Lindbergh Aircraft Tug Co.

Things to Consider When Getting Financing for a Private Aircraft

lindy — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:00:01 +0000

Financing is an important aspect of the process of acquiring a private aircraft, because it has a significant impact on the overall cost of ownership. Before you start searching for a lender, it is essential that you know exactly what kind of aircraft loan is most suitable for you. Here are some questions that can help you get a clearer picture of your financing needs:

• Will the aircraft loan be extended to an individual or a company?
• Who will be repaying the loan?
• Are there special circumstances that make it necessary for a third party to provide backing?
• How much down payment are you willing to pay?
• What kind of loan repayment terms do you prefer?
• Do you want to make monthly or quarterly payments?
• How much tax do you need to pay on the purchase of the aircraft?
• How should you handle depreciation to reduce tax liability?
• How many hours do you plan to use the aircraft every year?
• Will maintenance of the aircraft be performed by a private staff or an aircraft management company?
• Will the aircraft be used by a third party or made available for charter?

After you have determined your financing needs, you can start looking for a financing plan that works best for you. Other than getting the best aircraft financing plan, you can also reduce the overall cost of owning your aircraft by using advanced aviation ground equipment, such as a powered aircraft tug. It is very beneficial for aircraft owners to own an aircraft tow tugger, because it can reduce fuel, labor, and repair costs, as well as air pollution and noise.

Airlines Still Worried Despite Lower Oil Prices

lindy — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:00:20 +0000

Oil prices have been falling over the past few days, but this does not seem to ease the problems that are faced by the airline industry. Worries about oil supplies are overshadowed by news that Europeans are opposing austerity measures, certain countries are falling back into recession, and emerging nations are experiencing slower growth. Rising energy costs are also a threatening factor.

A decade ago, fuel prices only made up about one-seventh of the total expenses of an airline, costing less than the salaries of pilots and other employees. According to the spokesman of International Air Transport Association, Perry Flint, fuel costs are now higher than salaries. In fact, fuel is presently the largest expense for airlines, and it represents approximately 34% of the operating expenses of a typical airline. Experts expect the high costs of fuel to reduce the annual profit of the airline industry by $500 million.

Due to the instability in Middle East countries, it is difficult to tell whether oil prices will fall or rise in the future. The demand and prices of oil have fallen recently because certain major economies are experiencing slow growth or even shrinking. Lower oil prices can free up money for consumers and businesses to spend, and increase demand for goods and services, resulting in significant economic growth.

Airlines and private aircraft owners can lower their fuel costs by using aircraft tugs. These devices can help reduce the consumption of fuel when airplanes are on the ground, as well as the need for human labor and repairs. Lindbergh Aircraft Tug Company has high quality airplane tow tugs for both small and big airplanes.

Obama Administration Proposes a $100-a-Flight Fee on Corporate Jets

lindy — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:00:35 +0000

As part of the Obama Deficit Plan, turbine-powered airplanes, such as corporate jets, may be charged a fee of $100 per flight for using the United States air traffic system.

The Obama Administration recommended the fee to the congressional committee that has been charged with finding solutions to the federal deficit problem, saying that it will raise about $11 billion over the course of 10 years. If approved, the fee will apply to private aircrafts, which currently do not pay a fair share of the operational costs of the aviation system.

Approximately two-thirds of the total cost of operating the air traffic system is paid with funds raised through aviation excise taxes, which include levies on fuel and air tickets. According to the Depart of Transportation, these taxes collectively raised about $10.8 billion last year.

There is presently a disparity between the amounts that airlines and airline passengers contribute to the system and the amounts that private aircraft users pay. A commercial airplane flying from Los Angeles to San Francisco will generate between $1,300 and $2,000 in taxes, whereas a private jet using almost the same air traffic control services pays only about $60 in fuel taxes.

Nine associations formed a coalition to represent manufacturers and users of corporate and private airplanes, and they issued a joint statement to oppose the proposal.

This proposal can mean higher operational costs for owners of corporate and private aircrafts. However, aircraft owners can take other measures to lower their costs, such as using airplane tow tugs. Lindbergh Aircraft Tug Company produces advanced aircraft tugs that can help you save on fuel, labor, and repair costs.

How to Get Better Aircraft Insurance Rates

lindy — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:00:52 +0000

Aircraft insurance is a necessary expense, and it makes up a significant portion of the total cost of owning an aircraft. The amount of premium you pay can vary greatly, mainly depending on what type of aircraft you own and how much risk the insurer has to take. Whether you are expected to pay a high or low premium, there are certain things that you can do to reduce the cost of your aircraft insurance.

First of all, you have to make sure that you submit very detailed information about your aircraft to your insurance provider. Aircraft insurance premiums are determined based on individual risk, and the risk involved in insuring your aircraft can only be accurately calculated if your insurer has enough information. The amount of information you submit can make a big difference in your premium.

Another way to get an aircraft insurance discount is to undergo recurrent training for operating your specific make and model of aircraft. Some insurers only offer discounts to customers who have undergone recurrent training with certain pre-approved companies. Find out which accompanies they accept before you start your recurrent training.

Getting an instrument flight rating can also increase your chances of getting an aircraft insurance discount. The rating shows that you are making an effort to become a more proficient and safer pilot, and helps you gain the trust of your insurance company.

Lastly, you can reduce your aircraft insurance premium by equipping your aircraft with safety devices. Safety devices that can make you eligible for insurance discount include seatbelt airbags, vision systems, whole-airframe parachutes, aircraft tugs, and others. A powered aircraft tug can prevent your aircraft from being damaged while it is on the ground, making you a lower-risk customer to your insurer.

Is Your Fractional Jet Service Provider Charging Too Much for Fuel Surcharges?

lindy — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:00:57 +0000

It is not uncommon to find errors in fuel surcharges on private jet invoices, and these errors can set you back hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Since fuel prices fluctuate constantly, it can be difficult for you to know whether the fuel surcharges for your fractional jet share are accurate. You can find out the cost of fuel and verify data in your invoices every month, but this can be rather time-consuming.

Most fractional jet service providers charge fuel surcharges based on the terms in their contracts. However, there are some providers that exploit the fuel surcharge to increase their profit margins. Whether fractional jet service providers charge their customers based on the national average cost of fuel or “their” cost of fuel, there is no guarantee that the amounts they charge are fair.

So, what should you do to protect yourself? Before you sign the contract to purchase your fractional jet share, you should compare offers from several operators first. Ask them to quote fuel surcharges for different posted prices of fuel, at $2.00, $3.00, and $4.00 per gallon. So, when the price of fuel reaches a certain level, you will know immediately if you are being charged fairly. Bear in mind that there may be legitimate reasons for increases in fuel surcharges, and you should take these into consideration when deciding whether you should extend your contract with your fractional jet service provider.

It is also important that you look into ways to reduce fuel consumption, such as using a small airplane tug. Get a high quality powered aircraft tug from Lindbergh Aircraft Tug Company and start saving on fuel and labor costs.

Aviation Community Awaiting the First Ever Honda Commercial Aircraft

lindy — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:00:56 +0000

The aviation community is awaiting the introduction of the first ever Honda light jet. The eight-seat HondaJet is expected to be certified for production this year. It is developed with the latest technology, and it is high-flying, fast, fuel-efficient, and quiet.

Commercial production of the light business jet will commence after type and production certification by the United States Federal Aviation Administration. The first production HondaJet is expected to be delivered by the end of 2012 or early 2013.

The HondaJet can accommodate two crew members and up to six passengers. It features a highly-advanced glass flight deck that is equipped with a customized Garmin G3000 all-glass avionics system. The avionics system comes with three 14-inch displays in landscape format and dual touchscreen controllers.

The design of the HondaJet has a unique engine configuration that mounts its twin engines on top of the wing. This feature can facilitate better performance and fuel-efficiency. The jet is powered by the GE Honda HF-120 turbofan engine.

The HondaJet is capable of flying a maximum distance of 1,611 miles, which is approximately the distance between New York and Houston. It can climb at close to 4,000 feet per minute and cruise at a speed of up to 483 mph. It has a length of 42.6 feet, a height of 15 feet, and a wing span of almost 40 feet.

Most of the latest light jets are built with special features to enhance fuel-efficiency. If you want your aircraft to be even more fuel-efficent, you can use a powered aircraft tug to move it to and from the hangar. Other than saving fuel, airplane tow tugs can also help prevent damage, cut labor cost, and reduce emissions.

Future Aircrafts Can Capture and Re-Use Their Own Power

lindy — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:00:40 +0000

The aircrafts of tomorrow will be able to contribute to their own power needs by utilizing energy from the rotation of their wheels to generate electricity. This energy can be used to power taxiing to and from buildings in an airport. It can reduce the need to use jet engines, and therefore, cut fuel consumption, emissions, and noise pollution. This future technology has been proven to be feasible in a research conducted by engineers from the University of Lincoln.

Currently, the energy that is produced by the braking system of airplanes during landing is wasted as heat generated by friction in the disc brakes. Future aircrafts will have motor-generators in their landing gear to capture this energy and convert it into electricity. The electricity will then be stored in the wheels’ in-hub motors and used for taxiing. This will make “engine-less” taxiing a reality.

According to research leader Paul Stewart, taxiing is one of the more fuel-inefficient parts of any trip on an airplane, and the emissions and noise pollution that are caused by jet engines are a big issue for airports. If this new technology can be incorporated in the production of airplanes within the next 15 or 20 years, it will bring great benefits for airlines, airports, and people who live close to airports.

While this technology is being developed, airports and FBOs can look for other ways to make taxiing more fuel-efficient and less detrimental to the environment. For now, using a powered aircraft tug is the best solution available. Aircraft tugs do not only reduce fuel-consumption and emissions; they also enable airports and FBOs to save on labor costs and enhance worker safety.

Understanding the Benefits of Fractional Jet Ownership

lindy — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:00:20 +0000

Flying on a private jet is a wonderful way to travel, because it can help you save a substantial amount of time and money. However, private jets are very expensive, and they are beyond the means of most people. Instead of paying the full price of a private, you should consider the option of enrolling in a fractional jet ownership program.

Fractional jet ownership is a program that allows individuals or corporate entities to buy a fractional interest in a private jet. Depending on the amount of share you wish to purchase, you are entitled to use the aircraft 50 to 400 hours or a certain number of days a year. If you choose to purchase a 1/16th share of the aircraft, you can use it for 50 hours every year.

The main advantage of fractional jet ownership is that it allows you to enjoy the convenience and time-saving benefits of flying on a private jet at a fraction of the cost. The program also comes with the same tax depreciation benefits that are available to owners of full aircrafts. With fractional aircraft ownership, you have control over the times and destinations of your flights. This enables you to meet your business or personal schedules more effectively.

Price and benefits should be your main considerations when you are selecting a fractional jet ownership program. However, you also have to make sure that your private jet is properly maintained. A good fractional jet ownership program has all the necessary equipment, such as aircraft tugs, to ensure the safe handling of private jets and reduce maintenance costs. Lindbergh airplane tow tugs make the process of moving airplanes easier, faster, and more cost-effective, and they are valuable devices for fractional jet ownership programs, FBOs, and airports.

FAA to Modernize Air Traffic Control in Bay Area Airports

lindy — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:00:55 +0000

Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a plan to improve air traffic control operations for airports in the Bay Area and Sacramento. The $5-million plan seeks to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and make air travel in Northern California more reliable.

In a news conference held in the control tower of Oakland Airport on the 20th of March, 2012, FAA acting administrator , Michael Huerta, said that the agency will work with the four major airports in the region, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and United and Southwest Airlines over the following three years to develop a program that uses satellite navigation instead of the current ground-based system.

The new program will create more direct routes for aircrafts. It is expected to cut fuel consumption by 2.3 million gallons, carbon emissions by 23,000 metric tons, and the distances of flights by 1.5 million nautical miles every year. It will also reduce congestion, delays, and noise.

The strategies that will be implemented for Bay Area airports include changing the way aircrafts land at airports, separating and directing aircrafts that are approaching the airports to specific paths, using satellite-based take-off procedures, and making flight paths more direct to reduce flight times.

Other than improving air traffic control, airports and FBOs can also save fuel and cut carbon emissions by implementing the right ground handling strategies. One effective strategy is to use airplane tow tugs to move airplanes in and out of hangars. Other than reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions, aircraft tugs can also increase ground handling efficiency, prevent damage to airplanes, and cut labor costs. If you wish to purchase a superior quality aircraft tow tugger, contact Lindbergh Aircraft Tug Company.

The Most Expensive Private Jets in the World

lindy — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

The best private jets in the world cost tens of millions of dollars, and they can only be owned by the super-rich. It may seem that their prices are a bit too exorbitant, but these aircrafts are actually worth the money they command. They are luxurious, spacious, and super-fast, and they can travel longer distances than most other private aircrafts.

5) Dassault Falcon 7X

The Dassault Falcon 7X is manufactured by the Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, and it costs $41 million. It is spacious enough to accommodate 12 passengers and 3 crew members.

4) Gulfstream V-SP

The Gulfstream V-SP was initially designed for the purpose of business travel, but it is also being used by the US military. This state-of-the-art private aircraft comes with a price tag of $45 million.

3) Bombardier Global Express XRS

The Bombardier Global Express XRS has one of the most luxurious interiors that can be found in any private jet. Its advanced conveniences ensure a most comfortable journey. It costs $47.7 million.

2) Boeing Business Jet 2

With a price of $55.5 million, the Boeing Business Jet offers optimal comfort and convenience for travelers. It features a luxurious seating area, bedroom, kitchen, and garage.

1) Gulfstream G550

The Gulfstream G550 is priced at $59.9 million, making it the most expensive private jet in the world. It comes with sophisticated features such as EVS system, cursor control system, and four Honeywell screens.

Whether you own an ordinary or ultra-expensive private aircraft, you have to make sure that it is properly taken care of. It is essential that you use the right ground handling devices, such as aircraft tugs, to prevent damage to your airplane. Lindbergh airplane tow tugs can help you move your airplane more safely and efficiently, as well as reduce operational cost.