pitch before they give you a dime they will want see your business plan.

Business Plan - What Is It?

A good way to think of a business plan is that's it's a document that provide answers to the type of questions anyone who may provide financing would like to know about your home business. You will not get outside funding without one, because the people giving you the funding will insist on one because it helps them to know that you’ve thought through what you’re proposing to do. A business plan says to them... "I’ve considered this from every angle, and here’s what I’ve come up with".

Business Plan - What Does It Include?

What is your product or service? This is the first question every business plan should answer. You must explain in the clear, concise language what in the world you plan to produce or what service you plan to provide. You will also want to include why you've chosen this particular product or service.

Who are Your Customers? After you've explained your product or service, the next step is to identify who you plan to sell your product or service too and why. The demographics (age, sex, language, country, state or city, income, etc.) You need to clearly identify your customers in order to properly target your advertising, packaging, pricing, et.

What Makes You Different? You need to identify the "primary factors" that will make your business different than other businesses you'll be competing with. What niche are you filling that they are not or what do you plan to do to fill a particular void in the market that you've identified?

What are Your Expenses? Your start-up expenses include any equipment that you need before you can get up-and-running, while your day-to-day expenses are staff costs and supplies.

Following is a Simplified Example of Business Plan

This a a simplified and shortened version of a business plan. In the real world... each one of the following sections would be 1 - 2 pages in length. That being said... in most instances it's better to be as brief as possible. Only add information if your potential backers request it. It's a bad idea to go into too much detail in your plan. You’re not trying to explain everything down to the nth detail, just the basics of the business and why they should give you the money you need to launch it. And always focus on profit.

Catering Plus

Nature of Business: The business will be a home-based catering company, producing luxury food for special occasions such as birthdays and weddings. We will provide a comprehensive catering service, while specializing in high end customized cakes, which have a higher profit margin than other foods.

Target Market: Our catering business will be aimed at middle-class customers who desire a top-of-the-line catering but must operate on a budget. Our initial market area will consist of Mytown and the affluent area of Theretown.

Key Factors: We will only use commerical grade ingredients purchased from wholesalers and provide top quality design and service. This will allow us to provide food that looks tastes great, while keeping costs as low as possible.

Expenses: Beause I will be using my kitchen and making the food myself, there are only two real expenses: The purchase of an industrial grade mixer and then the day-to-day cost of supplies. I've attached a suppliers’ letter listing prices. Our research has shown that this supplier offers the best value for start-ups.

To wrap it up, you should include a breakdown of both projected profit and loss per month (in graph form)for the first year in business. Show one-time and day-to-day expenses versus projected profit to indicate how you will pay-off your loan. Your business plan should show you making enough of a profit each month to live on – if it doesn’t, then it may be considered unfeasible.

Study a Few Real-World Business Plans

The best way to get a real a feel for the dos and do nots of a business plans is to find real-world plans that have already been approved and study them. A good place to start is the internet. Once you’ve studied a few, you will get a better feel for how much work will be involved in putting your business plan together. Remember, until your business exists for real, the business plan is the only tool you have to sell prospective backers on how great your business is going to be

How Do I Justify This?

2008-04-07T16:05:00.001-07:00

O.K. Let's acknowlege that emotionally, WE WANT THE AIRPLANE! After all, who wouldn't? What could be more desireable than a brand new airplane, everything working, smell of new leather, and of course the turning heads every time you land ?
People buy for emotional reasons and justify their decisions with whatever logic they can find or create, no matter how ridiculous. -Joe Vitale

So you want to buy an airplane! What's stopping you? Perhaps I can list a few things:

1. My spouse doesn't fly and doesn't support my flying habit.

2. I don't do enough flying. . . it's probably cheaper to rent.

3. I'm not rich.. . How could I afford an airplane of my own?

Now comes the justification part. We'll start with

1: My spouse doesn't fly and doesn't support my flying habit.

Unfortunately, this one's all too common. However, there are a few things you can do to enroll your spouse in the program.

Make it a practice of flying to places that your spouse wants to go! Skip the pancake breakfasts and fly-ins. Fly to destinations that are unrelated to aviation. For a list of some great places, visit

http://www.airplanenoise.com/great_trips.htm

Try a "Pinch Hitter" course. Sometimes (I can speak from personal experience here) a good instructor can "hook" your spouse and before you know it you'll be forking out additional money for flight lessons. This is not a bad thing. . . With both of you involved in this activity, you'll win support for your purchase!

Who knows? Maybe your spouse prefers your absence and will endorse your involvement in a time consuming activity!

2. I don't do enough flying. . . it's probably cheaper to rent.

Have you heard the "50 hour/year" rule? Well if you have, disregard it! With a little bit of planning, your airplane investment can pay off with your personal and business flying. Airplanes are unlike other vehicles and actually increase in value over time. Take a look at a Aircraft Blue Book or V-Ref and compare values of some older airplanes. Some are several times their original purchase price! Different airplanes appreciate at different rates, so look for strong manufacturers that will be around years down the road.

3. I'm not rich.. . How could I afford an airplane of my own?

THE BIGGIE! New airplanes aren't cheap, but if you can position yourself for financing, the airplane can actually PAY YOU for the first 3-4 years! Sound impossible? Incentives are in place both from manufacturers (in the form of low interest rates) and the new tax incentives. With as little as 27% business use , you can depreciate the majority of the airplane and benefit from the associated tax savings. First year may be as much as 80% depreciation for a new aircraft! Additionally, warranty will cover the bulk of your maintenance expenses. With regard to "positioning yourself for financing," visit http://www.airplanenoise.com/teleclass_schedule.htm

for a free download of "The Secrets of the Aircraft Finance Companies." You can also send a blank e-mail to:

aircraftpurchasesteps@getresponse.com

for the Aircraft Purchase Wizard, a 9 e-mail series outlining the aircraft purchase steps with exclusive links and downloads.

Come on! We all justify our purchases everyday! You didn't really need these tips now, did you?

How Can I Justify This?

2008-04-07T16:04:00.001-07:00

People buy for emotional reasons and justify their decisions with whatever logic they can find or create, no matter how ridiculous.
-Joe Vitale

So you want to buy an airplane! What's stopping you? Perhaps I can list a few things:

1. My spouse doesn't fly and doesn't support my flying habit.

2. I don't do enough flying. . . it's probably cheaper to rent.

3. I'm not rich.. . How could I afford an airplane of my own?

O.K. Let's acknowlege that emotionally, WE WANT THE AIRPLANE! After all, who wouldn't? What could be more desireable than a brand new airplane, everything working, smell of new leather, and of course the turning heads every time you land your new airplane?

Now comes the justification part. We'll start with

#1: My spouse doesn't fly and doesn't support my flying habit.

Unfortunately, this one's all too common. However, there are a few things you can do to enroll your spouse in the program.

Make it a practice of flying to places that your spouse wants to go! Skip the pancake breakfasts and fly-ins. Fly to destinations that are unrelated to aviation. For a list of some great places, visit

http://www.airplanenoise.com/great_trips.htm

Try a "Pinch Hitter" course. Sometimes (I can speak from personal experience here) a good instructor can "hook" your spouse and before you know it you'll be forking out additional money for flight lessons. This is not a bad thing. . . With both of you involved in this activity, you'll win support for your purchase!

Who knows? Maybe your spouse prefers your absence and will endorse your involvement in a time consuming activity!

2. I don't do enough flying. . . it's probably cheaper to rent.

Have you heard the "50 hour/year" rule? Well if you have, disregard it! With a little bit of planning, your airplane investment can pay off with your personal and business flying. Airplanes are unlike other vehicles and actually increase in value over time. Take a look at a Aircraft Blue Book or V-Ref and compare values of some older airplanes. Some are several times their original purchase price! Different airplanes appreciate at different rates, so look for strong manufacturers that will be around years down the road.

3. I'm not rich.. . How could I afford an airplane of my own?

THE BIGGIE! New airplanes aren't cheap, but if you can position yourself for financing, the airplane can actually PAY YOU for the first 3-4 years! Sound impossible? Incentives are in place both from manufacturers (in the form of low interest rates) and the new tax incentives. With as little as 27% business use , you can depreciate the majority of the airplane and benefit from the associated tax savings. First year may be as much as 80% depreciation for a new aircraft! Additionally, warranty will cover the bulk of your maintenance expenses.
With regard to "positioning yourself for financing," visit
http://www.airplanenoise.com eleclass_schedule.htm

for a free download of "The Secrets of the Aircraft Finance Companies." You can also send a blank e-mail to aircraftpurchasesteps@getresponse.com for the Aircraft Purchase Wizard, a 9 e-mail series outlining the aircraft purchase steps with exclusive links and downloads.

Come on! We all justify our purchases everyday! You didn't really need these tips now, did you?

Denver's European connection

2008-04-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

DIA is an unusual US airport, as it is one of the largest in the country, but surprisingly it is well behind smaller airports for its international
traffic. The City Hall and the airport authorities have been trying to build a successful strategy of international development since the early 1990s.

Denver International Airport (DIA) opened on 28 February 1995, replacing the old constrained Stapelton airport. The goal was clear: ensuring the development of the local market and economy by providing room for expansion to airline carrier such as United Airlines. It had since become one of the busiest airports of the nation. But despite this success, the city had yet to secure any non-stop service to Europe, which would boost the airport's traffic, and was important to for the city of Denver and the whole Rocky Mountains region to gain a worldwide reputation and recognition.

During the early 1990s, no European airline was present at DIA, and Continental Airlines had dropped its Honolulu-Denver-London route leaving Denver's travelers with the only solution of a first connection before reaching the Old Continent. Europe's largest single market, London, was obviously the prime target of DIA. Despite initial contacts in 1990s, it's not until 01 September 1998 that British Airways landed at Denver for the first time. The traffic would have been satisfying with two yearly peak periods with skiing season in the Rocky Mountains (March), and the summer holidays (July and August). United Airlines, Denver's dominant carrier with a 70+% market share intended to launch European flights from its Denver hub, and it announced it would launch a flight to London in April 2000. But the airline was not granted rights, and had to look elsewhere in Europe: a link to Frankfurt, the main base of UA's European partner Lufthansa was eyed by both airlines and highly supported by the airport authorities, proposing up to US$1 million in advertising incentives. Lufthansa initiated a daily service on 25 March 2001, receiving the US$1 million in marketing incentives and a US$700,000 landing fees waiver.

Denver airport is well-known for being an "hot'n'high" airfield, which has led to some technical problems for the operators, since the lift capacity of the airplanes is decreased. Airplanes either need to reduce their fare-paying payload -- and lose revenue -- or accelerate to a high speed -- which requires longer runways. In Denver's case, no runway was long enough for the heavy airplanes taking-off bound for Europe. The first idea the management found was to embed the lights located at the end of the runway into the ground to lengthen the existing runways (nearly 90ft gained). This has already diminished the technical restrictions, but a new 16,000ft runway is under construction and will be among the longest on earth for commercial use.

DIA hopes that these first links to Europe will show the way to other carriers, notably Air France from Paris, to place the airport in the US' top airports and make Denver a more attractive place to make business.

Building Wealth From Home

2008-04-07T16:02:00.002-07:00

Building Wealth From Home

As you sit in traffic, inching along between irate drivers, you think to yourself, “there must be a better way.” You get to work, you endure another tirade from an incompetent boss, and you think, “there must be a better way.” You work hard, you’re underappreciated, underpaid, and fed up. After all this, you can barely pay the bills, and haven’t taken a real vacation in years. There must be a better way.

Now there is! You can be your own boss, work from home, and earn more money than you ever thought possible.

Benefits of Working From Home

Many people have a romantic vision of working at home, doing chores while making money, working at their own pace, sipping coffee poolside with laptop nearby. For most people, that dream will never come true because of unrealistic expectations and poor planning. But all of the potential benefits of working at home are in fact possible to achieve, if you choose the right business and plan properly.

How do you choose the right business? First, you must avoid a retail business where customers expect you to be available during normal business hours; it means avoiding a business that requires stocking or shipping products; and it means avoiding a business that requires any serious degree of production, which is usually not practical in a home environment. So what’s left?

What about a business that requires no product, no shipping, no customer service, and no regular hours. Does such a business exist? Yes! It’s called trading futures. This is one of very few models that meets all the realistic requirements for a successful home business. Wait! Don't be intimidated by something you don't know about. Trading futures is the most profitable skill you can ever master. Trading futures is the world's fastest way to riches and freedom. And you can trade from home even if you have absolutely no experience, and don’t even know what trading is, or what futures means right now. You will soon.

Here are just some of the incredible benefits of working at home:

Make more money than you ever thought possible
Every penny you earn is yours
Why make somebody else rich with your labor?
Work from the beaches of Hawaii or a villa in Europe
Work your own hours
No boss
No commute
No employees

Where Do I Start?

We will start at the beginning of course! Like any new subject, at first the ideas might be a little intimidating. But we will walk you through at a gentle pace. We will start here by explaining the basics of futures. If that interests you, we recommend that you go to www.tradetofreedom.com to learn more. At that web site we describe some old trading systems that brokers recommend but don’t work, and reveal the myths and lies on Wall Street that you have to get past to start really trading successfully. Finally we lead to the STARS method of trading futures, the approach to building wealth at home that will change your life. STARTS stands for Securely Trading A Revolving Spread. Right now that will make no sense, but you will see how it will change your life by visiting the web site.

What the Heck is a Futures Contract?

Before doing anything else, we need to demystify “futures”. To understand what we mean by a futures contract, let’s meet Trader Bob. Our friend Bob is a buyer, meaning he wants to purchase a widget today because he believes that the widget will have more value in the future. If all goes well, Bob will buy the widget now, wait for the price to go up, then sell the widget for a small profit in a month. But where can Trader Bob obtain the widget? It so happens that Trader Sam (a seller) has in his possession the widget that Trader Bob wants. Trader Sam would like to sell the widget today because, unlike Trader Bob, he believes that the widget will have less value in the future than it does today. Trader Sam is selling today because he believes that he will make more money now than if he waits to sell in a month.

So Trader Bob and Trader Sam get together and agree upon a price for the widget. Trader Bob is now the proud owner. If the value of the widget indeed increases in the future, then Trader Bob can become a seller and part with the widget with a profit. If the value of the item decreases in the future then Trader Bob will have to sell the widget for a loss.

This basic relationship between buyer and seller is the foundation for all commerce. Futures are simply a variation on this theme, where instead of buying a widget now, Trader Bob contracts to buy the widget in a few months at a fixed price. The transaction still relies on the buyer believing the price will go up, and the seller believing the price will go down.

Trading Critters

Futures traders fall into two categories: hedgers and speculators. The primary economic purpose of the futures market is for hedging, which is buying or selling futures contracts to offsets risks of changing prices in the cash markets. Hedge traders, such as large commercial firms that may actually take delivery of certain commodities, like coffee or wheat, use futures contracts to protect (hedge) themselves against changing cash prices.

Speculators, however, make up the majority of futures traders. Speculators have no commercial interest in the underlying commodity and have no interest in taking delivery of the commodity. The potential for profit is what motivates speculators to trade commodity futures. Speculators buy when they believe that prices will increase and they sell when they believe that prices will fall. Futures traders using STARS would be considered speculators.

Basic Basics

If a trader is a buyer, he has taken a long position. A long position involves the purchase of a futures contracts in the hope that the price of the contract will increase in the future. Let’s say our friend Trader Bob contracts in March to buy a widget (a long position) in June for $10. June rolls around, and the price of a widget is now $13. That means Bob now has the right to buy the widget for $10 even though the going rate is $13. Bob goes ahead and buys the widget for $10, then turns around and immediately sells it for $13, pocketing the difference.

A trader who is a seller takes a short position, which involves the sale of futures contracts in anticipation of prices falling in the future. Trader Bob in this case contracts in June to sell a widget in September for $13. Fall comes around, and the going rate for widget in September turns out to be $9. Trader Bob buys a widget for that going rate of $9, then immediately turns around and exercises his right sell the widget for $13, profiting from the difference. At first, it might seem odd that Trader Bob is contracting to sell something he does not yet own. But look at the situation this way instead: in June, Bob makes a commitment to sell a widget to Sam in September for a guaranteed price of $13. If Bob can buy the widget for less than that sometime before September, he will make a profit.

All of this is made simple and easy in Build Wealth From Home. Like Bob, you too can make huge profits by trading the STARS method. You just have to take the first step and get your hands on the this book that will change your life. Let us show you how to trade the right way, the only way, and a lifetime of prosperity can be yours.

There is no better way to make money at home!

Learn more at www.howtobuildwealthfromhome.com

Copyright © Jeff Schweitzer

PERMISSIONS TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in its entirety free of charge, electronically or in print, provided it appears with the included copyright and author’s resource box with live website link.

Build Wealth From Home

2008-04-07T16:02:00.001-07:00

Build Wealth From Home

As you sit in traffic, inching along between irate drivers, you think to yourself, “there must be a better way.” You get to work, you endure another tirade from an incompetent boss, and you think, “there must be a better way.” You work hard, you’re underappreciated, underpaid, and fed up. After all this, you can barely pay the bills, and haven’t taken a real vacation in years.

There must be a better way.

Now there is!

You can be your own boss, work from home, and earn more money than you ever thought possible.

Benefits of Working At Home

Many people have a romantic vision of working at home, doing chores while making money, working at their own pace, sipping coffee poolside with laptop nearby. For most people, that dream will never come true because of unrealistic expectations and poor planning. But all of the potential benefits of working at home are in fact possible to achieve, if you choose the right business and plan properly.

How do you choose the right business? First, you must avoid a retail business where customers expect you to be available during normal business hours; it means avoiding a business that requires stocking or shipping products; and it means avoiding a business that requires any serious degree of production, which is usually not practical in a home environment. So what’s left?

What about a business that requires no product, no shipping, no customer service, and no regular hours. Does such a business exist? Yes! It’s called trading futures. Wait! Don't be intimidated by something you don't know about. Trading futures is the most profitable skill you can ever master. Trading futures is the world's fastest way to riches and freedom. This is one of very few models that meets all the realistic requirements for a successful home business. And you can trade from home even if you have absolutely no experience, and don’t even know what trading is, or what futures means right now. You will soon.

Here are just some of the incredible benefits of working at home:

Make more money than you ever thought possible
Every penny you earn is yours
Why make somebody else rich with your labor?
Work from the beaches of Hawaii or a villa in Europe
Work your own hours
No boss
No commute
No employees

Where Do I Start?

We will start at the beginning of course! Like any new subject, at first the ideas might be a little intimidating. But we will walk you through at a gentle pace. We will start by explaining the basics of futures, then describe some old trading systems that brokers recommend but don’t work. We will reveal the myths and lies on Wall Street that you have to get past to start really trading successfully. Finally we will lead to the STARS method of trading futures. STARTS stands for Securely Trading A Revolving Spread. Right now that will make no sense, but you will see later how this will change your life.

What the Heck is a Futures Contract?

To understand what we mean by a futures contract, let’s meet Trader Bob. Our friend Bob is a buyer, meaning he wants to purchase a widget today because he believes that the widget will have more value in the future. If all goes well, Bob will buy the widget now, wait for the price to go up, then sell the widget for a small profit in a month. But where can Trader Bob obtain the widget? It so happens that Trader Sam (a seller) has in his possession the widget that Trader Bob wants. Trader Sam would like to sell the widget today because, unlike Trader Bob, he believes that the widget will have less value in the future than it does today. Trader Sam is selling today because he believes that he will make more money now than if he waits to sell in a month.

So Trader Bob and Trader Sam get together and agree upon a price for the widget. Trader Bob is now the proud owner. If the value of the widget indeed increases in the future, then Trader Bob can become a seller and part with the widget with a profit. If the value of the item decreases in the future then Trader Bob will have to sell the widget for a loss.

This basic relationship between buyer and seller is the foundation for all commerce. Futures are simply a variation on this theme, where instead of buying a widget now, Trader Bob contracts to buy the widget in a few months at a fixed price. The transaction still relies on the buyer believing the price will go up, and the seller believing the price will go down.

Trading Critters

Futures traders fall into two categories: hedgers and speculators. The primary economic purpose of the futures market is for hedging, which is buying or selling futures contracts to offsets risks of changing prices in the cash markets. Hedge traders, such as large commercial firms that may actually take delivery of certain commodities, like coffee or wheat, use futures contracts to protect (hedge) themselves against changing cash prices.

Speculators, however, make up the majority of futures traders. Speculators have no commercial interest in the underlying commodity and have no interest in taking delivery of the commodity. The potential for profit is what motivates speculators to trade commodity futures. Speculators buy when they believe that prices will increase and they sell when they believe that prices will fall. Futures traders using STARS would be considered speculators.

Basic Basics

If a trader is a buyer, he has taken a long position. A long position involves the purchase of a futures contracts in the hope that the price of the contract will increase in the future. Let’s say our friend Trader Bob contracts in March to buy a widget (a long position) in June for $10. June rolls around, and the price of a widget is now $13. That means Bob now has the right to buy the widget for $10 even though the going rate is $13. Bob goes ahead and buys the widget for $10, then turns around and immediately sells it for $13, pocketing the difference.

A trader who is a seller takes a short position, which involves the sale of futures contracts in anticipation of prices falling in the future. Trader Bob in this case contracts in June to sell a widget in September for $13. Fall comes around, and the going rate for widget in September turns out to be $9. Trader Bob buys a widget for that going rate of $9, then immediately turns around and exercises his right sell the widget for $13, profiting from the difference. At first, it might seem odd that Trader Bob is contracting to sell something he does not yet own. But look at the situation this way instead: in June, Bob makes a commitment to sell a widget to Sam in September for a guaranteed price of $13. If Bob can buy the widget for less than that sometime before September, he will make a profit.

10 Best Ways to Justify Your Airplane Purchase

2008-04-07T16:01:00.001-07:00

For those of us who've caught the "aviation bug" finding a way to justify the purchase of an airplane becomes an all consuming mental task. Make this task simple by choosing the appropriate reasons from the list below:

1. The airplane will make money for me.
This one actually works! Learn about leasebacks and/or using your airplane in your business by visiting: http://www.airplanenoise.com/answers_to_why.htm
2. My business will benefit from my increased productivity when I fly instead of drive.

Save time and money by flying yourself! You can avoid hours at the security gate and layover time by flying yourself. Most regional trips will be completed in a fraction of the time you'd spend driving or flying commercially. Learn more by clicking the link: http://www.airplanenoise.com/business_justification.htm

3. The airplane will keep my family together.
Many people find their children off to college and their parents staying in the south. A personal aircraft allows you to stay in contact and maintain the relationships that are so important to you. After all. . . is there anything more important than our relationships with our family and friends?

4. Learning to fly provides a new challenge.
Most of us have dreamed about flying since our childhood. What's preventing us from taking that step? Life's too short to procrastinate!

5. I can vacation every weekend!
No doubt, every weekend can be earmarked for a new destination. Start with you own state, and expand to other states. Visit museums, recreation areas, friends . . . the sky's the limit! Start with this list: http://www.airplanenoise.com/great_trips.htm

6. I can make an airplane payment instead of an IRS payment!
With minimal business use (30%), your airplane purchase may be a depreciable asset. New tax laws significantly increased the tax benefit to owners. Learn more by downloading a FREE audio TeleClass at: http://www.airplanenoise.com/download_teleclass.htm
7. I can enhance my children's educational experience.
Children learn more from an experience rather than sitting in a classroom or reading a book. Trips to Washington D.C., Niagara Falls, Gettysburg, PA, Kitty Hawk are all great reasons to fly the family. Re-live your childhood at the same time.

8. Flying as therapy?
Well, believe it or not, some people fly for its therapeutic benefits. Life's problems seem to disintegrate as altitude increases. Try it next time you're feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges!

9. An airplane is a terrific status symbol.
If status is what you're looking for. . . you can't beat an airplane. Not only are pilots looked up to, but when it's your own airplane. . . "You've arrived!" No one even needs to know that the airplane is generating a positive cash flow.

10. I just WANT one!
Sometimes we just need to satisfy our desires!
"I'm worth it."
"I've worked hard and this is my reward."
"I only live once!"

I know you can add to this list!

How & Why GPS Offers Affordable Fleet Tracking

2008-04-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

There are more and more companies that are turning to Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to find out where their fleet vehicles are or have been. GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that reports the location, speed and direction of a vehicle anywhere on the globe. Unlike cellular communications, that often experience dead spots, GPS receivers and satellites are always capable of maintaining strong locks, even in regions with dense foliage or urban settings with tall buildings.

The benefits of GPS fleet tracking include:

Can Help Control labor costs:
GPS tracking helps companies get a lock on labor costs, as well as extreme overtime costs. Employees typically keep their own vehicle history records and write their hours on a timecard each week voluntarily. With a GPS system, those timecards are replaced by precise printed reports downloaded directly from a computer, with a history list of each vehicle from the time it started its route, to the time it finished. You will also know how many stops it made and the length of each stop. Thus all employee time can be verified and analyzed.

Increases Fleet Efficiency:
With GPS tracking data you can determine an individual or group's average length of a service stop; or analyze a service stop vs. non-service stop; or the actual length of a service call or installation. Corrective measures based on this information gets job productivity up and wasted time and inefficiency down.

Can Help Lower your fuel bills:
GPS tracking information attacks high fuel bills in three areas: Controlling Speeding, Idling and Unauthorized Use. Tracking data is captured for all three items allowing fleet managers to take steps to address these and measure the results of their actions.

Can Help Lower Insurance Bills:
As a result, fuel consumption and costs can drop dramatically. Speeding increases your maintenance, fleet insurance premiums, fuel expense, gas mileage and your liability should an accident occur. With GPS tracking there is no need to rely on the public to report unsafe drivers. You will know how your vehicles are being operated and by whom.

Can Control Moonlighting of Employees:
GPS tracking units monitor who, what, where and when your vehicles are or have been. This puts controls on unauthorized usage and moonlighting. Can also help prevent theft of cargo.

Ensures Vehicle & Cargo Security:
Every year companies lose billions a year because of cargo thefts. Much of this happens during transit, before it is even delivered. Tracking systems can play a major role in preventing both vehicle & cargo thefts as well as aiding in recovery. Systems monitor every move & stop.

Can Resolve billing disputes:
Arrival and departure times are recorded. Determine exactly when your vehicle arrived and departed from a customer address.

The detailed, accurate information available from GPS has made it popular within aviation, sea navigation, various outdoor activities and sports, and automotive vehicles. There are numerous benefits of GPS tracking for managing transportation fleets and the cost has become affordable in recent years.

With all this said, we strongly urge any company with numerous vehicles to consider the many benefits GPS systems offer.

SECRETS OF FLYING SMART

2008-04-07T15:59:00.002-07:00

MAKE YOUR SAFE TRIP EVEN SAFER

Aviation manufacturers, air carriers, and the Federal Aviation Administration are proud of their contributions to aviation's impressive safety record. You, the air traveler, play a very important role in aviation safety.

You can take responsibility for your own safety.

• Listen To The Safety Briefing • Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened • Obey Carry-On Baggage Restrictions • Wear Sensible Clothing

Fly Smart. Be responsible for your safety and make your safe trip even safer.

LISTEN TO THE SAFETY BRIEFING

Fly Smart travelers always listen to the safety briefing because they know that every aircraft is different. The following are some tips to ensure that you are familiar with the aircraft you are on:

• Take the passenger safety card out of the seat pocket and follow along while you listen to the safety briefing. Always take a moment to review the card before subsequent takeoffs and landings. • One of the best things you can do to be prepared is to mentally plan the actions you would need to take in an emergency. As part of this plan, count seat rows between you and at least two exits. • If you have any questions about the safety procedures, ask the flight attendant. Flight attendants are professionals; they know about the safety procedures of the aircraft.

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT

Of all the safety features aboard the aircraft, one of the most important is right at your fingertips, "Your Seat Belt."

In a recent study, nearly 300 turbulence-related serious injuries to passengers were reported over a 10-year period. None of the injured had their seat belts fastened. To prevent turbulence-related injuries, Fly Smart travelers should always:

• Keep their seat belt fastened at all times. • Make sure their seat belt is secured snugly and low across the hips.

OBEY CARRY-ON BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS

Fly Smart travelers should be aware of what they bring on board.

• Most airlines restrict carry-on baggage to two pieces per passenger. • Carry-on bags must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. It's a good idea to put the heavier items under the seat. • Carry-on items could become flying projectiles during turbulence. Heavy items and baggage with sharp corners can be hazardous. • Some hazardous materials are restricted. They can be dangerous if carried (or checked) on an aircraft. Following is a partial list of common articles from the home, workplace, or garage which, because of their physical or chemical properties, can pose a danger when transported. • Mace, tear gas, and other irritants • Aerosols containing flammable material (hair spray, deodorant,repellents) • Loaded firearms • Loose ammunition • Gasoline and other flammable materials • Propane, butane cylinders or refills, and lighter refills • Wet-type batteries, e.g., as used in cars • Fireworks and flares • Safety or -strike-anywhere+ matches (in checked baggage) • Paint and paint-related materials (thinners and cleaners) • Corrosive (acids), poisonous, infectious, and radioactive materials

The above list is not all inclusive. There are certain exceptions for personal care, medical needs, and equipment to support physically challenged passengers. There are also provisions for sporting equipment. When in doubt, check with your airline. • In the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation, leave everything behind. WEAR SENSIBLE CLOTHING

For ease of movement and protection in the unlikely event of an evacuation, Fly Smart travelers should follow these guidelines:

• Wear clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, denim and leather. They offer the best protection. Synthetics may melt when they are heated.

• Wear clothing that allows freedom of movement. Avoid restrictive clothing.

• Wear low heeled shoes or boots. (Shoes with laces or straps are recommended. Avoid sandals.)

• Arms and legs should be as fully covered as possible. (Long sleeves/pants are recommended.) PASSENGER CHECKLIST

SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE YOUR SAFE TRIP EVEN SAFER

Sensible Clothing

• Shirt - Long sleeved, natural fabrics. • Slacks/pants - Long, natural fabrics. • Shoes - Leather or canvas and low-heeled.

Child Safety Seat

Check with airline for policy on use before arrival at airport and on board the aircraft .

• Safely stow carry-on baggage. • Wear seat belt snug and low across the hips. • Keep your seat belt fastened at all times. • If you take your shoes off, put them on before landing.

Review the passenger safety card before each takeoff and each landing.

• Listen carefully to the safety briefing. • Ask questions if safety information is not clear. • Make a mental plan of the actions you would take in an emergency. • Be familiar with all exits. • Count seat rows between you and at least two exits.

Exit Row Seating

• Listen to the safety briefing and/or read the written instructions for aircraft specifics. • You must be physically capable and willing to perform emergency actions. If not, request another seat. • You must know your responsibilities in the unlikely event of an emergency. • Ask questions if instructions are not clear. • Consider the effects of alcoholic beverages. • In the unlikely event of an emergency, you should be aware of the following.

Evacuation Slides

• Jump feet first into center of slide. • Do not sit down to slide. • Place arms across chest, elbows in, and legs and feet together. • High-heeled shoes can damage slides.

Decompression

• Pull oxygen mask toward you to start oxygen flow. • Put your oxygen mask on as quickly as possible. • Help children and others with their masks.

Flotation Devices

• Know where they are and how to use them. • Life vests (under seat, if available), life rafts, and some seat cushions and evacuation slides can be used as flotation devices.

Evacuating the Aircraft

• Follow instructions of crew member (if possible). • Stay calm and proceed quickly to exit. • Leave all your possessions behind.

Fire or Smoke

Inflight - Use wet paper towel or handkerchief over nose and mouth. - Move away from the source of fire and smoke.

On Ground - Stay low. - Proceed by your predetermined count of seat rows to exit(s) and/or - Follow floor proximity lighting to an exit. - Exit the aircraft. - Leave all your possessions behind.

How To Make Sure You Have A Safe Flight

2008-04-07T15:59:00.001-07:00

When you fly on the commercial airlines of the United States, you are flying on the safest, most efficient form of transportation. When the rare accident does occur, more and more people survive due to advances in aircraft manufacturing and design, air traffic control technology, emergency planning, and cabin safety.

Aviation manufacturers, air carriers, and the Federal Aviation Administration are proud of their contributions to aviation's impressive safety record. You, the air traveler, play a very important role in aviation safety. You can take responsibility for your own safety.

Listen To The Safety Briefing
Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened
Obey Carry-On Baggage Restrictions
Wear Sensible Clothing Fly Smart.
Fly Smart. Be responsible for your safety and make your safe trip even safer.

LISTEN TO THE SAFETY BRIEFING

Fly Smart travelers always listen to the safety briefing because they know that every aircraft is different. The following are some tips to ensure that you are familiar with the aircraft you are on:

Take the passenger safety card out of the seat pocket and follow along while you listen to the safety briefing. Always take a moment to review the card before subsequent takeoffs and landings.

One of the best things you can do to be prepared is to mentally plan the actions you would need to take in an emergency. As part of this plan, count seat rows between you and at least two exits.

If you have any questions about the safety procedures, ask the flight attendant. Flight attendants are professionals; they know about the safety procedures of the aircraft.

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT

Of all the safety features aboard the aircraft, one of the most important is right at your fingertips - Your Seat Belt. In a recent study, nearly 300 turbulence-related serious injuries to passengers were reported over a 10- year period. None of the injured had their seat belts fastened. To prevent turbulence-related injuries, Fly Smart travelers should always:

Keep their seat belt fastened at all times. Make sure their seat belt is secured snugly and low across the hips.

OBEY CARRY-ON BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS

Fly Smart travelers should be aware of what they bring on board.

Most airlines restrict carry-on baggage to two pieces per passenger.
Carry-on bags must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. It's a good idea to put the heavier items under the seat.

Carry-on items could become flying projectiles during turbulence. Heavy items and baggage with sharp corners can be hazardous.

Some hazardous materials are restricted. They can be dangerous if carried (or checked) on an aircraft. Following is a partial list of common articles from the home, workplace, or garage which, because of their physical or chemical properties, can pose a danger when transported.
Mace, tear gas, and other irritants
Aerosols containing flammable material (hair spray, deodorant, repellents),
loaded firearms, loose ammunition, gasoline and other flammable materials
propane, butane cylinders or refills, and lighter refills, wet-type batteries, e.g., as used in cars, fireworks and flares, safety or "strike-anywhere" matches (in checked baggage), paint and paint-related materials (thinners and cleaners), corrosive (acids), poisonous, infectious, and radioactive materials.

The above list is not all inclusive. There are certain exceptions for personal care, medical needs, and equipment to support physically challenged passengers. There are also provisions for sporting equipment. When in doubt, check with your airline.

In the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation, leave everything behind.

WEAR SENSIBLE CLOTHING

For ease of movement and protection in the unlikely event of an evacuation, Fly Smart travelers should follow these guidelines:

Wear clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, denim and leather. They offer the best protection. Synthetics may melt when they are heated.

Wear clothing that allows freedom of movement. Avoid restrictive clothing.
Wear low heeled shoes or boots. (Shoes with laces or straps are recommended. Avoid sandals.)

Arms and legs should be as fully covered as possible. (Long sleeves/pants are recommended.)

PASSENGER CHECKLIST

SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE YOUR SAFE TRIP EVEN SAFER

Sensible Clothing

Shirt - Long sleeved, natural fabrics.

Slacks/pants - Long, natural fabrics.

Shoes - Leather or canvas and low-heeled.

Child Safety Seat

Check with airline for policy on use before arrival at airport.
On Board the Aircraft

Safely stow carry-on baggage.

Wear seat belt snug and low across the hips.

Keep your seat belt fastened at all times.

If you take your shoes off, put them on before landing.

Review the passenger safety card before each takeoff and each landing.
Listen carefully to the safety briefing.

Ask questions if safety information is not clear.

Make a mental plan of the actions you would take in an emergency.

Be familiar with all exits.

Count seat rows between you and at least two exits.

Exit Row Seating

Listen to the safety briefing and/or read the written instructions for aircraft specifics.

You must be physically capable and willing to perform emergency actions. If not, request another seat.
You must know your responsibilities in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Ask questions if instructions are not clear.

Consider the effects of alcoholic beverages.

In the unlikely event of an emergency, you should be aware of the following.

Evacuation Slides

Jump feet first into center of slide.

Do not sit down to slide.

Place arms across chest, elbows in, and legs and feet together.

High-heeled shoes can damage slides.
Decompression

Pull oxygen mask toward you to start oxygen flow.

Put your oxygen mask on as quickly as possible.

Help children and others with their masks.

Flotation Devices

Know where they are and how to use them.

Life vests (under seat, if available), life rafts, and some seat cushions and evacuation slides can be used as flotation devices.

Evacuating the Aircraft

Follow instructions of crew member (if possible).

Stay calm and proceed quickly to exit.

Leave all your possessions behind.

Fire or Smoke

Inflight

- Use wet paper towel or handkerchief over nose and mouth.

- Move away from the source of fire and smoke.

On Ground

- Stay low.

- Proceed by your predetermined count of seat rows to exit(s) and/or

- Follow floor proximity lighting to an exit.

- Exit the aircraft.

- Leave all your possessions behind.

Outside the Aircraft

Move away from aircraft, fire, and smoke.

If possible, help those requiring assistance.

Remain alert for emergency vehicles.

Never go back into a burning aircraft.

Source: Federal Citizen Information Center

AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP: IS THE TIME RIGHT?

2008-04-07T15:58:00.002-07:00

In the hours and days immediately following the tragic attacks on America of 9/11, there was much speculation about the effects on the general aviation industry. While the events of September 11, 2001 have had a significant impact on the economy as a whole, sales of personal aircraft in Michigan have experienced a surprising boost. Certainly, the convenience of personal transportation has played a major role in this increase as airport lines and security have become more time consuming. The reduction of flights resulting from the airline cost-cutting have limited flexibility for the business person and affected the productivity of companies relying on commercial transportation.
These factors alone can’t explain surge of people joining the flying community for more than just pleasure. Rebates, low and 0% interest rates, training allowances, and yes, even the IRS played a role in creating an environment that has introduced more people to the benefits of aircraft ownership and had an effect similar to that seen after the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1995.

The IRS is here to help you? Well, believe it or not, a new tax law passed earlier this year represents a renewed attempt by our nation’s leaders to jumpstart the economic recovery. The bill applies to new airplanes acquired after September 10, 2001, and before September 11, 2004, and provides tax savings from economic stimulus provisions included in the Internal Revenue Code designed to encourage investment in capital assets. Visit your local airport and you’re sure to see plenty of forty and fifty year old aircraft operating for both business and pleasure. Even prior to the new tax law, Congress recognized that capital investment is an important part of our economy, and therefore allowed a five year depreciation of these assets. To further encourage investments, they do not require the depreciation to be spread evenly over the five years, but through a concept know as “double declining balance,” greatly accelerate depreciation during the first two years of ownership. Now with the additional incentives of 30% bonus depreciation on new airplanes, tax deferral opportunities are greatly expanded.

So how might a business person benefit from these new changes? First of all, the impact of these depreciation changes greatly reduce net cash investment for the purchase of a new airplane. Specifically, an operator in the 40% tax bracket who can successfully write off his aircraft ownership expense may have no cash investment in the airplane during the first four years. Additionally, when properly structured, many taxpayers have an opportunity to convert personal use into business use. The Internal revenue code provides an optional method of taxing an individual for personal use of an aircraft which many times amounts to less than 10% of the actual deductions flowing from the investment. Consult your tax professional prior to purchasing your new airplane or ask your Aircraft Dealer for the name of an Aviation Tax Specialist to set up your purchasing entity.

And you say you’re not a pilot? Local aircraft dealers like Suburban Aviation, Inc. in Lambertville, Michigan will actually teach you to fly your new airplane and even reimburse your expenses when you purchase a new Cessna airplane from them. Most of today’s pilots learned to fly in a Cessna airplane and the majority of these pilots continue to experience the freedom and flexibility that flight offers in one of Cessna’s many single engine models. For 75 years, Cessna has been the leader in general aviation aircraft providing a safe and reliable alternative to commercial airlines and the automobile.

So if your business can benefit from improved efficiency and tax savings, why not consider a company airplane? There are few tax saving opportunities as effective as fully depreciating an aircraft on a five year accelerated basis, and with today’s interest rate environment, a well-structured transaction often results in little or no after tax cash flow holding costs during the early years of ownership. Of course, arriving at your meeting on time and with all your luggage can also be pretty convincing!

AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP: IS THE TIME RIGHT?

2008-04-07T15:58:00.001-07:00

The IRS is here to help you? Well, believe it or not, a new tax law passed earlier this year represents a renewed attempt by our nation’s leaders to jumpstart the economic recovery. The bill applies to new airplanes acquired after September 10, 2001, and before September 11, 2004, and provides tax savings from economic stimulus provisions included in the Internal Revenue Code designed to encourage investment in capital assets. Visit your local airport and you’re sure to see plenty of forty and fifty year old aircraft operating for both business and pleasure. Even prior to the new tax law, Congress recognized that capital investment is an important part of our economy, and therefore allowed a five year depreciation of these assets. To further encourage investments, they do not require the depreciation to be spread evenly over the five years, but through a concept know as “double declining balance,” greatly accelerate depreciation during the first two years of ownership. Now with the additional incentives of 30% bonus depreciation on new airplanes, tax deferral opportunities are greatly expanded.

So how might a business person benefit from these new changes? First of all, the impact of these depreciation changes greatly reduce net cash investment for the purchase of a new airplane. Specifically, an operator in the 40% tax bracket who can successfully write off his aircraft ownership expense may have no cash investment in the airplane during the first four years. Additionally, when properly structured, many taxpayers have an opportunity to convert personal use into business use. The Internal revenue code provides an optional method of taxing an individual for personal use of an aircraft which many times amounts to less than 10% of the actual deductions flowing from the investment. Consult your tax professional prior to purchasing your new airplane or ask your Aircraft Dealer for the name of an Aviation Tax Specialist to set up your purchasing entity.

And you say you’re not a pilot? Local aircraft dealers like Suburban Aviation, Inc. in Lambertville, Michigan will actually teach you to fly your new airplane and even reimburse your expenses when you purchase a new Cessna airplane from them. Most of today’s pilots learned to fly in a Cessna airplane and the majority of these pilots continue to experience the freedom and flexibility that flight offers in one of Cessna’s many single engine models. For 75 years, Cessna has been the leader in general aviation aircraft providing a safe and reliable alternative to commercial airlines and the automobile.

So if your business can benefit from improved efficiency and tax savings, why not consider a company airplane? There are few tax saving opportunities as effective as fully depreciating an aircraft on a five year accelerated basis, and with today’s interest rate environment, a well-structured transaction often results in little or no after tax cash flow holding costs during the early years of ownership. Of course, arriving at your meeting on time and with all your luggage can also be pretty convincing!

Persevere And Fly!

2008-04-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

"The Wright Brothers created the single greatest cultural force since the invention of writing. The airplane became the first World Wide Web, bringing people, languages, ideas, and values together."

~~~ Bill Gates, Microsoft

I had the opportunity to recently visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina. One of our stops was at The Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills.

The Wrights, Wilbur and Orville, were the first to design and build a flying aircraft that could be *controlled* while in the air. No one up to this point had used the three control factors; roll, pitch, and yaw. These three dimensions make it possible to fly from place to place. The aerospace business depends on this simple but brilliant idea. So do spacecraft and submarines.

This changed the way we view our world. Seen from above, distances shrink and the horizon stretches. The world seems grander, more vast and three-dimensional. Open to endless possibilities.

We talk about the perseverance needed to make our niche on the internet today. Just think of Wilbur and Orville. Their accomplishment certainly didn't happen overnight!

Wilbur and Orville were 12 and 8 years of age, respectively, when their father brought home a simple toy rubber band-powered helicopter made in France. They were so intrigued by the concept and playing with it, it broke! Immediately, they began building copies.

They were hooked on aviation!

In 1900, as young men, having built their first glider, they decided to try it out at Kitty Hawk on Kill Devil Hills. It provided consistent stiff winds, and the somewhat cushioning effects of sand and water. That first flight was unsuccessful, but it didn't deter them.

After several more tries, on December 17, 1903, with a much improved bi-plane, they risked their lives and threw caution to the wind. They ended up flying the world's first powered airplane.

(Beginning at 10:35 a.m. that day, Orville flew it about 120 feet in about 12 seconds. About 12:00 p.m., Wilbur flew it 852 feet in 59 seconds)!

Johnny Moore, one of five men who helped them that morning drag the contraption across the frozen sand for positioning, ran to the village of Kitty Hawk crying, "They done it! They done it! Damned if they ain't flew."

The birth of aviation!

At this time, Wilbur was 36 and Orville 32. Roughly 24 years had passed since their father gave them that toy!

I got to thinking as we walked around the monument (with 40 mph steady winds and pelting sand adding to the mood!) of how they never gave up. The exhilaration they must have felt when they realized they'd done it! Their perseverance had paid off.

If you have a dream, work at it. If it doesn't turn out as expected the first time, don't give up! Try again! Who wants to live and say somewhere down the road, "if only" or "what if?" Stick to what you want to accomplish. Don't ever give up!

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.

Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.

Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

Living in the Clouds

2008-04-07T15:56:00.000-07:00

I have a sister of whom I am very proud. After the kids were grown she found herself divorced after years of unhappy marraige. So she went back to work. She found the job market brutal after all those years as a housewife, but she stuck with it, and got a ticketing job with Continental Airlines. She allowed herself to dream about returning to the flight attendant's job she'd given up when she got married, and thanks to a 1968 court ruling which struck down the mandatory resignation ages and to the fact that my sister is still in great shape, today she is flying again. And she loves it!

The Office of Travel and Tourism Industries has posted the following statistics regarding travel in 2000: 26,853,000 Americans traveled to foreign destinations, while a record 50.9 million international travelers visited the United States, which means lots of international air travel. Add to that domestic air travel and you can see that there are a lot of jobs out there. Post September 11, 2001 figures have not yet been released, but we hear news of financial troubles with the airlines on a daily basis. So, are the flight attendants' jobs secure? I've had a look around to try and get a feel for the industry as it stands today, and though there have been some layoffs among smaller airlines, particularly charter companies, many companies are also hiring. In the U.S. Southwest Airlines and Continental both appear to be weathering the storm well.

Glamorous as it sounds, working for the airlines is not all sweetness and light. The constant threat of lay-offs notwithstanding, it can be as repetitive as any other job in a service industry, with long hours and downright abusive passengers to look after. The plus side is that you get paid to travel. I was nosy and read some online discussions between
flight attendants (www.flightattendants.org), and discovered that difficulties aside, these people really LOVE what they do.

Here are some of the reasons why:

With practice and seniority, flight attendants are often able to group their flights together is such a way that they have 1 - 2 weeks off every month.

There is a lot more variety than in a "normal" 9 - 5 job. You get to fly to different cities, work with different crews, and move your schedule around so you never have to get bored.

Airline employees usually get 2 paid weeks off after the 1st year with a maximum of 5 weeks per year after 20 years of service. They fly for nearly free and get discounts on hotel accommodations and car rentals. Close relatives are entitled to super cheap passes as well. The only stipulation is that people traveling on "buddy passes" must fly standby. So if the flight fills up with regular passengers, everyone with buddy passes will get bumped and have to wait for the next flight, (not a good way to travel with children!)

Plus most airlines also make interline agreements with other carriers so that employees can fly free or nearly free to just about any place that has an airport. If you visit flightattendants.org/interline.htm you will find a long list of interline companies which offer package holidays, tours, and cruises exclusively to airline employees and their accompanying family members and traveling companions.

Though the majority of them are women, the job is now open to men and women between the ages of 18 and 60. Most airlines set height requirements for flight attendants between 5' and 6' since taller people have trouble moving around the cabin of the aircraft, and shorter ones have trouble reaching the overhead lockers. Being in good physical condition is important, since the job demands it, but the old weight restrictions have relaxed. Today airlines say "weight must be in proportion to height". And thankfully, a court ruling in 1990 banned smoking on all domestic flights, thus eliminating second-hand smoke inhalation as an occupational hazard for flight attendants.

Though airline passengers tend to think of flight attendants as waiters, in actual fact, the flight attendant's primary responsibility is to the safety of the passengers. My sister told me she spent several days practicing getting people out of the aircraft safely, and she showed me the bruises she got from sliding repeatedly down that inflatable ramp you see on the little safety card in the seat back in front of you. Other standard safety training includes basic first-aid, CPR, and fire-fighting.

Here are a few things to consider if you want to be a flight attendant:

* You may be away 4-10 days at a time.

* Starting salaries are quite low, but increase handsomely with seniority.

* Attendants may be scheduled for up to 16 hours at a time on some long haul flights. (My sister says she doesn't sit down for
the whole trip on a 10 hour trans-Atlantic flight.)

* Depending on whether you work for a small or large airline, you could be a crew of 1 or 18, who serve up to 400 passengers.

* Some flight attendants see nothing but the same two cities day in and day out as they fly back and forth between them, while others enjoy layovers in the worlds most exotic locations. Shop
around before you commit to an airline.

* Carriers look for candidates with good communication skills,
adaptability, and who work well without supervision.

* For international flights, bi-lingual and tri-lingual applicants are preferred.

* Attendants should have a minimum of a high school education or GED, and most have at least some college.

* Flight attendants receive 4 - 6 weeks arduous training from the airline that hires them, whether or not they have had any previous experience or training.

* Regarding lay offs in the currently troubled airline industry, here are some quotes I gleaned from a flight attendants online forum at www.flightattendants.org (If you really want to hear what FA's are saying, go read these discussions, they are very enlightening):

Here's the pro: "The airline industry is in trouble but it isn't going to hell just yet. I've been working as a FA for about 3 years and believe that my job is secure. I do work for a regional but haven't seen a lot of people come from other airlines to us because of layoffs. We suspended hiring in
September until the beginning of the new year and plan to start again in the spring. In the fall there is usually less flying overall than in the other months so it made sense to stop hiring. The first year the money is really funny and that's when a lot of people leave. At (blanked by Kim) we start at $16.69 an hour with an 80 hour guarantee (Monthly), there is no max but it would be hard (if not impossible) to fly more than 100 hours in the
best and busiest of months. Right now most people are getting pretty close to 85 hours. Per diem is $1.40 an hour from check in to 15 minutes after block in. There is no talk of layoff or the company trying to ask for concessions." - skywaiter

And here's the con: "The airline industry, especially the charter industry, is very much a seasonal operation. Though airlines fly year round there are more flights in the winter and summer than in the spring and fall. So for the first few years of employment with a charter carrier it is common to be laid off during the slower seasons. (This from a Canadian FA, with more dramatic seasonal traffic fluctuations than in the States.) Newer crew members go through layoffs, being on and off of reserve. Eventually, though, if you stick it out you get enough seniority to fly year round. Not everyone can wait around and suffer the ups and downs of the industry, which helps others hold their jobs year round. You won't always be at the bottom of the list and it only gets better." - FlyLucky (Moderator)

If this sounds like a job you want to pursue, follow a few of these links for more information:

www.flightattendantcareerguide.com
www.aepsairfairs.com - Aviation Employee Placement Service Job Fairs
www.aeps.com - Aviation Employee Placement Service
www.flightattendants.org
www.wiai.org - Women in Aviation International
www.nbaa.org - National Business Aviation Association, Inc.
www.afanet.org - The Association of Flight Attendants, AFL-CIO
www.aviationcareer.net - AviationCareer.net

The Benefits of Incorporating in Florida

2008-04-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

There are many benefits to Incorporating in Florida. For one, there is an able work force, reflected by the fact that Florida’s unemployment rate is consistently lower than the national rate. Florida is the center of more than a few thriving industries, such as aerospace, and the state enjoys strong state support for business development, reflected in its pro-business stance on taxes.

Florida is well-known for its outstanding academic and research achievement in aviation, aerospace, biotechnology, microelectronics, optics, photonics, and – of course – real estate development. As such, Florida is also an attractive spot for venture capital. Despite the devastation of having four hurricanes hit in a short six-week span in late November 2004, venture capitalists are interested in investing in Florida. In fact, according to the 2005 PricewaterhouseCooper NVCA MoneyTree Survey, Venture Capital Investment in Florida Companies in the first quarter of 2005 is 99.3 million.

Florida’s economic and business resilience after the hurricanes was due in large part to the state government’s pro-business agenda. Indeed, the fact that Florida has one of the lowest tax rates in the US helps to explain this quick rebound, as businesses were eager to invest in the state’s redevelopment. Along with its support of low taxes, the government has supported specific agendas and organizations to encourage business growth, such as Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI).

Formed in 1996 to replace the Florida Commerce Department, EFI is a public-private partnership responsible for Florida’s economic development. EFI operates with an agenda to “diversify Florida’s economy,” while also creating “better-paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create businesses in innovative, high-growth industries.” In addition, EFI helps to support such valuable sectors as IT, life sciences, aviation, aerospace, security and defense, and finance and professional services. EFI helps businesses identify land that matches their criteria, and also helps determine a business’ eligibility for tax breaks and other incentives.

As the Governor, Jeb Bush, recently stated, Florida remains “committed to business-friendly policies, low taxes and economic diversification.” These qualities favor incorporation in Florida by helping to illustrate the many benefits of incorporating in the Sunshine State.

Personal Injury Lawyers: What Services Can They Give You?

2008-04-07T15:54:00.002-07:00

Many times, when people are involved in personal injury cases, they do not seek the guidance of personal injury lawyers for fear that doing so will be too expensive and complicated. As you all might know, filing a case and the entire court proceedings is so stressful and worst, they cost you lots of money. These have become the major drawbacks of personal injury cases. But the good thing these days – there are lots of law firms at present that alleviate those fears right away. And, getting the services of personal injury lawyers has already become an effortless task.

Even for once, you might be involved in a personal injury case. In such case, you might want to claim a compensation for the pain and suffering that it has caused you. This is when a personal injury lawyer is necessary. You must consult an injury lawyer, even if just to speak about the concern you have. Remember that no matter how big or small your personal injury case is, you must file your personal injury claim and see what your legal rights are. And, your personal injury lawyer will help you about these matters all throughout your case.

Personal injury lawyers are so important in your personal injury cases. They have been specializing in various services to offer possible clients. These personal injury services include handling cases of auto or car accidents, aviation disasters, plane crashes or accidents, birth injury, brain injury, dangerous and defective products, dental malpractice, dog bites, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, products liability, serious personal injury or catastrophic injuries, slip and fall, spinal cord injury, unfair insurance practices, wrongful death, and a lot more.

With all these services, personal injury lawyers have also chosen their area of specialization. Some of them are more adept with auto or car accidents. Others are into aviation disasters only. And, so on and so forth. Therefore, you can expect that one injury lawyer has really mastered his craft because he focusus only in one field. This gives you a big chance of winning your personal injury case. One good thing about these lawyers is that they don’t ask for legal fees unless your case becomes successful.

Indeed, a competent counsel is so important in a personal injury case. So, if you’ve been involved in such case, don’t think twice, go out, find the personal injury lawyer to be your partner in your quest for justice, and enjoy the services that he offers you.

Aircraft Ownership. . . Is the Time Right?

2008-04-07T15:54:00.001-07:00

Current tax incentives and the evolving tax code have given thousands of people reasons to purchase their first new airplane .
In the hours and days immediately following the tragic attacks on America of 9/11, there was much speculation about the effects on the general aviation industry. While the events of September 11, 2001 have had a significant impact on the economy as a whole, sales of personal aircraft in Michigan have experienced a surprising boost. Certainly, the convenience of personal transportation has played a major role in this increase as airport lines and security have become more time consuming. The reduction of flights resulting from the airline cost-cutting have limited flexibility for the business person and affected the productivity of companies relying on commercial transportation.

These factors alone can’t explain surge of people joining the flying community for more than just pleasure. Rebates, low and 0% interest rates, training allowances, and yes, even the IRS played a role in creating an environment that has introduced more people to the benefits of aircraft ownership and had an effect similar to that seen after the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1995.

The Top 10 Best Ways to Justify an Airplane Purchase

2008-04-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

1. The airplane will make money for me.

This one actually works! Learn about leasebacks and/or using your airplane in your business by visiting: www.airplanenoise.com

2. My business will benefit from my increased productivity when I fly instead of drive.

Save time and money by flying yourself! You can avoid hours at the security gate and layover time by flying yourself. Most regional trips will be completed in a fraction of the time you’d spend driving or flying commercially. Learn more by visiting: AOPA Business Use

3. The airplane will keep my family together.

Many people find their children off to college and their parents staying in the south. A personal aircraft allows you to stay in contact and maintain the relationships that are so important to you. After all. . . is there anything more important than our relationships with our family and friends?

4. Learning to fly provides a new challenge.

Most of us have dreamed about flying since our childhood. What’s preventing us from taking that step? Life’s too short to procrastinate!

5. I can vacation every weekend!

No doubt, every weekend can be earmarked for a new destination. Start with you own state, and expand to other states. Visit museums, recreation areas, friends . . . the sky’s the limit! Start with this list: Great Trips

6. I can make an airplane payment instead of an IRS payment!

With minimal business use (30%), your airplane purchase may be a depreciable asset. New tax laws significantly increased the tax benefit to owners. Learn more by downloading a FREE audio TeleClass at: FREE TeleClass

7. I can enhance my children’s educational experience.

Children learn more from an experience rather than sitting in a classroom or reading a book. Trips to Washington D.C., Niagara Falls, Gettysburg, PA, Kitty Hawk are all great reasons to fly the family. Re-live your childhood at the same time.

8. Flying as therapy?

Well, believe it or not, some people fly for its therapeutic benefits. Life’s problems seem to disintegrate as altitude increases. Try it next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges!

9. An airplane is a terrific status symbol.

If status is what you’re looking for. . . you can’t beat an airplane. Not only are pilots looked up to, but when it’s your own airplane. . . “You’ve arrived!” No one even needs to know that the airplane is generating a positive cash flow.

10. I just WANT one!

Sometimes we just need to satisfy or desires! “I’m worth it.” “I’ve worked hard and this is my reward.” “I only live once!”

I know you can add to this list!

Advanced Aviation Gadgets

2008-04-07T15:52:00.002-07:00

Well in aviation the toys for pilots are getting a lot better, for instance the GPS-PDAs with sectional charts on them. Also lots of other data like the J-Aide and Jeppeson airport contacts once you arrive. All this makes flying easier, less complicated and more enjoyable. AvMap EKP-III C

http://www.avshop.com/catalog/product.html?productid=3781

and even more cool are the ones with all the bells and whistles; Such as loading it with an International Data Base. Hell now the CIA can have all the civilian data along with their intelligence information. Of course this newest Industry finds itself with many new players as pilots are generally not having a problem affording new toys and it saves all those large flight bags and Knee Boards and clips. You can still buy the clipboards and I have one when I drive the Blitz Mobile mobile command center across the country hunting for the latest technologies it has maps and important numbers to do business from the highway. Many truck drivers and railroad conductors use such boards and in the NAVY Pilots use them and even probably torpedo bombers did too; remember George Bush Senior flew a torpedo bomber?

Back to our GPS Toys and PDA devices; Another one of the more unique ones is the EnFlight Text Weather Devise which you can google to get all the specs, definitely worth a look see. All of these devises also allow for National Security so no more private pilots in C-182s fly into restricted areas.

These companies are also careful whom they send these devises to, for obvious reasons. Just think you could be flying your own private plane with a little PDA devise and go have a blast with your newfound freedom. Another cool devise and one of my favorites is the Pocket test which you can look up on Google. This is a cool devise to help you from getting lost and it has just about too many features to list, too bad it was not Windows CE based, I just cannot trust the longevity of Palm in the market place and hope our military is not so stupid to buy into there hype for military versions. One thing going for it is its size. Very small.

We did like the MapTech unit also because we can use it on a laptop, Handheld GPS unit of PDA GPS unit, with terrain CAD capabilities. This unit has many other purposes for General Civil Engineering, Forestry, Mobile Car Washing scheduling and routing, Aviation, Hiking, Fishing, Diving, Trucking, you name it. It also has features from NOAA for weather; I would recommend this as the best all-purpose unit I have thus yet found. It also works with ESRI software. So we like this for its versatility across industries. Good for us too with the blitz mobile to take the route with the least amount of hills for fuel consumption conservation and wear and tear on a 300,000-mile truck. Another of the best units we looked at was the

http://www.teletype.com/pages/tracking.html

which can be used like a Top Secret "Bloodhound Unit" and we can use this for car wash truck tracking, can be used for just about any real use to help you find your self or units. This is a way we can covertly track our units so employees do not screw off and kill profits and lie about where they were and how long they were there. Also in our survey we looked at the SatellinkTech units and found a lot of other cool features there;

http://www.satellinktech.com/product/merlin_air_main.htm .

This is a great tool, like the other units is does provide real time data such as; Airport observations and forecasts (text), Area forecasts (text), Upper wind forecasts (text), Pilot reports (text and onboard processed graphics), Icing and Turbulence forecasts (graphical), Status of restricted, prohibited, and military training airspace (text and onboard processed graphics), Location of other aircraft on instrument flight plans (onboard processed graphics), FAA alerts and advisories, Aircraft Situational Display.

What is also of interest is how much all these companies work together so that they can provide all the same data to all their customers. This does not mean one is not better than the other. For our purposes we chose the Tele Type unit with all the features, which we may implement in the future. I hope this review of products has assisted you in learning more about the technology. Many of these PDA technologies will be available for nearly any business small or large.

The Value of Airplane Accident Claims

2008-04-07T15:52:00.001-07:00

Airplane accidents are devastating tragedies. Almost every year, these accidents become the headlines of news stories. In all cases, lots of lives are being taken which brings trauma to their surviving dependents. Losing you love ones from such incidents is really a painful experience. So, if you’ve lost a relative or you’re a survivor of such accident, you can file an aviation accident claim to recover compensation on the pain and suffering and financial crisis that you’ve gone through.

Based on researches, the assistance provided to survivors and family members of death victims are based on the type and place of the accident. In the United Stated, smaller airplane accidents that happen outside the country provide limited financial assistance to the victim’s beneficiaries. Major aviation disasters, on the other hand, that happens in the U.S. can include a complex interaction of state and federal law, or international law.

Fortunately, airline companies are given certain post-accident requirements in the federal law that they have to follow. These include setting up of family support services including grief counseling and support; designating individual caregivers to assist each family; working with families to identify and return remains and possessions; and setting up a communications network with families. Every survivor or the relatives of the victims of an airplane accident can obtain these benefits as aviation accident claims.

Additionally, smaller commuters and commercial air operators also have their own assistance response plans in case of an airplane accident. There are also a lot of persons and institutions you can contact for help and assistance such as the Red Cross and other agencies including law enforcement agencies, representatives of companies who may be involved in the accident, representatives of insurance companies, lawyers who represent victims of accidents, lawyers who represent the parties involved in the accident, and the news media.

Indeed, every airline company has a professional responsibility to all their passengers in every trip. As we all know, many lives are at risk during this time and we cannot avoid these things to happen. After all, airplane accidents are unanticipated. They can happen anytime. I just hope that the injured and relatives of the victims can receive the compensation that they deserve. After all, these airplane accident claims can never bring back the lives of those persons and cannot totally compensate to those who have suffered intense pain and suffering due to the incident.

Instrument Proficiency Checks Under The Revised Instrument

2008-04-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

In April, 2004, the FAA updated and revised the Practical Test Standards (“PTS”) for the Instrument Rating. The new standards went into effect October 1, 2004. Of particular interest to instrument flight instructors (“CFII’s”) and pilots holding instrument ratings is a substantial change in the requirements for administering an Instrument Proficiency Check (“IPC”).

Prior to October 1, 2004, a CFII had discretion regarding what PTS tasks he or she could require for an instrument rated pilot to demonstrate instrument proficiency. That discretion allowed a CFII to be flexible in order to accommodate/address a pilot's strengths/weaknesses, as well as the pilot’s aircraft, instrumentation and intended missions. That is, the CFII was allowed to decide what tasks the pilot needed to accomplish in order to show the CFII that the pilot could competently operate an aircraft solely with reference to the instruments.

Although this discretion presented the opportunity for a CFII to conduct an IPC with minimal demonstration of ability by the pilot, most CFII’s required pilots to demonstrate sufficient skills and competence to show that they could safely fly in instrument meteorological conditions (“IMC”). After all, no responsible CFII wanted to be the last IPC sign-off in a pilot’s logbook if the pilot was later in an accident or incident: Too many questions to answer and potential liability for the CFII.

However, the revised PTS no longer give the CFII discretion in how an IPC is to be conducted or the tasks to be performed. The current PTS now require completion of specific tasks including holds, unusual attitudes, intercepting nav-aids and dme-arcs, precision, non-precision and circling approaches, partial- panel and review of instruments and aircraft equipment.

Unfortunately, the removal of the CFII’s discretion seems to convert what used to be a learning experience tailored to a pilot and his or her needs into what is more closely akin to an actual check-ride. Under the prior PTS, a student and instructor could discuss and determine the appropriate and/or necessary tasks to ensure that the pilot could demonstrate the necessary competency to pass an IPC. This allowed a pilot to use the IPC as a learning tool by agreeing with the instructor to review or practice specific tasks on which the pilot may have felt he or she needed additional practice.

Under the revised PTS, all of the designated tasks must now be satisfactorily completed. Although a pilot and instructor can still tailor the IPC to focus on tasks needing additional work, the remainder of the designated tasks will still need to be completed. This will increase the time required for an IPC and may deter pilots from spending the time and money for additional practice of specific tasks.

Another concern is the requirement that an IPC candidate must now perform a circling approach. Unfortunately, this eliminates the opportunity for an IPC candidate to fully complete an IPC using a computer-based trainer such as an Advanced AD. Although an Advanced AD will still qualify for completion of a majority of the IPC requirements, if it does not have a wide, wrap-around display, a circling approach will be impossible and this portion of the IPC will need to either be demonstrated in an aircraft or in a simulator that is equipped for such an approach.

This new requirement also has the potential to increase the cost of an IPC for a pilot. If the pilot does not have access to an appropriate computer based trainer, he or she will need to perform a circling approach in an aircraft.

The revised PTS are here and are the standards for conducting an IPC. Pilots should keep in mind that an IPC sign-off received after October 1, 2004 that does not comply with the revised PTS will not be valid and may leave the pilot operating without instrument currency. Both pilots and their instructors should review the revised PTS to fully understand what tasks are required for an IPC.

As always, fly safe and fly smart.

Carrying Firearms On Aircraft

2008-04-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

A client recently asked me whether he could carry a firearm on an aircraft. As usual, my lawyerly answer was “it depends”. What does it depend upon? Well, for starters, what type of firearm? Will it be carried concealed or on the person (e.g. using a concealed carry weapon “CCW” permit), or will it be in checked luggage? What type of aircraft? Is it a commercial flight or a private flight? Is the flight interstate or intrastate? The answers to these questions dictate whether or how you can transport a firearm on an aircraft.

Probably the best way to look at the issue is to determine where you will be with the firearm when you board the aircraft: Within a sterile area of an airport or within a non-sterile area of an airport. Several different statutes apply to transportation of firearms on aircraft, depending upon the type of aircraft and aircraft operation and where you board the aircraft.

Sterile Area

What is a sterile area? U.S. Statute 49 CFR 1540.5 defines it as “a portion of an airport defined in the airport security program that provides passengers access to boarding aircraft and to which the access generally is controlled by TSA, or by an aircraft operator under part 1544 of this chapter or a foreign air carrier under part 1546 of this chapter, through the screening of persons and property.” This is the area beyond the security checkpoints and up to and including the gates to the aircraft. You have to subject yourself and your carry on luggage to search and inspection (including removing your shoes, walking through metal detectors etc.) in order to enter the sterile area.
Once within a sterile area, U.S. Statute §1544.219(LEO), §1544.221(LEO w/prisoner), §1544.223(Air Marshal), or §1546.211(foreign air carrier provision for LEO) or an individual authorized to carry a weapon in a sterile area under a security program.

Although aircraft using the sterile area may be operated by an airline or an on-demand charter operator, those aircraft may also be operated by freight carriers, or in some cases, privately owned aircraft. 49 CFR §1550.5 provides a “catch-all” expanding the prohibition on possession of firearms to all operations, not just airlines and charter, boarding or unloading using the sterile area of an airport. Thus, regardless of the type of operation, if you have to go through a sterile area to board the aircraft and you do not fall within one of the exceptions, you will not be able to carry a firearm with you on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Period.

However, even if you are prohibited from carrying a firearm with you onto the aircraft, you may still be able to bring your firearm along in your checked luggage. U.S. Statute 49 CFR 1540.111(c) applies to the transportation of firearms within your checked baggage. You may not transport loaded firearms. However, you may transport unloaded firearms provided that you declare the firearms to the aircraft operator (usually by filling out a declaration form), the firearm is unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and you are the only one to retain a key or combination for the lock.

This regulation does not prohibit you from carrying ammunition in your checked baggage or in the same container as a firearm. Also, each individual aircraft operator may have differing policies and guidelines regarding the transportation of unloaded firearms, as well as ammunition. It is best to check with your aircraft operator well in advance of your departure date to make sure you know the aircraft operator’s requirements and procedures and that you will to arrive at the airport able to comply.

Non-Sterile Area

If you are within a non-sterile area of an airport, the statutes and regulations do not apply. However, your ability to possess a firearm will depend upon the type of flying you will be doing as well as the state law applicable to the airport.

U.S. Statute 49 USC §46505 makes it a crime subject to fine, imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both, if a person “when on, or attempting to get on, an aircraft in, or intended for operation in, air transportation or intrastate air transportation, has on or about the individual or the property of the individual a concealed dangerous weapon that is or would be accessible to the individual in flight.” Additionally, under 49 USC §46303
“[a]n individual who, when on, or attempting to board, an aircraft in, or intended for operation in, air transportation or intrastate air transportation, has on or about the individual or the property of the individual a concealed dangerous weapon that is or would be accessible to the individual in flight is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation”.

At first glance, these statutes seem to be very broad and all encompassing. However, the definitions of “air transportation” and “intrastate air transportation” as defined in 49 USC §40102 limit the applicability of these statutes to air carriers. What is an air carrier? It is an individual or business who provides transportation for hire either between two states or within one state using a turbojet aircraft with more than 30 seats. Practically speaking, these definitions limit the applicability of this statute to the airlines and charter operators who are either flying between states or operating larger, turbojet aircraft.

U.S. Statute 49 CFR §1550.7 is a more specific “catch-all” that applies to aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds and where the aircraft’s operation is not otherwise subject to the statutes and regulations addressed above. This regulation requires that an operator “must conduct a search of the aircraft before departure and screen passengers, crewmembers, and other persons and their accessible property (carry-on items) before boarding”, regardless of whether boarding and loading occurs from a sterile area.

Another regulation that affects your ability to carry a firearm on a flight operated by a charter operator is
14 CFR §135.119. Under this regulation “no person may, while on board an aircraft being operated by a certificate holder, carry on or about that person a deadly or dangerous weapon, either concealed or unconcealed. Section 135.119 does not apply to LEO’s or to “Crewmembers and other persons authorized by the certificate holder to carry arms”. Thus, although this regulation appears to limit the possession of firearms, if the charter operator grants you permission, either directly or within its operations specifications, you would be exempt from this regulation and able to carry firearms subject to any other applicable statutes or regulations.

Finally, if you are flying in a private aircraft that is not being operated by a common carrier from one state to another, and no other statutes apply to your flight, you will still be subject to 18 USC §926A regarding the interstate transportation of firearms which states that “any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle”.

This statute allows you to transport firearms between states subject to the statute’s conditions: that you can lawfully possess the firearm at your points of departure and arrival, and the firearm is unloaded and inaccessible during the trip. However, what if you are a CCW permit holder and you want to carry concealed between states? Well, fortunately 18 USC §927 states that Section 926A does not pre-empt applicable state law. Thus, if you can lawfully carry a concealed weapon in the state in which you board the aircraft and in the state in which you land, you are not subject to the unloaded and inaccessible restrictions of Section 926A.

For operations of private aircraft within one state, you will only be subject to the laws of the state within which you are operating. You will need to review your state’s statutes to determine whether they impose any restrictions on possession of firearms within non-sterile areas of airports. You will also need to be familiar with the airports you will be visiting to determine whether each airport has any restrictions (e.g. posting to prohibit concealed carry etc.).

Conclusion

What does all this mean? Well, for the majority of people traveling on commercial aircraft, the ability to transport firearms on the aircraft is severely restricted. In almost all cases, unless you are flying in a private aircraft, carrying firearms with you on an aircraft, either on your person or in your carry-on luggage, is prohibited.

You may still bring firearms and ammunition with you on a flight, but they will need to be unloaded and contained in a locked case within your checked luggage in compliance with your airline or aircraft operator’s policies. Your best bet is to check with your airline or aircraft operator ahead of time to make sure you know and can comply with their policies for transporting firearms. With a little planning and preparation, it can be done.

If you are flying on a charter aircraft that weighs less than 12,500 pounds, you can only carry firearms with the operator’s permission and as long as you can lawfully do so at both your departure and arrival airports.

For those of you who fly in private aircraft and carry firearms with you, knowing the areas at an airport within which you can and cannot possess a firearm will help you avoid accepting a clearance or taxiing to an area within which possession of firearms is prohibited. So long as you remain outside of airport sterile areas, your possession of firearms will only be subject to the laws of the state in which you are flying.

As always, fly safe and, especially if you are carrying firearms, fly smart

Aircraft Mechanic's Liens In

2008-04-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

If you provide storage, repair, maintenance or other services to aircraft, you have the ability to assert a lien on that aircraft and retain possession until you have been paid. This is commonly referred to as a mechanic’s lien.

What isn’t as commonly known is that, in Minnesota, you don’t necessarily lose your lien rights if you no longer have possession of the aircraft. The situation arises when an owner pays you with a check and leaves with the aircraft. Later, the bank dishonors the check. Now what?

Under Minnesota Statute § 514.221, you can re-assert your mechanic’s lien against an aircraft by filing a verified statement and description of the aircraft and the work done or material furnished. The Statement must be filed with the “appropriate office under the Uniform Commercial Code.” This would be the FAA’s Aircraft Registry in Oklahoma City, OK.

The verified statement must include N-number, make and model of the aircraft, amount owed for the services and date of last work. The statement must be signed in ink, with title if on behalf of a corporation or limited liability company and must be accompanied by the $5.00 filing fee.

Also, if the owner of the aircraft is located in Minnesota, you may want to file the statement with the Secretary of State. Although it is not necessary to perfect your lien, it will provide notice to anyone who doesn’t know to check with the Aircraft Registry.

This is called “perfecting” your mechanic’s lien and must be done within 90 days after you provide the work, materials or service. Once perfected, you now have a lien on the aircraft.

Perfection secures the amount you are owed with the aircraft. You then have several options. First, in order to sell the aircraft, the owner will need to pay you and obtain a release before the owner can give a buyer clear title to the aircraft.

Second, you also have the ability to repossess and foreclose on the aircraft. This means you can force a sale of the aircraft and then receive payment out of the proceeds of the sale. Any excess money is given to the owner.

Under the first option, you run the risk of having to wait until the owner attempts to sell the aircraft. The second option gives you more control, but is also more costly than simply waiting. However, under either option you are definitely in a better position to get paid than you would be without the lien.

Aircraft Mechanic's Liens In

2008-04-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

Aircraft Purchase Agreements

2008-04-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

It always surprises me when a potential aircraft buyer is unsure of whether he or she should use a purchase agreement when buying an aircraft. Most of these individuals have purchased homes and no doubt used a purchase agreement in such transactions. Yet, many of these same individuals would spend the same amount of money to purchase an aircraft, and often times a great deal more money, without the protection of a written aircraft purchase agreement.

Aircraft purchase agreements should be used in almost every aircraft sale transaction. First, the law in most states requires that a contract for an amount greater than $500.00 be in writing in order for it to be enforceable. This is called the statute of frauds. Although exceptions to this legal doctrine exist, complying with the law is usually safer than hoping you will be able to take advantage of an exception.

Further, using an aircraft purchase agreement can also help avoid confusion and misunderstandings. If the agreement clearly explains how the transaction will happen, when it will happen and what is included in the deal, the greater the likelihood that the buyer and seller will each know the other party’s expectations and the less chance for surprises or misunderstandings.

What Terms Should Be Included?

The number and complexity of the terms that should be included in an aircraft purchase agreement will often times be dictated by the type and value of the aircraft being purchased/sold. Although by no means inclusive, the following terms provide a good place to start.

Identify the Parties. The agreement should identify who is selling the aircraft and who is buying the aircraft. Although this sounds simple to do, it isn’t always clear who is the seller and who is the buyer. It is very common for aircraft to be registered in the name of a corporation or limited liability company. In that case, the individual with whom you are negotiating is not the owner of the aircraft and should not be listed as the seller. The registered owner of the aircraft should be identified as the seller.

The buyer on the other hand, can be an individual or a corporation or limited liability company. If an individual is the buyer, that person will be listed and upon registration will be the record owner of the aircraft. To fully take advantage of release and indemnity language discussed in greater detail below, the seller may also want to consider having an individual buyer’s spouse execute the purchase agreement.

If a corporation or limited liability company will be registering the aircraft, the purchase agreement should identify that entity as the buyer. Alternatively, an individual can sign an agreement as the buyer and, as long as the agreement allows the buyer to assign his or her rights under the agreement, that individual may still assign the agreement to a corporation or limited liability company prior to closing. The corporation or limited liability company then becomes the buyer and can close on the transaction without the individual ever entering the chain of title. From a liability perspective, this can be important.

Identify the Aircraft. The aircraft purchase agreement should identify the aircraft with as much detail as possible. At a minimum, it should include the make, model, N-number and serial number for the aircraft. Ideally, a list of all avionics, logbooks, handbooks, additional equipment and any accessories should be included. Also, if the seller intends to retain certain items, those items should be specifically identified and excluded from the transaction. By taking the time to detail exactly what is and isn’t being sold, you will prevent misunderstandings at delivery.

Purchase/Sale Price. The agreement should specify how much is being paid for the aircraft. If the buyer will be giving the seller a deposit or earnest money, that fact should be included. Also, what happens to the deposit when it is given to the seller? Will the money be placed in escrow or simply held by the seller? If an escrow agent is not involved, the buyer will need to obtain some assurance that his or her deposit will not simply disappear into the seller’s pocket making the buyer’s recovery from the seller difficult or impossible if the transaction does not close. The agreement should also state under what conditions the seller must refund the deposit to the buyer.

The buyer’s method of payment should also be stated. Is it a cash transaction or will financing be involved? If financing is involved, the buyer may want to include language that makes the transaction contingent upon the buyer obtaining financing on terms acceptable to the buyer. That way, if the buyer isn’t able to obtain satisfactory financing, the buyer will not be forced to complete the purchase on financially unacceptable terms.

Will other consideration be given to the seller, such as a trade? If so, to the extent that it is possible, the item(s) to be traded to the seller should be identified with the same amount of detail used to describe the aircraft being purchased. This will help avoid later confusion.

Documents. The agreement should include a statement about which documents the seller will sign and deliver to the buyer at closing. Usually this includes a Bill of Sale (FAA Form 8050-2) and a signed current Registration Form (FAA Form 8050-3).

Pre-purchase inspection. In most transactions, the buyer will want to have a pre-purchase inspection performed on the aircraft. The purchase agreement can specify who will perform the inspection, what qualifications that individual must possess and where the inspection will take place. Also, the buyer should make the agreement contingent upon the buyer’s satisfaction with results of the inspection. Although the buyer is usually responsible for the expenses associated with a pre-purchase inspection, the agreement should address which party is responsible for what expenses related to the inspection.

Warranties. It is possible to include a variety of warranties in the purchase agreement representing certain conditions of the aircraft (e.g. warranties of airworthiness, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose etc.). However, due to space limitations most of these warranties will not be discussed here.

From a buyer’s perspective, the warranty of title is probably most important. This warranty ensures that the buyer receives title to the aircraft free and clear of any liens or mortgages. Although the buyer will still want to obtain a title search of the FAA Registry’s records for the airplane, having the warranty of title included in the purchase agreement will help to minimize the risk of any unrecorded liens or interests in the aircraft.

Most sellers will want to include a disclaimer in the purchase agreement stating that the buyer is purchasing the aircraft "As-is". This language is intended to limit the seller’s responsibility for any defects or unknown conditions in the aircraft. If the buyer is having a thorough pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic familiar with the specific aircraft, inclusion of this disclaimer in the purchase agreement is probably not a great concern for the buyer.

Choice of Law/Venue. If the transaction involves a buyer and seller from different states, it may be prudent to include language in the purchase agreement that governs what law applies to the transaction and where any disputes would have to be resolved.

Waiver and Release of Liability. The seller will want waiver and release of liability language in the purchase agreement to limit potential liability for injury or damage sustained by the buyer arising out of the buyer’s use of the aircraft. The language should be in bold, all caps letters to make sure it is obvious and not buried in the fine print of the purchase agreement.

Waiver and release of liability language will not release a seller from responsibility for the seller’s intentional acts or gross negligence. Nor will it prevent possible claims from third-parties who are injured or damaged by buyer’s use of the aircraft or from the buyer’s minor children. However, it will prevent the buyer, and the buyer’s spouse if the spouse has signed the purchase agreement, from suing the seller if a defect in the aircraft causes an accident that results in injury or damages.

What Remedy Does An Aircraft Purchase Agreement Give You?

First, an aircraft purchase agreement is not a 100% guarantee that a buyer or seller will not be sued. In this litigious world, I don’t know that such a guarantee is possible. Further, the purchase agreement alone does not make anyone do anything. If a buyer or seller does not want to comply with his or her obligations, the purchase agreement will not change that. However, the purchase agreement will give you the ability to go to court and have a judge make the non-performing or “breaching” party comply with his or her obligations.

If the purchase agreement is drafted clearly and with sufficient detail, it may be possible to have the court specifically enforce the agreement (e.g. make the breaching party do what the purchase agreement says he or she is supposed to do). An example would be where a buyer refused to complete a transaction even though the seller and the aircraft complied with all of the terms of the purchase agreement. In this case, a court could force the buyer to purchase the aircraft.

Alternatively, the court may award money damages for losses incurred by the non-breaching party. An example of this is when a seller refuses to return a deposit even though the buyer has complied with all of the terms of the purchase agreement and has a right to return of the money. In this situation, a court could enter a judgment against the seller in the amount of the unreturned security deposit.

Conclusion

An aircraft purchase agreement is a valuable tool to ensure that each party to an aircraft purchase transaction receives what is expected. It prevents confusion and misunderstanding and provides security that a party will have recourse if the other party to the transaction fails to perform as required. With minimal up-front time and expense, both buyers and sellers can protect their interests and maximize the likelihood of an uneventful closing and purchase.

Surviving An FAA Ramp Check

2008-04-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

You are standing on the ramp performing a pre-flight inspection. A man who you have never seen before approaches you and starts chatting about the weather and asking you questions: “What’s your name?”, “Where are you going?” etc. How do you respond?

First, know who you are talking to. Ask for the person’s name. Find out what he or she is doing there. In this post 9/11 era, knowing who is at the airport and what they are doing is good practice and prevention. This is the premise of AOPA’s GA Secure program. Second, if the person is an FAA inspector, you want to find that out as soon as possible. If he or she is, ask to see his or her FAA Identification card.

During the course of a ramp check, the FAA inspector will ask to inspect/review a number of items. Some of those items and how you produce them for the FAA inspector are discussed below. Quite a bit of this is common sense. Much of it is information all pilots learned, or should have learned, when they learned how to fly.

Personal Documents

When you fly an aircraft, you must have certain personal documents in your possession. You must have your airman certificate and it must be appropriate to the aircraft and type of flying you are doing. You must also have your medical certificate. It must be the original certificate issued by your Airman Medical Examiner and it must also be current and appropriate to the type of flying you are doing. Finally, in the aftermath of 9/11, you must also have in your possession a drivers license or other government issued ID containing your photograph.

Logbook

Next, the inspector may ask to see your flight logbook. I advise pilots not to bring their logbook with them when they are flying. Why? Two reasons: One, if you bring your logbook with you and it is destroyed if you are in an accident, you won’t have any documentation to prove your flight time and currency. This can raise potentially ugly issues not only with the FAA, but also with your insurance company if they question your currency at the time of the accident and deny coverage. To avoid the insurance coverage issue, if you must bring your logbook with you I suggest you keep a photocopy of your logbook at home or in some other safe place.

Second, if you have your logbook with you and the inspector asks to review it, you will have to provide the entire logbook. Rather than allowing the inspector to review more logbook entries than are necessary or pertinent at the time of the ramp check, I prefer having the opportunity after the ramp check to simply photocopy the pages documenting your currency and then providing them to the inspector.

Aircraft Documents In The Aircraft

Similar to the requirement that you have certain personal documents in your possession, the aircraft you fly also needs to contain certain documents. The inspector may want to review the aircraft documents during the ramp check. However, an inspector cannot inspect the interior of your aircraft without consent. Consequently, rather than giving consent, I recommend that you personally remove the requested documents from the aircraft and give them to the inspector.

You may need to supply the aircraft’s registration certificate. Make sure the N-number on the certificate matches the N-number on the aircraft. Also, if you are operating with a temporary certificate, remember that it is only valid for 120 days. The aircraft’s airworthiness certificate will likely be inspected as well. Here again, make sure the N-number on the certificate matches the N-number on the aircraft data plate.

Additional aircraft documents that are fair game during a ramp check include the operator/flight manual, or operating limitations if the aircraft is a homebuilt aircraft, and the aircraft’s weight and balance information. For certificated aircraft, the weight and balance information should be in the manual. For homebuilt aircraft, this information will be contained in the aircraft’s operating limitations.

Charts

Since a pilot is required to be familiar with all available information for each flight, an inspector may also ask to see the aeronautical charts you intend to use on your flight. Make sure the charts you have in the aircraft or your flight bag are current and appropriate to your flight. This seems like a "no-brainer", but you would be surprised how many pilots are flying with sectional charts that are several years old or instrument approach plates that are more than 56 days old. From a compliance perspective and, more importantly, from a safety perspective, use current and appropriate charts.

Interacting With The Inspector

During the course of the ramp check, you can also take the initiative and ask the inspector questions. Ask the inspector why he or she suspects you and what information the inspector has that leads to his or her suspicion. You can also ask the inspector which FAR's you are suspected of violating.

If the answers to these questions indicates that a simple misunderstanding is present, you can certainly try to clarify the situation for the inspector. However, if it appears that the inspector’s issues are more than a simple misunderstanding or if you do not receive adequate responses to your questions, do not volunteer any information to the inspector. Remain polite and respectful, but don’t give the inspector any more information than is required.

Do not try to argue with the inspector. Very rarely will you win an argument with the inspector. On the contrary, an argument with the inspector will usually get you in deeper trouble. You will either provide the inspector with information that helps the inspector make his or her case against you or you will exhibit a “poor compliance attitude”, or both. Don’t do it. Discretion and respect will serve you better.

Most pilots will never find themselves in a ramp check, due to the minimal manpower the FAA has available for ramp checks. However, if you find yourself in a ramp check, it is survivable. Hopefully this information, along with the right attitude, will get you through it. As always, fly safe and fly smart.

Cabotage And International Operation Of Corporate Aircraft

2008-04-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

Most countries have laws regulating the airspace over their lands. Each time an aircraft enters a foreign country’s airspace, the aircraft operator must comply with that country’s regulations affecting flight operations and the carriage of passengers. Particularly with respect to passengers, the majority of countries have rigid limitations on who may be carried within their borders and how.

Specifically, the rules and regulations relating to carriage of passengers and goods within the same foreign country are referred to as “cabotage”. Cabotage regulations are not uniform or necessarily consistent from one country to another. They usually apply to both commercial and private operators. However, as we will discuss shortly, whether a foreign country considers a corporate aircraft operator to be a commercial or private operator will also vary by country.

Regardless of which country the corporate aircraft operates within, the pilot in command of a corporate aircraft is responsible for knowing and complying with that country’s cabotage restrictions. Failure to comply can, and has, resulted in six-digit fines and penalties imposed against the corporate aircraft operator, and corporate aircraft have been impounded by foreign governments until such violations have been resolved to the satisfaction of the governing authority.

Examples Of Cabotage Regulations Applicable To Corporate Aircraft Operators

United States. The United States does not currently have any regulations that prevent private (not for compensation or hire) foreign corporate aircraft from carrying U.S. passengers between points within the U.S. 14 CFR 375.30 provides that “civil aircraft which are not engaged in commercial air operations into, out of, or within the United States may be operated in the United Sates and may discharge, take on, or carry between points in the United States any nonrevenue traffic.”

Canada. After clearing customs, Canada allows a corporate aircraft operator to engage in unlimited operations within Canada as long as the U.S. registered aircraft is carrying U.S.-boarded passengers and the aircraft is not operating for “hire or reward”. Canada also allows unlimited international operations where passengers are being transported across the border between Canada and any other country. This includes stops within Canada to pick up or drop off passengers who are traveling internationally.

Canadian-boarded passengers may be transported within Canada by a U.S. registered aircraft provided that the transportation is incidental to the intended purpose of the flight. That is, a corporate aircraft operator could fly its U.S. registered corporate aircraft into Canada, pick up Canadian personnel, customers, etc. and fly on to another destination in Canada for a meeting or event. As a long as the sole purpose of flight was not transporting the Canadian passengers, then the carriage of the Canadian passengers would be considered incidental and should not violate the cabotage regulations.

European Union. Cabotage regulations in the European Union are more complex than in Canada. The difficulty results from the European Union’s definition of commercial transportation. In the U.S., the U.S. Customs service defines commercial transportation as transportation “for compensation or hire”. However, the European Union defines “commercial use” as “the use of means of transportation for the transport of persons or of goods for remuneration or in the framework of the economic activity of an enterprise”.

Unfortunately, the European Union definition means that a U.S. registered corporate aircraft operating within the European Union for corporate or other business purposes can be considered to be engaging in commercial use or transportation. As a result, if a corporate aircraft flies into a European Union country, picks up a citizen of that country and then travels on to another destination within that country, it is likely that the second flight would be in violation of the European Union cabotage regulations.

The Importation Alternative To Cabotage Compliance

An option for removing the cabotage restraints on international operations is importation of a U.S. registered aircraft into the foreign country (e.g. Canada, a European Union country etc.) in which the corporate aircraft owner wishes to operate. Importation then makes the aircraft an aircraft of the country into which it is imported (e.g. an aircraft of Canada or a European Union aircraft). The aircraft can usually be imported on a temporary or permanent basis and does not usually require that the aircraft be re-registered.

For importation into most countries, the corporate aircraft owner will be required to pay the “Value-Added Tax” (VAT) on the value of the aircraft. Two exceptions are the European Union countries of the United Kingdom and Denmark. Both countries have a zero valuation of aircraft weighing over 24,000 pounds and are frequently used to import corporate aircraft into the European Union. Once the aircraft is imported into the foreign country, for purposes of regulation it becomes an aircraft of that country and is no longer subject to the cabotage restrictions.

Locating Cabotage Regulations

If importation is not an option, a corporate aircraft operator will need to research the cabotage restrictions and regulations for the particular country of intended travel. The first place to consult is the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) published by the country to which the operator wishes to travel. How do you get the AIP for a particular country? Well, the best place to start is the International Flight Information Manual (IFIM). The IFIM is published by the FAA and has information regarding the civil aviation authority for each country and the respective contact information and addresses to which you can direct your request for the country’s AIP.

However, you should be aware that many countries’ AIP’s may not contain all of the applicable rules and regulations relating to cabotage and its enforcement. Often times a country’s customs and/or revenue officials responsible for enforcement are not always on the proverbial same page and may interpret the regulations inconsistently.

Fortunately for corporate aircraft operators, the IFIM contains a section for each country titled “Corporate Aircraft Constraints” that includes information prepared by the U.S. Department of State. This section specifically addresses cabotage and similar regulations as they may apply to operation of corporate aircraft within the foreign country.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the pilot in command is responsible for the operation of the flight in compliance with all applicable regulations. However, in the context of a corporate operation, the corporation is also responsible for the operation of its aircraft. Violations of cabotage regulations can subject both the pilot and the corporation to some nasty consequences.

Aviation Lawyer: Whether Passenger, Pilot or Owner, You May

2008-04-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

If you or a family member has been the victim of an airplane accident, you should find an Aviation Lawyer (Attorney) to help you. It is important to contact an Aviation Lawyer because of the highly specialized nature of Aviation Law. An Aviation Lawyer will understand law involving the industry, the mechanics of aircraft, types of aircraft, and how defects in these put passengers at risk. Aviation Lawyers do not just work for passengers, but for pilots and aircraft owners as well.

Aviation Law is a very specialized area of law that regulates the operation, safety and maintenance of aircraft and aircraft facilities. Despite increased safety standards, accidents still happen due to the widespread use of air travel which speeds up the wear and damage to airplane parts and mechanisms, and the complex nature of overlying airspace. This airplane wear and damage as well as pilot mistakes cause unnecessary accidents.

Aviation Law began in 1926 with the formation of the Air Commerce Act which regulated the use of aircraft in interstate or foreign business. The next step that Aviation Law took was in 1938 with the Civil Aeronautics Act which created a five person panel which dealt with aircraft, facility, and aviation law within the United States. Then the FAA, the Federal Aviation Agency, was created.

Violations of Aviation Law which justify the seeking of an Aviation Lawyer include (but are not limited to) Aviation Accident Law, FAA License Violation, Aviation Business Disputes, minimizing ownership liability, aircraft ownership problems, sale or purchase of aircraft, negotiating or enforcing contracts, warranty compliance, major overhaul or maintenance deficiencies, loss of use and “down time” claims, first and third party denial of insurance coverage/claims, security breaches, product liability avoidance, fractional ownership contracts, FAA regulatory approval, protection of aviation business, governmental investigations, and hazardous substance transport violations.

Since 2000, the aviation industry has been in financial difficulty due to changes in world economy, the entrance of low-cost carriers, SARS, war, and, of course, terrorism. These factors have led airlines to cut any costs they can to maintain their fragile financial balance. Thus, accidents still occur despite the increased security and safety laws and precautions. These accidents are unnecessary and if you or a family member has been a victim of airline negligence or outright, purposeful ignorance, you should contact an Aviation Lawyer who can help you.
GA

Florida Sun n Fun

2008-04-07T15:41:00.002-07:00

The vacation rental villas in the Kissimmee and Orlando area experience an upturn in renters around this time every year, with those magnificent men in their flying machines turning up in the sunshine state to enjoy a whole week, wallowing in their hobby.

This week in Florida,12th -18 April, the annual Sun n Fun event takes place in Lakeland.

Hundreds of private pilots and anybody with an interest in aviation generally will be attending the event at Linder Regional airport at junction 22 of the I4.

Many will not even attempt to visit the major theme parks of Disney and Universal, instead driven by the vapour and heady smells emitted from the mighty engines and sleek lines of these aircraft will spend days visiting the event, so much on offer and every aspect of aviation and avionics will be covered.

The Sun ‘n Fun fly-in, has been promoting aviation safety through education for more than 29 years. As they prepare to celebrate their 30th anniversary, you are invited to join them and experience their annual convention held each April. Our event has grown to become the second largest aviation convention of its kind.

There is something here for everyone. Its an opportunity for the kids to get out of the pool at their Florida villa rental and get close up to these “birds” a day out from the theme parks.

More than 450 workshops and forums are available to our guests. They are informative, educational and, quite often, entertaining. Many offer the novice an opportunity for hands-on experience and the expert an outstanding refresher course. Each day has a full schedule of events.

A daily air show is scheduled to keep those who enjoy airplane noise thoroughly entertained. If you are more for a quieter entertainment, be sure to stop by the Florida Air Museum at Sun 'n Fun. Our museum is open all year long.

As we begin to focus more on our year-round programs, we hope to have many opportunities for future volunteers. There are many volunteer programs that meet different schedules and commitments. You can volunteer for a day, week, month or all year.

If you share the love of aviation, come, join the fun, volunteer and become part of the family. We are sure you will find it a very rewarding experience.

Events are planned around the festival including a trip to the orange groves and a visit to the factories to see how one of Florida’s assets, the orange, is turned into the juices enjoyed by millions throughout the world.

So if you are in town and at a loose end at your vacation rental villa hop in the car and head for Sun ‘n Fun less than an hour from Mickey and Minnie at Disney.

HomelandDefenseStocks.com Reports: Explosive Detection Syste

2008-04-07T15:41:00.001-07:00

HomelandDefenseStocks.com Reports: Explosive Detection System Technologies – Intelligence Points To Increased Aviation Industry Terrorist Threats Including Hijacking and Bombing

New Homeland Security Defense Budget Proposes $5 Billion for Airport Security.

POINT ROBERTS, WA, February 25th, 2005 – www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com (HDS) and www.BorderAndPortSecurity.com (BPS), investor news portals for the Homeland Defense and Security Sectors, are pleased to offer investors an exclusive report regarding the current use of, and demand for Explosive Detection Systems within the aviation Industry. Companies like Hawk Protection Systems, Inc. (OTC.PK: HWPR), Markland Technologies (OTCBB: MRKL), and Electronic Sensor Technology (OTCBB: ESNR) are all in the business of either developing or manufacturing explosive detection solutions, which are currently in high demand.

Speaking recently before a US Senate committee David Stone, administrator with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), said that intelligence points to growing terrorist threat possibilities within the aviation industry. Of the recent $5.6 billion proposed Homeland Security Department budget, nearly $5 billion is earmarked exclusively for aviation security. In addition to the larger conglomerates providing security solutions, smaller companies have had, and continue to have, an important role in researching and developing new technologies for use in explosive detection solutions.

The HDS portal is a news and information source for International Industry leaders, Institutions, Media, Government, Military, Navy, Investors, Brokerage Firms and Fortune 500 Companies. Investors and media can gain insight into the rapidly growing homeland defense sector through the site. The HDS and BPS websites do not make recommendations, but offer a unique free information portal to research news, exclusive articles, interviews, investor conferences and a growing list of participating public companies in the sector.

HomelandDefenseStocks.com Announces Homeland Defense Stocks Online Investor Conference – April 06, 2005 http://www.investorideas.com/forums/
Investors and media can gain insight into the rapidly growing homeland defense sector. The format consists of audio presentations and accompanying PowerPoint.

Article Excerpt: Explosive Detection System Technologies – Intelligence Points To Increased Aviation Industry Terrorist Threats Including Hijacking And Bombing.

By Brian Eriksen Noer, HomelandDefenseStocks.com
February 2005

Given the current environment within North America and the Bush administration, right now would seem to be a very profitable point in time to be in the explosives detection system (EDS) business. Speaking recently before a US Senate committee David Stone, administrator with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), said that intelligence points to growing terrorist threats within the aviation industry. Of the recent $5.6 billion proposed Homeland Security Department budget, nearly $5 billion is earmarked exclusively for aviation security.

Nico Melendez, TSA Field Communications Director for Los Angeles (which manages security for LAX airport, among others), said that the TSA continues to test new technologies that will make the agency more efficient, while relieving the need for added human resources. “The TSA has opportunities for small businesses in both primary contractor and subcontractor roles. Smaller companies have had, and continue to have, an important role in researching and developing new technologies for use in explosive detection.”

Deirdre O’Sullivan, TSA Spokesperson, concurred with Melendez, stating that, “The TSA sources their current and new technologies from both smaller companies and larger conglomerates. In the past few years we have seen that the larger conglomerates tend to buy smaller companies with promising technologies. The TSA is of course out to purchase the most up to date technologies possible.”

"The current airport security systems are outdated, ineffective and very costly to operate,” said John Altes, CEO of Hawk Protection Systems (OTC.PK: HWPR). “In fact, several governmental agencies who have studied the issue have dubbed current explosive detection technologies as the weak point in airport security and are in the process of setting up guidelines and standards that will be in effect throughout the US within the next 2 years."

In 1995 Electronic Sensor Technology (OTCBB: ESNR) perfected their patented zNose technology and spun it off to form the current company. “We delivered several prototypes to the FAA and the army,” said Edward Staples, Managing Director. “Back in those days threats were pretty simple – mostly nitro based compounds. Today, the situation has changed dramatically. Threats do not just encompass explosives. The shoe bomber for example, was carrying a compound called TATP (triacetone-triperoxide), which cannot be seen with a nitro based detector.”

Ken Ducey, President of Markland Technologies (OTCBB: MRKL) “There is no question that a wave is coming, and we want to make sure that Markland is at the forefront of that wave. Our technology portfolio is diversified and ahead of the curve. Our suite of next-generation electronic imaging and detection solutions are being designed to spot suicide bombers and terrorists before they can carry out their attacks."

Click here to read the full article:
http://www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com/Companies/HomelandDefense/HDS/_ESN.asp

HomelandDefenseStocks.com and BorderAndPortSecurity.com include a growing list of public companies within the sector. For our list of public companies involved in defense and security, click here: http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com/Companies/HomelandDefense/Stock_List.asp and/or http://investorideas.com/BPS/Stock_List.asp

About HDS Featured Clients: (HDS is compensated for Featured Company Profiled)

Hawk Protection Systems, Inc. (OTC.PK: HWPR) is in the business of researching, developing, and engineering a wide range of security products and systems that are intended for use by government, military, and law enforcement agencies worldwide, as well as commercial security professionals. Business activities include: Explosives Detection, Contraband Detection, Chemical Detection, Mobile Surveillance Systems, Defense Engineering, Defense Consulting, Laser Technologies, Model Simulation, and Sales Representation. www.hawkps.com

Markland Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MRKL) has four business segments, which address the needs of the Homeland Security marketplace: Chemical Detectors, Border Security, Advanced Technologies and Sensing Technologies for the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, the Department of Homeland Security, and various other U.S. Intelligence agencies. www.marklandtech.com

Technest Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: THNS) - Majority owned by Markland Technolgies (OTCBB: MRKL)
Markland Technologies, Inc. announced February 14, 2005 it has completed a multi part transaction which includes the purchase of majority ownership of Technest Holdings, Inc., and the subsequent purchase by Technest Holdings, Inc. of all of the stock of Maryland based Genex Technologies, Inc. (Genex). Genex revenues derive principally from 20 ongoing contracts to supply imaging and surveillance sensor technology to a wide array of government customers. Genex had revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 of approximately $5.5M. http://www.genextech.com/

Electronic Sensor Technology (OTCBB: ESNR) Founded in 1995, Electronic Sensor Technology has developed and patented a breakthrough chemical vapor analysis process. The company's product line is positioned to eliminate key vulnerabilities in the homeland security market, specifically in commercial building HV A C security, maritime port security, airport security, and border security. http://www.electronicsensortechnology.com/

HomelandDefenseStocks.com Acquires Premier Homeland Security Web Portal TwoTigersOnline and the National Homeland Security Knowledgebase. Click here for Full Story: http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com/Companies/ViewDocument.asp?ID=2566
Additional HDS Homeland Security Web Sites:
www.BorderAndPortSecurity.com, www.BiodefenseStocks.com, www.NonLethalStocks.com, www.RFIDInvesting.com.
Our sites have a combined audience of over 1 Million Unique Visitors per Month!

Hear HDS founder Dawn Van Zant every Friday at :08 and: 38 after the hour for the Business of Homeland Security only on www.HomelandDefenseRadio.com

Read the exclusive InvestorIdeas.com feature “The Insiders Corner”, a weekly feature by well-known financial writer and author Michael Brush. http://investorideas.com/insiderscorner/

Investor Incite Newsletter
InvestorIdeas.com’s free "Investor Incite" Newsletter consists of company and industry updates, investment research and developing trends in key areas such as Homeland Security, Border and Port Security, Renewable Energy, Nanotechnology, Natural Gas Stocks, the Music Industry, and more.
TO SIGN UP, click here: www.InvestorIdeas.com/Resources/Newsletter.asp

Disclaimer: ECON Corporate Services Inc (ECON) is the owner of this domain.
ECON is a privately owned corporate communications company specializing in: media relations, investor relations, and research on public companies and industry sectors, for the investment community. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any specific products or securities. All investments involve risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results, therefore investigate before you invest! Although we attempt to research thoroughly, we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of any information presented. We encourage all investors to use our sites only as a resource to further their own research.

When Bad Things Happen To Good Aircraft Buyers: Recognizing

2008-04-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

Whether you are purchasing your first aircraft or the latest in a succession of aircraft, as an aircraft buyer you need to proceed with caution. If you don’t, after the seller has left with your money, you may have unanswered questions: Do I really own the aircraft? Have I missed any skeletons hiding in the closet that threaten my continued ownership and possession of my aircraft? What happens when someone else claims they own or have a prior interest in my aircraft?

To answer these questions, first we need to discuss what the FAA requires for an aircraft purchase transaction. Then we will talk about some of the problems/issues that an unwary buyer could face. Finally, we will address some of the steps an aircraft buyer can take to ensure that he or she will be the legitimate and undisputed owner of the aircraft being purchased.

Recording Purchase Transactions With The FAA. When you purchase an aircraft, you receive an FAA Form 8050-2, Aircraft Bill of Sale showing the transfer/sale of the aircraft from the seller to you, the aircraft buyer. The bill of sale must then be recorded with the FAA along with an FAA Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application. (Unfortunately, Form 8050-1 is not available online, but must be obtained directly from the FAA or your local FSDO). Additionally, for the most part, all interests in aircraft, whether a security interest, lien, mortgage or judgment, must also be recorded with the FAA Registry in Oklahoma City in order to be valid and the first recorded interest usually has priority over interests recorded at a later date.

Failure to timely and properly comply with these filing and recording requirements can result in problems for the aircraft buyer. What types of problems can happen? Although a variety of such problems exist, two specific ways in which an aircraft buyer can find himself or herself in trouble are when a seller fails to convey title to the buyer or when a seller fails to convey "clear" title to the buyer.

Seller Fails To Convey Title. In this situation, the aircraft buyer does not become the actual owner of the aircraft. The seller may not necessarily intend for the aircraft buyer not to take title to the aircraft. Rather, the seller’s failure to convey title to the aircraft buyer is inadvertent or unknowing. One such situation occurs when the bill of sale contains errors. Potential errors can include when the person signing the bill of sale does not have authority to sign on behalf of the corporation or limited liability company that owns the aircraft, when the aircraft is incorrectly identified on the bill of sale or when the person signing the bill of sale does not have capacity (e.g. a person signing the bill of sale is a minor, mentally insane or incompetent).

Unfortunately, situations also arise in which the seller’s actions are intentional and result in the aircraft buyer not receiving title to the aircraft. This can happen when a seller sells an aircraft twice and the second buyer actually records his or her bill of sale before the first buyer. A similar result occurs if the seller forges the bill of sale or if the aircraft is subject to judicial proceedings (such as bankruptcy, receivership, probate, conservatorship or dissolution of marriage), and the court has not authorized the sale.

Seller Is Unable To Convey Clear Title. In this situation, the bill of sale may be valid and convey title to the aircraft to the aircraft buyer, but that aircraft may be subject to the interests of some other third-party. Such prior interests can include judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic’s liens and various other liens and security interests. These prior interests would likely be recorded before the buyer’s bill of sale. It is also possible, in some limited circumstances, to have an unrecorded, possessory lien against an aircraft. (Unrecorded, possessory liens make a strong case against purchasing an aircraft sight unseen without confirming the location of the aircraft and lack of claims by the party in possession if other than the aircraft seller).

What To Do? With such potential problems lurking in the shadows, what can/should an aircraft buyer do? Well, one answer is to hire an aviation attorney to assist you with the transaction. An aviation attorney will be familiar with the filing and recording requirements of the FAA and will make sure that the bill of sale and aircraft registration application are completed accurately, properly and filed in a timely manner. An aviation attorney will also be able to perform due diligence on your behalf including a title search and name searches for the seller to discover any judgments, liens, bankruptcies or security interests. He or she can also help you resolve any title defects that may be discovered during due diligence.

An aviation attorney may further help you obtain an affidavit from the seller affirmatively stating that the seller is not aware of any judgments, liens or encumbrances affecting the title to the aircraft. This may assist you in pursuing or asserting a fraud claim against the seller if a title issue arises which you can show the seller was aware of when the affidavit was signed.

Another way to protect yourself is to buy title insurance for your aircraft. The aircraft title insurer will ensure your documentation is accurate and filed in a timely manner and it will also perform the same types of title and name searches an aviation attorney would perform on your behalf. However, the title insurer may or may not be able to assist you in resolving any title defects and won’t be able to provide you with any legal advice regarding the purchase transaction.

The bottom line is that you as an aircraft buyer need to proceed with caution and perform due diligence when purchasing an aircraft. Although this may seem like added cost in the short term, in the long run these steps can save you the large expense, and possible loss of your aircraft, that can result from title defects or third-party claims against your aircraft.

As always, fly safe and, when you are purchasing an aircraft, buy smart.

Understanding Aircraft Insurance Policies

2008-04-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

Many states require that owners and/or operators of aircraft have insurance covering their aircraft and operations. At a minimum, states usually require third-party
liability coverage. This applies to injuries to third-persons that result from operation of your aircraft. Additionally, if your aircraft is pledged as collateral for
financing, the lender will require that you have hull coverage and/or replacement value insurance to insure the value of the aircraft collateral.

Obtaining the Policy

So, how do you obtain aircraft insurance? Typically, you apply for aircraft insurance through an insurance agent or broker who represents an insurance company or
companies that provide aircraft insurance policies. The insurance company then reviews the application and does any additional investigation necessary for it to
assess its risk in providing you with insurance for your aircraft or operations. Its risk is the likelihood that it may have to pay out on a claim against your
policy.

In exchange for its acceptance of risk, the insurance company charges you a premium. The amount of that premium is a direct product of the amount of risk that the
insurance company is assuming by extending coverage to your aircraft or operation. The greater the risk, the more expensive the insurance coverage will be. In
some cases, the insurance company may not be willing to accept a particular risk for any price.

Factors that affect the underwriting decision include type of aircraft, pilot qualifications (e.g. total time, time in type, pilot certificates/ratings), nature of the operation
(e.g. pleasure, business, Part 91 or Part 135) and base of operations. General aviation policies can include non-commercial pleasure and business use under FAR
Part 91 or commercial use under FAR Part 135.

Reading the Policy

When an aviation insurance policy is issued, it represents a contract between you and your insurance company. As long as you comply with all of the terms and
requirements of the policy, your insurance company will provide you with coverage. If you fail to comply and a claim arises, you may find yourself without
coverage.

But, what does the aircraft insurance policy actually say? Well, as a practical matter, it is quite common that pilots and operators do not read their policies. Sure,
they may review the declaration page to confirm that the correct parties are named and that the appropriate coverage limits are in place, but often times that is as far
as it goes. Sometimes an owner or operator may even ask his or her agent to explain some of the policy’s terms.

Unfortunately, the policy contains quite a bit more information of which the pilot or operator needs to be aware of to ensure that he or she complies with the terms of
the policy. A thorough review of the policy is both prudent and recommended.

This review should begin with the Data Page or Declaration Page. First, confirm that the aircraft is correctly identified and that the appropriate owner and any
additional insured parties are included. Also read the coverage limits to make sure that you have the limits for which you are paying.

Aircraft Damage Coverage

The typical aircraft insurance policy will include both aircraft damage coverage, as well as aircraft liability coverage. The aircraft damage coverage applies when
your aircraft sustains damage (e.g. bent metal, broken windows etc.). This coverage comes in two flavors: In-flight/In-motion and
Not-in-flight/Not-in-motion.

As you may have guessed, in the first instance your aircraft will be insured for damages it sustains while it is in use: moving under the power of its own engine,
whether taxiing or flying. In the latter instance, you aircraft will only be insured while it is parked on the ramp or in the hangar. This coverage is less expensive
because it presents far less exposure to the insurance company. It will only have to pay a claim if something happens to your aircraft while it is standing still and not
in use. An aircraft owner may want this limited coverage when the aircraft is going to be stored and unused for a period of time.

It is also possible to purchase “all risk ground and flight” coverage. This coverage protects you whether the aircraft is moving or not. However, a policy with this
coverage will likely be more expensive than a policy that is either In-flight/In-motion or Not-in-flight/Not-in-motion.

The aircraft damage coverage provides for transportation of the aircraft to and from the location at which the repairs are made, any related storage charges and the
actual repair of the aircraft. However, most policies will also exclude coverage for damage sustained by your aircraft as a result of governmental seizure, resulting
from repossession or enforcement of a lien against your aircraft or damage that is due to ordinary wear and tear, deterioration or age.

Assuming the damage to your aircraft is covered, you should read your policy language to determine whether it contains any specific restrictions or requirements
relating to processing of your claim, who performs the repairs, where they are performed and even how they are to be performed. Simply because you have
insurance coverage, this does not mean that you have carte blanche for having your aircraft repaired.

Aircraft Liability Coverage

Aircraft liability coverage protects you from liability or responsibility to third-persons for damages they may suffer resulting from the operation of your aircraft. The
coverage requires that the insurance company both indemnify and defend you against such claims. Indemnification means that if you are responsible for the damage
to a third-person, the insurance company will pay the third-person directly, up to the policy limits, the amount for which you are responsible.

The duty to defend means that the insurance company will pay for your defense costs if you are sued by a third-person alleging that your operation of your aircraft
caused damage. The insurance company will hire an attorney, usually experience in aviation law, to represent you and defend against the claims. Given the
complexity and cost of aviation litigation, this benefit alone can be worth a substantial amount of money and may even exceed the amount of money actually paid by
the insurance company to indemnify you.

Your policy will always have a maximum limit for liability coverage that can be either “sub-limit” or “smooth” coverage. An example of sub-limit coverage is a policy
that provides for $1,000,000 per occurrence and $200,000 per passenger. This does not mean that you have $1,000,000 to pay all claims.

Rather, the insurance company will pay a maximum of $1,000,000 per occurrence, but will only pay each passenger up to a maximum of $200,000. Thus, for an
accident in which only one passenger is injured, the insurance company’s maximum exposure is $200,000, exclusive of any amounts it spends on your
defense.

On the other hand, smooth limit coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence will provide up to $1,000,000 of coverage regardless of the number of passengers. This
coverage presents a greater risk to the insurance company since it could have to pay the full policy limits even if only one person is injured. As a result, greater risk
means that the premium for this coverage is going to be more expensive than the premium for a policy containing sub-limits.

Policy Definitions

When you read an aircraft insurance policy, you need to pay special attention to the definitions section. Many of the terms used in the policy have specific definitions
that are different from a dictionary definition or common usage for that word.

Examples include the definition of “accident” which is often defined as a “sudden and unexpected event resulting in bodily injury, death or property damage”. This is
different than the definition of accident contained in NTSB Rule 830 and is also more specific than a dictionary or common usage definition of the word.

Another example is the definition of “commercial operations” or “commercial purpose.” An insurance policy’s definition of this term is usually different from, and in
some cases may be broader than, the FAA’s or IRS’s definition or a dictionary definition.

These are just two examples. However, remember that the aircraft insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company. Both you and the
insurance company agreed to the policy definitions when you paid the premium and the insurance company issued the policy. As a result, both you and the insurance
company will be bound by those definitions.

Coverage Exclusions

Your aircraft policy will also contain exclusions. Exclusions define circumstances in which the insurance company will not provide you with coverage for operation of
your aircraft. An aircraft insurance policy usually includes both specific and general exclusions.

Specific exclusions arise when you assume additional liability (e.g. you sign a contract that indemnifies or holds someone else harmless for damage they cause),
damage occurs to your own property or injury occurs to members of your family. The policy may also specifically exclude coverage for your own medical expenses
or for your operation of an aircraft that you do not own.

Depending upon the state in which the aircraft is based, general exclusions can result in denial of coverage regardless of whether they directly caused a particular
claim. These exclusions will preclude coverage for operation of your aircraft in commercial operations (as defined by the policy, not necessarily the FAA or IRS),
using your aircraft to commit unlawful acts, damage caused by war or terrorism or if your aircraft is operated by a pilot that is not named as an insured on the policy
and does not meet the open pilot qualifications.

Who Is Covered

Assuming no exclusions are applicable, the policy will provide coverage to each person named as an insured under the policy and to pilots who meet the “open pilot”
requirements. As a threshold matter, each pilot operating the aircraft, whether named insured or qualifying under the open pilot provision, will need to possess the
appropriate pilot and medical certificates and meet all currency requirements for operation of your aircraft.

The open pilot provision extends the coverage of your aircraft insurance policy to a pilot operating your aircraft who is not a named insured on your policy. The
provision sets out total time, time in type and training requirements that the unnamed pilot must meet in order for the pilot to be covered under the policy. Generally,
if those requirements are met and the pilot is operating your aircraft with your consent, your insurance coverage should extend to that pilot

What You Can Do

The complexities of aircraft insurance can seem daunting. But, what can you do to protect yourself? The first, and one of the most important things you can do, is to
read your insurance policy. If you have questions regarding terms or coverage talk to your insurance agent or contact an aviation attorney who is familiar with
aviation insurance matters.

Once you understand the policy, make sure you abide by the policy and comply with its terms and requirements. It makes little sense to spend substantial amounts
of money on insurance premiums and then place your coverage in jeopardy by doing or allowing something your policy prohibits.

Next, document your operations. What do I mean by that? Simple: Keep good records. Make sure your pilot logbook is up-to-date and current. If you take
your pilot logbook with you when you fly, make copies of the pages containing your satisfaction of the FAR currency requirements and keep the copies in a safe
place.

This way, if something happens to your pilot logbook and your insurance company or the FAA later question your currency, you will have back-up proof that you
were current for your flight. Although not as critical, you may also want to keep a photocopy of your pilot certificate(s) along with your logbook records.

Finally, you should use this same procedure for your aircraft and engine logbooks. If you must take them with you in the airplane, make copies and keep them in a
safe place. In this instance, you may want to make a full set of copies of the logbook entries, rather than just the pages showing the aircraft’s current airworthiness.
An aircraft that contains logbook entries for all of the work ever performed on the aircraft is worth more to a potential purchaser than if those records are incomplete
or missing.

These simple steps can prevent potentially costly disputes down the road. It’s been said that the best insurance is the insurance you never have to use. That may be,
but if you take these steps, you should have greater peace of mind that your insurance will be there if you need it.

EFFICACY AND PROFITABILITY IN COMMERCIAL AVIATION

2008-04-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

EFFICACY, EFFICIENCY AND PROFITABILITY IN AVIATION
BUSINESS

"How to" determine the efficiency and profitability in
a projected aviation business, is in fact a
challenging work requiring several steps of rational
and logical reasoning.
I hereby would like to put forward some guidelines for
you to be taken into account, as a very first step of
an aviation entrepreneur.

1. The factors effecting efficacy, efficiency and
profitability in commercial aviation:

a. Human factor : The spirit of aviation,
attitude, interest and loyalty of employees are of
utmost importance.
Start with selecting the proper employees among the
applicants consistent with the projected standarts and
conditions of the aviation business.
The employees are able to boost your business or vice
versa.
Select your initial management team carefully, among
the well-known, intelligent and honest persons having
the capacity of leadership as well.
Most of the time, honesty tends to be bilateral.
Remember, human have a sense of propriety and
rightness that's called "conscience".
b. Environmental factors: Consider the;
I ) meteorological factors and climatic
conditions of projected hubs and destinations,
II) tourist industry cross effects on
scheduling of projected destinations and timetables.
III) take into account the well-known
historical and/or resort values of projected locations
of your intended area of flight operations.
c. Facilities and air assets:
Consider the;
I) Types of air assets: Types, quality,
speed, range ,roominess and comfort of aviation assets
(airplanes, jetliners, commercial jets, helicopters
etc.) in accordance with the projected aviation
business and financial resources.

II) Performance and management of Ground
operations.
Set forth the standarts for efficient ground
operations to support and soar your projected aviation
business. Again, the initial selection for the right
guys to be suited in the teams of management and
operations is of utmost importance.

III) Quality of ATC control facilities of
projected operations area.
Undoubtedly, thanks to the preceding leadership of
Europe and North America, throughout most of the
continents in today's world, up-to-date and
well sophisticated ATC services are enjoyed by the
world aviators.

Nevertheless, in addition to the difficulties
encountered over the underdeveloped
air-route sections of the world, the total increased
and almost congested volume of today's air traffic
around the world, decreases the chances for direct
route availability, as well as the chances for
reaching the company flight plan cruise altitudes.

Any increased ground mile and/or any decreased flight
altitude, increases fuel burn, as well as cross
financial burdens of aviation companies, and pollute
the world, damage the ozone layer and contribute the
greenhouse effect.

IV) Spirits, attitudes and performances of
flight crew (Commanders, i.e. captains in charge,
co-captains, first officers, i.e. co-pilots) and
flight attendants (cabin crew).

V) Quality and efficacy of training facilities
for flight crew, flight attendants, ground operations
and technical personnel.

VI) Quality and efficacy of maintenance
facilities and personnel.

VII) Catering, servicing and additional inputs to
the projected efficiency of commercial aviation
business.

2. Determining the level of efficiency and the cost
index desired:

To set forth a harmonious cost index; "flight and
ground safety, speed, time, cost, financial sources
available" must be taken into account.

There is one condition unforgettable here;
Never forget! ; "the speed" is the core (heart) of
"aviation business",
nevertheless "flight safety" precedes.

3. Possible difficulties and/or obstacles to be
encountered on the quest of desired efficiency.

Consider the;
a. Unexpected crisis/crises, significant events or
radical changes of status quo, unstable or crucial
times or state of affairs in the regions of operations
area or in the world theatre (as in September the 11th
2001 attack to WTC/NY).

b. Expected or unexpected financial crises in the
Country/ies where the entrepreneur/s is/are based.(as
in the global recession of 2000-2001-....)

c. Future problems those may arise due to
mismanagement, mishandling of company personnel and
assets and possible recovery plans thereof.

d. Fluctuations in the worldwide and regional fuel
prices.
Unexpected hikes due to political crises.

e. Taxes and other burdens.

f. Possible future unfortunate
accidents/incidents/unlawful interference occurences
in your aviation business and mitigating the effects
therefrom.

4.Proceeding to the targeted efficiency.

Having considered all of the above mentioned
particulars, you can proceed to your targeted
efficiency in your business, with your well selected;
flight, cabin and ground crew, maintenance personnel
and again well selected, honest, loyal and in-focus
management personnel.

There is a simple but important point that you should
remember as the heart of aviation business;
"have your personnel believe to the honesty and
neutrality of your selected management team to support
them".
I would even suggest you, in the proper upcoming
phases of your ongoing business and if you feel
comfortable, to let your personnel select their own
management team with elections or polls. Than believe
me every personnel from top to buttom shall be careful
about every single actions of behavior, flight
maneuver, speech, attitude whatever you name it, that
would cost a penny more to their company's aviation
business.
Remember; "aviation, is expensive and costly. However,
careful attentions to simple details, attentive
approaches and attitudes, shall sum up big gains".

Indeed, life is hiddens in details. Simple motivation
details provided to your aviation personnel come
bounce back as in two-fold gains. Believe me and try
this out. You won't regret.

In the quest for targeted efficiency, another very
imported point is the deligation of the power of the
management.

"Deligate your power, but still stay centralized."
This means; deligate your power of management on
flight and ground operations, maintenance etc.
Keep them very well coordinated under the superior
management of one very well selected chief executive
officer.
As the president you shall be always at the top with
your board. Monitor and check the performance of your
business. Regular or irregular checks shall work-out
fine. Arrange, re-arrange your team when necessary.

Think about this: "Flying the aircraft efficiently and
in harmony" is the main and ultimate reason of your
business. Then, why not to select the top executive
officer under your CEO among your seasoned pilots as
the CEOTAO (Chief Executive Officer of Total Aviation
Operations) to manage and control your total aviation
activities in one hand.
While your CEO and/or the chief of board, should
preferably be an expert of management and/or finance.

Well, as far as the possible designs and schemas of
projected aviation organizations are concerned, those
can be the topic of another article.

Captain Savas Uskent
Commander Pilot

Top Ten Secrets to Saving Big Money in the Airline Flights

2008-04-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

Do you know that some people travel around the country and abroad, for both business and pleasure, and save bundles of money in the process?

They do that by using little known ways of really taking advantage of the most popular form of transportation - airline flights.

They don't rely on the ever-famous "airfare price-wars". They don't rely on their travel agents to save money while flying.

Certainly, you should not dismiss these two methods. The price-wars can work to your advantage. But depending on them too much is a big mistake.

1. Call the airlines.

Call the airlines between midnight and 1 a.m. Monday through Friday to get cheaper tickets.

Most people never realize that at midnight, airline agents revise and load new fares into their computers. The best fares are just after they have done the updating!

2. Check into other airports other than the main one you use.

Many major cities have two airports. Check into surrounding towns and cities so you can compare airfares. You may save hundreds of dollars on your flights.

3. The early bird catches the plane.

The earlier you book your flight the more you save. Most special fares have restrictions of 7 to 30 day advance purchase. Usually non-refundable but they can offer deep discounts.

On the other hand, there are "last minute" deals too. Visit www.smartliving.com to get emails for last minute deals.

4. Get out of town on Wednesday.

Mid-week travel is usually less expensive. If you leave on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and stay over a Saturday night, you can garner terrific savings compared to Friday through Monday when most people fly.

Start taking your vacations Wednesday-to-Wednesday or Tuesday-to-Tuesday. You'll save a lot by choosing your departure and arrival dates this way!

5. Buying a one way or split ticket.

Let's say you travel from Boston to Dallas. It may be cheaper to get two separate tickets. You could buy one ticket from Boston to Nashville and one from Nashville to Dallas.

It all depends on the connecting cities and your airlines hubs. Just tell your agent you are willing to travel out of other airports and connect using regional airports to save money.

6. Open wide.

You should look into what is called an "Open-Jaw" ticket. These are used when a traveler is arriving and departing from different cities.

One ticket is purchased to cover both cities. Check with your travel agent or airline representative to see if this trick is available instead of two one-way tickets. Compare the price of each.

7. An excellent online service www.sidestep.com

You enter destinations and dates and SideStep quickly searches a couple of dozen affiliated regional and international airlines to find the best rates.

8. "Code share".

Ask your agent if this flight is a "code-share" flight. That means the same flight is offered by two different airlines. Just copy down the name of the other airline and check into what they are charging.

Only one of the airlines is actually operating the flight. The actual operator always offers this flight for less, so book with them.

9. Sign up for the airline newsletters.

From weekend getaways to international flight packages the newsletter saves you money on travel and doesn't require that you constantly visit the airline website for the latest offering.

10. The airlines often slash their fares during sluggish travel times.

Scan your travel sections in the newspapers and talk to your agent about these low fares.

Is Your Travel Experience Limited by Your Credit Card? Alex Fir is providing 250+ pages of insider tips and tricks that teach you how to travel cheap and sometimes free.