CHARTERING A PRIVATE JET FOR THE FIRST TIME

Chartering a private jet for the first time is very exciting! We’ve all dealt with flying commercial and the many hassles that it entails – needing to be there at least two hours early, struggling to find a parking space, standing in endless security lines, and of course the inevitable flight delays and cancellations that can really interfere with your travel plans. When you charter a private jet you have the privilege of circumventing all of those inconveniences, and once you fly private, be warned that you’ll never want to go back to flying commercial again! Here are some important things to be aware of when chartering a private jet for the first time. 

Locate The FBO 

A FBO is a fixed-base operator, which is a designated area within the airport specifically for private flights. While larger, commercial airports often have FBOs, you may find it easier and more convenient to fly via your local executive airport where there won’t be as much traffic. FBOs are usually located in a separate area of the airport, allowing you to bypass the long security lines. 

When you charter a private jet you’ll receive an itinerary that tells you which FBO you’ll be departing from, as well as where to find it. If it’s your first time flying private it may seem a little confusing, so don’t hesitate to contact the airport if you have any questions. Your FBO might also have designated parking for you to take advantage of.

Remember Your Identification 

Just because you skip the security lines when you charter a private jet doesn’t mean that none of the rules apply. Everyone who is boarding the aircraft must show valid identification, and for international flights a valid passport is required. 

We recommend making a list of everything you need when packing for your private flight, and be sure to put your identification at the top of the list. You’d be surprised how often first-time private flyers forget to bring their ID! If you don’t have your ID, unfortunately you won’t be allowed to board the aircraft. 

Pack Accordingly And Enjoy Your Flight!

While it’s true that you don’t have to check your bags when you charter a private jet, it doesn’t mean that you can turn up with three oversized suitcases packed to the brim. Private jets often have less space than commercial planes, so it’s best to ask the person you’re chartering your jet from about luggage limitations. While you can bring liquids onboard a private flight, you won’t be allowed to bring universally-banned items including sharp objects, any flammable substances, firearms, or any other type of weapons.

For more information about chartering a private jet, or if you have any questions about the process, 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/chartering-a-private-jet-for-the-first-time/

BUYING OR SELLING AN AIRCRAFT?

If you’re in the market to buy or sell an aircraft, have you considered working with an aircraft broker? An aircraft is a huge investment and aircraft brokers know the ins and outs of the industry, and they can often get you the best deal. Even the most seasoned aviation enthusiasts can sometimes use a little extra help. 

Working With An Aircraft Broker

A private aircraft broker is a company or a person who facilitates the buying or selling of a private aircraft. If you’re looking to buy or sell an aircraft, hiring a broker means that they’ll be with you every step of the process, from the initial discussions until the final paperwork is signed and ownership is transferred. 

Brokers are beneficial because they know the market, they can help you avoid conflicts of interest, they can find any potential savings, they know the main pitfalls to look out for, and they can give you valuable insider advice. Aircraft brokers also take away much of the stress associated with buying or selling aircraft because they handle every step of the process themselves, while still keeping you involved and informed. 

Co-Own Your Aircraft 

It goes without saying that buying an aircraft is a huge investment. During a time when inflation is high and the cost of living is steadily rising, co-ownership is a great option. Aircraft partnerships are when two or more parties jointly own a private aircraft, and they split the cost of purchase, storage, fuel, maintenance, repairs, and other associated costs. 

Unless you’re using your aircraft every day, co-ownership is an excellent option that saves you a lot of money. You and your co-owners can work out a schedule for who gets to use the aircraft at certain times, and you’ll still enjoy all the benefits of the aircraft as if you were the sole owner. 

Expenses To Consider 

It’s no secret that owning an aircraft is a huge expense. Maintenance, repairs, fuel, and storage are just a few of the costs you need to consider before you buy an aircraft. Other expenses you may not have considered include:

• Insurance: There are various types of aircraft insurance, including passenger insurance for anyone who accompanies you on a flight. 
• Crew salaries: Private jets often require flight crews, who need to be paid for their services. 
• Cleaning: Your aircraft will need to be regularly cleaned, both the interior and exterior, to keep it in great condition. 
• Hangars in other cities: If you’re flying your jet to a different destination, you’ll need a place to store it when you land. Your home base hangar isn’t the only storage space that you’ll be paying for. 

If you’re thinking about buying or selling an aircraft and you’d like to learn more about working with an aircraft broker, 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/buying-or-selling-an-aircraft/

HOW OFTEN MUST HELICOPTER MAINTENANCE BE DONE?

If you’re into aviation and you’re considering purchasing a helicopter, it’s important to understand that owning a helicopter is a big responsibility. One important component is helicopter maintenance, as there is a very specific and involved process. In this article, our team will discuss the ins and outs of helicopter maintenance to give you an idea of what you’ll be responsible for. If you have any questions or would like more information about aircraft maintenance, our team is on standby. 

Pre-flight inspections 

Safety is always a priority when dealing with helicopters, and you must conduct a pre-flight inspection before every flight you take. Pre-flight inspections include:

• A careful inspection of the cabin
• Inspecting the propellor
• Inspecting the fuel levels and the engine
• Ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed
• Checking the ignition switch is not on
• Inspecting the tires
• Removing any ice, frost, or snow during the winter months

Pre-flight inspections should be conducted by a certified aircraft mechanic who has extensive experience with helicopters. If you rent a hangar at your local FBO airport, they may have an on-site maintenance crew who can conduct pre and post-flight inspections for you. 

A, B, C & D Checks

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has designated the required maintenance checks for helicopters into categories A, B, C, and D. Here’s how each check works:

A checks: A checks take place after every 125 flight hours, and they’re performed overnight at the gate. 

B checks: B checks are carried out every six months in the aircraft hangar. 

C checks: C checks are a more extensive type of check, and they’re done every two years. They can take around two weeks to complete. 

D checks: D checks are done every six years. This type of check is extremely thorough and can take up to two months to finish. 

Preventative Maintenance 

A helicopter is a very valuable asset, so it makes sense to invest in regular preventative maintenance. Your maintenance schedule will depend on how frequently you fly your helicopter. For example, if you’re flying frequently in the summer months but you keep your helicopter stored in a hangar for most of the winter, you’ll need more preventative maintenance checks in the summer than you would in the winter. 

Typical preventative maintenance includes regular oil changes, replacing the tires, replacing the safety belts, cleaning the spark plugs, replenishing hydraulic fluid, replacing batteries, replacing safety wires, replacing air filters, and checking the oil levels in the engine. 

If you’d like more information about comprehensive helicopter maintenance, or if you have any other flight questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today or visit our website at: https://monmouthjetcenter.com/

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/ins-and-outs-of-helicopter-maintenance/

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT FBO AIRPORT FOR YOUR BUSINESS

 

Are you a private or charter plane company owner searching for the best Fixed Base Operator (FBO) airport for your business? Choosing the right FBO airport is essential because all of your clients will come and go through this airport, and you need the amenities to be top notch. Here are a few things you should look for when choosing a FBO airport for your business. 

High-Quality Customer Service

Great customer service is important in every industry, and you should choose a FBO airport that makes high-quality customer service its number one priority. Everyone will be positively affected by great customer service: the pilots, the ground crew, your clients, and yourself. You should feel like the staff at your FBO airport go above and beyond to give you an exceptional experience, every time. 

Location & Runway Class

Location is key, and we recommend choosing an FBO airport that gives you easy access to several major cities, and any major highways or public transportation centers. Your clients will appreciate the convenience and they’ll enjoy the flexibility of being able to visit numerous destinations when using a single airport. 

You’ll also want a FBO that has runways designated for non-commercial jets, because as a private or charter jet operator, your flights will be private and non-commercial. 

Aircraft Services 

Aircraft services is a term that encompasses everything from cleaning the interior of your aircraft to any repairs your aircraft needs. You’ll want a FBO airport that has on-the-ground maintenance crews who can service your aircraft like re-fueling, and performing regular maintenance. Having an on-site maintenance crew who handle all of your aircraft servicing is a must, and it will help keep your aircraft in top condition. 

Passenger Amenities

Your clients are the core of your business, so choosing an FBO airport that offers extensive passenger amenities just makes sense. Many upscale FBO airports offer a range of amenities, including free WiFi, a passenger lounge, cold and hot drinks, meals and snacks, and even showers for people who have traveled a long way. Whether your clients are waiting for their next flight or deplaning at your airport, their comfort should be your top priority. 

As you can see, there are several important elements to consider when choosing an FBO airport for your business. We highly recommend an airport that is conveniently located near your clients’ frequent destinations, an airport that has around-the-clock aircraft servicing from a team of experts, and an airport that has first-rate passenger amenities and customer service. 

For more information about using Monmouth Jet Center as your FBO airport, or if you have any questions, please contact our team today. We look forward to hosting you. https://monmouthjetcenter.com/

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/how-to-pick-the-right-fbo-airport/

NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR PREHEATING YOUR AIRCRAFT ENGINE

 During these cold winter months it’s important that you properly preheat your aircraft engine before taking flight. Much like you preheat your car on a freezing morning, you should also preheat your aircraft engine because when you start an aircraft engine cold, the pistons are forced to work overtime and it causes excess wear and tear on your engine. 

While standard heating methods like block heaters, dipstick heaters, and hot air blowers are tried and true methods of preheating your aircraft engine, new technologies have been developed that are more convenient and efficient. Let’s explore several of these heating methods. 

The Standard Methods

Block heater

A block heater is a small heater that is embedded into the engine itself, so it will need to be installed. A cord runs from the block heater to an electrical outlet, allowing your engine to warm up thoroughly before you use your aircraft. How long you’ll need to keep it plugged in before using your aircraft depends on the size of your engine, it can be anywhere from two to six hours.

Dipstick heater

A dipstick heater replaces your regular oil engine dipstick, and it heats the oil in your engine directly. These heaters need to be installed professionally, and are more commonly used in smaller aircraft engines. Dipstick heaters also need to be plugged in so they can warm the oil in your engine, so you’ll need access to a nearby electrical outlet. 

Hot air blower

Hot air blowers, generally powered by propane, diesel, or gas, are commonly found at many executive airports. These heaters are set up on a cart that easily moves from aircraft to aircraft, and a large, cylindrical vent runs from the heater into your aircraft to warm it. 

New Technology: Cellular Access To Control Your Heater

The aircraft industry is always interested in easier, more convenient, and more efficient ways to preheat aircraft engines. One impressive new product called Switchbox allows you to turn on your preheater using your iPhone or iPad, so you don’t have to venture out into the chilly night to preheat your aircraft engine. 

With Switchbox there’s no risk of leaving your heater running too long if you decide not to fly, or forgetting to turn it off, because you can set custom timers to switch off your heater at the time of your choice. You can also simply send a text message to turn off your heater, and you’ll get a reply text to confirm the heater has been turned off. 

With remote heating options like Switchbox, you don’t have to trudge to the airport the night before to plug in your engine heater, you don’t have to worry about finding airport staff to preheat your engine if you can’t do it yourself, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting to switch it off. It’s convenient, efficient, and ensures your aircraft is ready to fly. 

For more information about the new technology for preheating your aircraft engine, 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/preheat-your-engine/

POST NAVIGATION

FEATURES YOU CAN ADD TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR AIRCRAFT HANGAR

 

Are you redesigning your airplane hangar? Perhaps you’re making a list of your must-have features, or maybe you’re wondering what practical things you should include. Your airplane hangar is much more than a storage space, so why not transform it into a cool, fun place for you and your friends to hang out? Or maybe into an office space where you can work? Here are our must-have airplane hangar features. 

A Kitchen Area

At a minimum, you should install a tea and coffee station so you and your guests can enjoy some hot drinks while in your hangar. However, we recommend building a kitchenette area equipped with all the necessities for quick meals and snacks. If you have space outside of your hangar, you can install a BBQ grill and host cookouts during the summer months. 

An Office For Admin

No one likes stacks of messy paperwork just lying around. Plus, when you’re not organized, it’s easier to lose or misplace important documents. Whether you plan to work from your hangar part-time, or you simply want a space to keep all your documents in order, a small office space is a great way to keep your hangar neat and tidy. 

Big Windows

This isn't always allowed based on your hangar lease, but if it is an option for you we highly recommend installing some windows for natural light. You don’t want to feel like you’re enclosed in an underground bunker when you’re in your airplane hangar. Natural light is a great addition to any space, so we recommend installing big windows in your hangar, including several overhead skylights, so your space will be bright and feel airy. If you can't install windows we suggest some adding some artificial lighting, with “natural light” bulbs. 

A Lounge Area

When flying with family and friends, it’s great to have a lounge area in your hangar where everyone can hang out. Think about your living room at home – it’s probably the room in your house where you spend the most time, and it’s practical and comfortable. Lounge essentials include several sofas, a few coffee tables, some board games and a few decks of cards, and maybe a flatscreen TV. A good WiFi signal is always appreciated, too! 

As you can see, your aircraft hangar has the potential to be so much more than simply a storage space, especially if you’re a frequent flyer. Whether you’re a pilot and you plan to work out of your hangar, or you’re an aircraft hobbyist and you fly a lot with your family and friends, your custom airplane hangar is a place where everyone can come together and spend quality time. 

For more information about custom airplane hangar space, 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/custom-airplane-hangars/

PREPPING YOUR AIRCRAFT AND HANGAR FOR WINTER

If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to prep your aircraft and your hangar for the cold winter months. In New Jersey, we know that in the coming months we’ll probably experience freezing or below-freezing temperatures, so ensuring your aircraft and your hangar are prepped is critical. Preparing for winter is way more involved than preparing for summer, so our team at Monmouth Jet Center has put together this helpful list to help you get winter-ready.

Oil and De-icer For Your Aircraft 

You should be using lower viscosity oil in your engine during the winter months because it circulates better, especially when the engine is cold. Lower viscosity oil is beneficial for pressure and circulation, and if you’re unsure about which oil to use in your aircraft’s engine, ask the maintenance crew who services your aircraft. 

De-icer fluid is another winter essential. It removes frozen contaminants like snow and ice from the exterior of your aircraft, which can interfere with a safe take-off if not removed on a regular basis. De-icer is usually applied using a large spray nozzle at a very high pressure, operated by a line service technician.

Preheat Your Aircraft Engine

Have you ever tried to start your car on a freezing winter morning, and found that the engine struggled to start? Aircraft engines can have difficulty starting in the winter, just like car engines. A temperature-controlled hangar can help keep the engine warm when your aircraft isn’t in use, and many aircraft have an electric plug you can use to heat the engine oil. If you know you’ll be using your aircraft, call ahead and have the hangar crew preheat your engine for an easy start. 

Insulating & Heating Your Hangar

Your aircraft is probably in its hangar most of the time, so it’s essential to keep the hangar at an above-freezing temperature. But heating a big space like a hangar can be expensive, especially when the heat is running constantly. Instead of heating the entire space you can invest in things like under-floor heating and insulation to keep the temperature up. 

Winter Accessories for Your Aircraft 

• Wing covers: These will help protect the aircraft’s wings and prevent ice build-up when your aircraft isn’t in use or in a hangar. 
• A full aircraft cover: If you want to protect your entire aircraft, you can keep it covered while it’s in its hangar. This helps protect the aircraft and prevents the engine from getting too cold. 
• A carbon monoxide detector:  It is required to install a carbon monoxide detector both in your aircraft and inside your hangar, especially if you’re using any type of heating method. Exposure to carbon monoxide can become deadly in a matter of minutes, so protect yourself. 

For more information about prepping your aircraft and your hangar for winter, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today or visit our website at: https://monmouthjetcenter.com/

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/prepping-your-aircraft-and-hangar-for-winter/