HOW TO PREPARE AN AIRCRAFT FOR LONG TERM STORAGE

As most pilots would agree they want to fly as often as possible, however life sometimes has other plans. If you find yourself needing long term storage for your aircraft, there are a few things you should consider. If you don’t already keep your aircraft in a hangar when you’re not using it, you should consider renting a hanger as it will best protect your investment. Leaving an aircraft on an outside tie down long term, while not using it often is a recipe for additional maintenance costs. 

Hanger Space is your Best Option 

If you won’t be using your aircraft for the foreseeable future, hangar space is the best option to protect your plane from elements like moisture which can cause multiple hush cost problems, birds looking for refuge and even sun damage which can fade your paint job, and the interior of your aircraft. The rent you pay for a hangar could pale in comparison to the kinds of expensive repairs an inactive plan stuck outside may need in 6 months. Inside a hanger you will keep your aircraft safe and keep the maintenance bill as low as possible.

What to Consider When Looking for a Hangar

Generally you can look at a wider range of airport locations when shopping for the best deal on hangars for storage, because proximity isn’t as important as it would be for frequent fliers. Monmouth Airport actually houses a number of aircraft for NY based clientele who enjoy the lower hangar rents than NY area airports, but they can still get from the city to their jet in an hour by car, or 20 minutes by helicopter.

Additionally, hangar spaces come in different sizes, so it’s important to make sure you get something big enough to comfortably house your aircraft but also not so big that you are paying for wasted space.  All hangar spaces should offer electricity and water, if you need to vacuum, wash, or preheat and charge your aircraft battery. Some hangars at Monmouth Airport are also heated or come with a small flight office particularly helpful for small commercial operators. 

Hangars at Monmouth Jet Center 

Monmouth Jet Center has affordable hangars available where you will be paying a fraction of the price they charge at a busy airport like Teterboro. Additionally in most cases you don’t have to be on a waiting list for a hangar, they normally have them available immediately. Because you choose to store your aircraft at a smaller airport, you also enjoy lower fuel costs and a more relaxed class 2 airspace compared to the hectic airspace at a busy NY airport. Give our experts at Monmouth Jet Center a call today to answer any questions.

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/long-term-storage/

TIPS FOR FLYING WITH PETS – PREPARING YOUR PETS

Your pet is an important part of your family, and it’s now becoming more common for people to fly with their pets. So if you’re planning your next family vacation, or you’re relocating to a new city, it’s important to prepare yourself and your pet for the journey. In this article we’ll discuss some of the challenges, the requirements, and preparations to help you get your pet ready for the big day. 

Is Flying Safe for Pets?

Flying on an airplane is largely safe for most pets. There are some restrictions for certain breeds of dogs due to respiratory issues, so contact your veterinarian to learn more about this. Thousands of dogs and cats fly safely both domestically and internationally every year, and most commercial airlines do everything they can to accommodate your pet and make their journey as comfortable as possible. 

Flying Privately with Pets. 

• Pets under 150 pounds may occupy a passenger seat. Pets weighing over 150 pounds must remain on the floor. During taxi, takeoff, and landing, it’s important to make sure your pet is secured inside the cabin. Depending on the dog the noise and motion can be overwhelming for them. You can be prepared with dog ear muffs and asking your veterinarian for nausea medicine. 

Flying commercially with pets 

• There are restrictions around which size pets are allowed in the cabin. As a general rule, your pet must fit in an airline-approved carrier that comfortably fits under the seat in front of you. If you have a larger pet, speak with your airline as they may require your pet to go into the cargo hold. Keep in mind this section is not regulated with oxygen, for some animals with respiratory issues this can be life threatening. Always consult with your veterinarian. 

What Kind of Paperwork Should You Have?

Each airline has its own requirements, even some private aircrafts will require you to have your pet’s health records in order to fly. You can get these records from your vet and they include things like proof of vaccination for rabies, general overall health records, and your vet must attest that your pet is fit to fly. 

If you’re planning to fly with your pet, we recommend speaking with your vet as soon as possible to ensure you get all the necessary documentation together in time. 

How To Prepare Your Pet for Travel

The easiest way to fly with your pet is to fly private or semi-private. While commercial airlines do accommodate pets, private and semi-private aircraft provide a much more comfortable experience for everyone. And it may not be as expensive as you think – contact Monmouth Jet Center to learn more about hiring a plane for your next trip. We can also give you tips on flying with your pet and can help ensure the journey is safe and comfortable. 

If you’d like more information about how to prepare for flying with your pet, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/flying-with-pets/

UNDERSTANDING THE TYPES OF PILOT CERTIFICATIONS

 

Are you interested in becoming a certified pilot? Do you know which pilot certification you’d like to work towards? There are a range of different pilot certifications, each with slightly different requirements and responsibilities involved. In this article, our team at Monmouth Jet Center will outline the different types of pilot certifications, as well as the steps necessary to obtain each one. If you have any questions we’ll be happy to help. 

What Are The Different Types of Pilot Licenses?

Student: You must be at least 16 years old to qualify, and have an approved third class medical exam in order to practice flight training. You will have both a written exam as well as a flight test, after you have logged at least 40 hours of flight time, 20 accompanied hours and at least 10 hours of unaccompanied flights, with various distance requirements.

Sport  pilot: This is a limited license, you are regulated to specific aircrafts that are classified as light sport aircraft (LSA). You can only fly with one passenger, and are limited on the distance flown from your departure point. You cannot fly at night or into any controlled airports. This license does not require you to meet a recurring medical certification, as long as you have a current driver’s license. 

Private pilot certificate: “The driver’s license of the sky”

People who want to fly their own, or rent aircraft often obtain this certification. For some, it is the first step to becoming a commercial pilot. With this license you can fly with more than one passenger, and you’re not limited by distance or controlled air space. It is a common certification for people who want to fly their families and friends to fun weekend destinations. Note, that you are not allowed to fly for hire, without completing your commercial pilot certification. 

Commercial pilot certificate: If you’ve dreamed of having a career as a commercial pilot, this is the certification you’ll need. Once this certification is obtained, you can officially be hired and paid to fly passengers. You’ll need to have at least a second class medical license, be at least 18 years old, and log 1500 flight hours. Most commercial pilots also get an IFR (Instrument Flight Rule) rating, which allows them to fly when it’s necessary to rely on aircraft instruments because you don’t have a clear sight path like you do in VFR, which stands for Visual Flight Rules. 

Airline transport pilot license (ATP): Airlines require you to hold this certification to fly with them. You must also hold a first class medical to qualify. On average, it takes about two years to obtain this license because you’ll need to log at least 250 hours of pilot in command flight hours.

What Are The Steps to Acquire a Basic Pilot Certificate?

When we say “basic” pilot license we are referring to a private pilot certificate, which is the most commonly issued pilot certification by the FAA. In order to acquire a basic pilot certificate, you must:

• Be able to fluently speak, read, and write the English language
• Pass a third class medical exam 

• Pass a written test
• Log a minimum of 40 hours of varied flight time
• Pass the FAA check-ride

What Are The Steps To Acquire The Next Level of Pilot’s Certificate?

Once you’ve obtained your private pilot certificate and you’re ready for the next step, you can begin working towards acquiring your commercial pilot certificate. For this certification, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Learn several advanced flying maneuvers
• Pass several exams
• Log 1500 flight hours
• Obtain a second class medical certificate

If you’d like more information about the various types of pilot certifications, or if you’re interested in signing up for our flight school, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and we look forward to hearing from you.

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/understanding-types-of-pilot-certifications/ 

ARE YOU PHYSICALLY QUALIFIED TO FLY AN AIRPLANE?

Being a pilot is a huge responsibility because peoples’ lives depend on you being able to do your job. Pilots undergo a great deal of training and must have mental acuity, but did you also know they must be physically qualified to fly? You may not think that being a pilot is a physically demanding job, however there are requirements that individuals must meet in order to be authorized to fly. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the physical requirements one must meet to become a pilot, what the physical exam consists of, and the overall importance of staying healthy. If you have any questions please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center.

Health Requirements To Become a Pilot

Vision and eyesight requirements: Understandably, pilots must have close to perfect vision, with or without correction. The exact requirements vary depending on which Medical certificate you need. A first class medical needs 20/20 distant vision, and 20/40 for near vision. A third class medical can get by with 20/40 distant vision.  Color Blindness can disqualify you from being a pilot as it makes you unable to correctly identify essential controls, lights, and buttons.

Hearing requirements: Pilots must have good hearing to hear and communicate via radio with other pilots and towered airports. This is crucial for landing instructions, and hearing other pilots announcements that are in your immediate location. To pass the hearing portion of the medical exam you need to be able to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room from six feet away. As far as audiology you need to score at least 70% in one ear at an intensity no greater than 65 dB.

Mental and Physical Health: You must be deemed mentally capable and healthy to become a pilot by a trained aviation medical examiner. Any diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar or personality disorders will fail the mental examination. An FAA examiner must deny anyone with Coronary heart disease, cardiac valve replacement, heart replacement, epilepsy, amongst many other medical conditions for safety reasons. 

Doctor Physical To Get Approved To Fly 

Aspiring pilots must have a physical conducted by an FAA-approved physician. You can’t simply go to your primary care provider for a pilot physical, you must choose one that is authorized by the FAA to administer a pilot’s medical exam. Here’s what you can expect during the exam:

• Full body exam
• Check your height and weight
• Check your blood pressure and pulse
• Check your vision and hearing
• Review past or ongoing medical conditions 
• A mental and neurological exam
• Urine test 

The Importance of Being Healthy

Physical, mental, and emotional health are all extremely important for pilots and aspiring pilots. Being healthy is a required and necessary part of the job. Flying a plane comes with an immense responsibility, not just for yourself and everyone on board but also for other pilots in the sky, as well as civilians on the ground. 

If you’d like more information about the physical requirements for pilots, or if you have any flight questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/are-you-physically-qualified-to-fly/

WHY IS REGULAR AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE IMPORTANT?

 One of the most important aspects of running a successful aviation business is ensuring a strict regimen of aircraft maintenance. Not only is it vital to keep your planes operating smoothly and economically for the longest possible time, but it also helps to ensure the safety of your crew and passengers. Here is a guide to the essentials of aircraft maintenance.

What Is Aircraft Maintenance?

Aircraft maintenance consists of strictly scheduled and regulated preventive inspection, servicing, testing, and repair. Its purpose is to keep aircraft safe and airworthy. 

Types of Aircraft Maintenance

There are four types of aircraft maintenance: service, line, base and depot.

• Service maintenance includes all the routine checks and tweaks that maintenance staff do during and in between a plane’s regular flights. Pilots and ground crew log all activity and issues, and then monitor these records to track and resolve problems.

• Line maintenance refers to any maintenance tasks that can be performed by flight line personnel. This type of maintenance is relatively easy compared to other tasks, and is also performed more often than other types of maintenance. The checks that the pilots do before each flight called pre-flight inspections, fall into this category.

• Base maintenance is a more intensive and thorough version of line maintenance. It includes inspections, overhauls, improvements, and modernization programs. These operations are all performed at base level, and require mechanics, specialists, and facilities that would not be available in flight. They also require more time than is available during a pre-flight check.
• Depot maintenance consists of specialized operations in which parts are removed from the aircraft and sent to workshops for repair and maintenance. Parts such as engines may require this kind of work several times during their lifespan. 

Importance of Aircraft Maintenance

The point of aircraft maintenance is to ensure that planes remain safe and usable for as long as possible. The various types of aircraft maintenance are strictly regulated because the lack of a thorough pre-flight check, and improper or out of date maintenance can cause fatal accidents.

For one, aircraft maintenance prevents lost travel time. Any time a plane spends grounded, due to repairs that could have been avoided through preventive maintenance, equates to lost revenue, and typically a more expensive repair bill. Frequent, planned maintenance will prevent this from happening. Regular maintenance also improves aircraft performance and it extends the active life of the plane. In addition, it keeps passengers and crew safe by ensuring the aircraft is 100% airworthy.

Monmouth Jet Center has on-site mechanics who can provide repair, inspection, and aircraft maintenance services for most types of propeller planes and jet engines. In addition to our aircraft repair services, we also provide ample aircraft hangar space for aircraft storage and maintenance. Contact us for more information about our services and facilities.

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/aircraft-maintenance/

THE BENEFITS OF USING A FIXED BASE OPERATOR

Fixed-base operators (FBOs) are enterprises with rights to operate at an airport and provide a range of aviation services. FBOs offer several benefits to passengers, pilots, and airport authorities. It is FBOs that facilitate the chartering of private flights, and all the services that make these possible. Here is what you need to know about FBOs and why you should consider making use of one for your future travels. 

What Is a Fixed-Base Operator?

The term FBO is applied to a commercial enterprise that has been granted the right to operate at a particular airport and provide a variety of air-travel-related services. These services could include the provision of hangar space, fuel, parking, flight crew and passenger lounges, office space, and more. An FBO essentially acts as a private airline terminal. You will find FBOs at both large, public-use airports and smaller, private or executive airports. The term FBO dates back to the early days of aviation, when the industry was unregulated and its operators mostly ran informal and mobile businesses. After the 1920s, as regulations were enforced in the aviation industry, operators had to adapt and set up more permanent bases. These new, formalized aviation businesses were called FBOs to indicate that they no longer worked from temporary, mobile bases of operation.

Benefits of Airport FBOs to Passengers

Essentially, FBOs offer a premium air travel experience, as opposed to the more “mass market” offerings of commercial airlines and their support contractors. The main benefits that make up this premium experience are as follows.

More Private and Laid-Back Experience

With an FBO, you, as a passenger, will enjoy personalized service and fewer of the restrictions and inconveniences that usually come with commercial air travel. There are no queues and crowds to worry about, boarding procedures are far more relaxed, and, on the whole, the experience is stress-free and luxurious. Some FBOs even permit passengers to drive right up to the plane and board it without having to wait in an airport terminal.

Great Customer Service

FBOs deal with fewer passengers per flight, and are thus able to offer them their full attention. All questions are answered personally, and you may even have the opportunity for a meet-and-greet with the flight’s captains before take-off.

Exceptional Amenities

FBOs provide top-level amenities for their clients’ comfort – both onboard and on the ground. Standard conveniences include comfortable, private passenger lounges, as well as the provision of refreshments, and even rest facilities.

Fast Boarding and Check-In Process

FBO clients can skip all the usual security and check-in procedures. You can often simply step onto the plane after showing your ID to a pilot or flight crew member. You do not have to deal with any of the waiting that has become so closely associated with commercial flying.

Experienced Flight Crews

FBOs hire only the best and most experienced flight crews. As the flights are much smaller than those run by large-scale commercial operators, flight attendants are able to offer personalized service, attending to each passenger’s needs and providing you with the best flight experience possible.

Monmouth Jet Center is a fixed-base operator dedicated to providing a gateway to the Jersey Shore, as well as the greater New Jersey and New York area. We provide charter services and aircraft hangar space, in addition to all the other services and facilities you would expect from a high-end FBO. For all the benefits of a world-class, fixed-base operator, charter your next flight with Monmouth Jet Center.

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/the-benefits-of-using-a-fixed-base-operator/

LEARNING TO FLY: 8 ESSENTIALS EVERY STUDENT PILOT NEEDS

Are you ready to finally pursue your dreams and become a student pilot? We’ve put together this handy checklist of 8 essentials every student pilot needs, so be sure to check it out before you enroll in flight school. You’ll be fully prepared and up in the air in no time. 

Learning how to fly is a dream that many people share, and at Monmouth Flight School we welcome people of all ages and abilities. You’re never too old to be a student again, and the sense of freedom you’ll feel when you’re up in the air is unparalleled. So what are you waiting for? Stock up on the essentials and register at your local flight school today!

Must-Have Gear For Every Student Pilot:

1. A logbook. You’ll need a logbook to keep detailed records of all your training flights, and it will stay with you during every single journey. We recommend getting a sturdy logbook with plenty of pages so you won’t have to transfer information over to a new book.
2. Non-polarized sunglasses. It’s hard enough to drive your car on a bright sunny day, so imagine how bright it gets when you’re above the clouds. 
3. A manual E6B Flight Computer. This allows you to calculate different formulas and conversions, and most flight schools require you to use this before moving on to an Electronic Flight Computer. 
4. A high-quality headset. While you might be provided with one in flight school, we recommend investing in your own comfortable headset. 
5. FAA textbooks. Even experienced pilots need to brush up on the latest rules and regulations, so when you’re starting out as a beginner, your instructor will give you a list of required reading. 
6. A flashlight or a headlamp with a red lens. When flying at night you’ll frequently shift your vision from the cockpit to beyond the dashboard and back again. Red light allows your eyes to remain adjusted to the darkly-lit conditions. 
7. Maps, known to the aviation community as a VFR sectional. You’ll need a map of the areas you are flying and training in. 
8. A flight bag to store all the items listed above.

Learning To Fly At Monmouth Flight School

At Monmouth Flight School our certified flight instructors are ready to welcome you. Our students are of all ages and abilities, and we love helping people achieve their dreams of soaring through the sky. So if you’ve been thinking about taking flying lessons and you’re still in the information gathering stage, or if you’re ready to sign up, give us a call.

If you’d like more information about Monmouth Flight School, or if you have any questions about becoming a student pilot, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. Discover why so many student pilots learn to fly with us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://monmouthjetcenter.com/8-essentials-every-student-pilot-needs/