Aviation

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By duPont REGISTRY – December 02, 2022

Old City Jets: Saint Augustine's Premiere Private Aircraf...

Presented by Old City Jets. Old City Jets is an exclusive aircraft sales, management, and charter company, based out of the Saint Augustine airport in Northeast Florida. Being a family-owned and operated business, our number one priority for our clients and staff is safety, while still providing excellent customer service and an enjoyable experience. Our flights depart from our own private facility at the Saint Augustine Airport, which consists of a private guest lounge, for our passengers to relax and have a drink and snack in, we also have two large hangars where we store our aircraft and valet our passengers’ vehicles. When you fly with us at Old City Jets, we want your experience to be as pleasant and hassle-free as possible. You basically drive your vehicle up to the aircraft's door and then climb aboard for your trip, we do the rest for you, and when you return, we will have your vehicle waiting for you, traveling does not get much better or simpler than that. At Old City Jets we are not trying to be the next biggest aircraft charter company, we consider ourselves the best in the business and our goal is to stay that way. We currently manage and operate two Cirrus Vision jets and a Honda Business jet. In addition to these aircraft, we are also in the process of acquiring two more jets that we have ownership shares available in, another new Honda jet that has already been ordered, and a Pilatus PC24. So, if you are looking at owning your own private jet, through either outright or part ownership, or maybe you would just like to charter an aircraft for your next vacation or business meeting, we can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. The destination of your choice awaits you, and with Old City Jets, affordable and safe jet ownership combined with our exceptional service makes us your first choice. Visit OldCityJets.com Aerial photography of the Pilatus PC-24, owned by Skytech, flying over the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest near Hot Springs, VA. Roanoke Airport (ROA) Roanoke VA USA

By duPont REGISTRY – November 08, 2022

Stratus 9 - A Paradigm Shift in Fractional Air Travel

Presented by Stratus 9. Stratus 9 is on a mission: to make private flight more accessible, both financially and operationally. Throughout the golden age of business aviation, that objective has often been teased but has remained largely unfulfilled - private air travel is still unaccessible and prohibitive. Stratus 9 (S9) makes private plane ownership and leasing a viable option in the west coast. S9 accomplishes this by operating an exclusively Pilatus PC-12 fleet. With a single aircraft type, Stratus 9 is able to uniquely combine luxury, reliability, and efficiency with the truly remarkable machine that is the Pilatus PC-12. Secondly, Stratus 9’s fractional ownership program dovetails perfectly with its lease program. Fractional owners enjoy all the perks of owning an aircraft while flying at a preferential rate that is subsidized by time-renters (or lessees) who pay a premium to gain access to the asset without the upfront expense of ownership. This is made possible under FAA regulations under C.F.R. Part 91. Pictured from left to right: Zeeshan Moha (CSO of Stratus 9), Pierre Badin (CEO of Stratus 9) in a 2022 PC-12 as passengers deplane. Why the PC-12? The efficacy of Swiss engineering is apparent upon seeing and entering the PC-12. Known as the “The Safest and World's Best-Selling Single Turboprop” also boasts luxury, efficiency, and versatility. This high demand aircraft has one of the highest residual (resell) values in the industry meaning that its fractional owners can expect to recuperate the majority of their investment at the end of the 5-year period. West Coast Based In the words of Stratus 9 CEO and Pilot, Pierre Badin “California and its neighboring states offer an exceptional playground to explore and maximize the ‘off-road’ characteristics of the Pilatus. Whether flying to the mountain or the desert, from cattle ranches to dried lakes, coastlines and forests, the Pilatus covers an incredible range of environmental profiles, short runway performance at maximum weight, allowing unrestricted access to the US, Canada and Baja California.” In focusing on West Coast based fractional ownership, “S9 is positioned to be a market mover” says Zeeshan Moha, Chief Strategy Officer of Stratus 9. “We’re simply making co-ownership of professionally managed aircraft more accessible and efficient by combining ownership with tech-enabled time sharing, leasing, and interchange agreements.” Stratus 9 is now building its fleet. - Join the club at FlyStratus9.com Visit FlyStratus9.com

By duPont REGISTRY – November 02, 2022

ONEFlight International Recognized on Inc 500 Fastest Gro...

Presented by ONEflight. Inc. magazine has revealed ONEflight International is being recognized, for the third year in a row, as part of Inc. 5000’s list of Fasting-Growing U.S. Companies in 2022. This list looks at the most successful companies in one of the most dynamic parts of the American economy — independent small businesses. As of today, ONEflight International has jumped to 3,004 on Inc. 5000’s list. They earned their first spot in the top 5,000 in 2020 as number 3,715. The 2020, Inc. 5000 companies have since achieved an incredible three-year average growth of over 500 percent and 1 million jobs. Despite the pandemic devastating many in the private aviation industry, ONEflight has experienced growth without government subsidies or loans and doubling revenues by a reported 107 percent as well as a combined three-year revenue growth of 97 percent. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained national exposure and success as honorees on the Inc. 5000. Companies on Inc. 5000’s 2022 list have not only been successful, but have demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19. Visit ONEflight.net

By duPont REGISTRY – October 13, 2022

Interest In Private Aviation Rises As Airlines Cut Flights

Presented and Written by Private Jet Card Comparisons. Despite attacks on celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Drake, and Taylor Swift for their private jet usage, 52% of subscribers to private aviation buyers’ guide Private Jet Card Comparisons say they are or will fly privately more because of the current chaos and cancelations with the airlines and airports. Additionally, nearly all who started flying privately after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic are continuing, according to this new research. In terms of unreliable airline service, American Airlines, for example, cut 7,000 flights from its September schedule, as airports in Europe have seen delays of several hours to get through security, and at London’s Heathrow Airport, a shortage of ground staff has meant some flights have been departing without passengers’ luggage. FlightAware reports nearly 2,000 canceled flights per day. “Subscribers are telling us they just can’t keep on missing meetings or arriving without their luggage. When airline flights get canceled, they say it’s often several days until they can get rebooked. When traveling with business colleagues and families, they are being told after their flights are canceled, they must be split up and cannot travel together,” says Doug Gollan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Private Jet Card Comparisons. “What’s more, airlines have been reducing flight schedules, and airport officials are saying it’s not going to get better for months, if not until next year.” Flying privately means users can schedule flights when they want to go and arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure as flights leave from separate, dedicated terminals. Passengers can sometimes be driven directly to their airplanes on the tarmac bypassing the terminals entirely. There’s never lost luggage, and they are on their way in less than 10 minutes after landing. Since private jets can fly to thousands of airports not served by the airlines, flying privately allows users to go from airports closer to where they are starting and going, often cutting door-to-door travel time in half. As part of the survey, nearly all private flyers that started since the Covid-19 pandemic say they are sticking around. Ninety-six percent (96%) say they are continuing to fly privately, with only 4% saying they have now stopped or plan to stop. The increased interest in private flights comes despite price increases and attacks on private jet users. “Subscribers view private aviation as a solution to a problem and feel fortunate they can afford it. They created their wealth – and many jobs – through hard work building and starting businesses. The analogy is if the bus or train is always delayed or doesn’t go where you need to go, if you can afford to have a car, naturally you use a car to get where you need to go,” Gollan said, noting, “Many sellers of jet cards, fractional ownership, and on-demand charter include options that allow customers to offset carbon emissions.” Carbon emissions programs are one of over 65 variables subscribers to Private Jet Card Comparisons can compare from more than 250 private aviation membership, jet card, and fractional programs. According to No Plane, No Gain, private aviation usage is responsible for 1.1 million U.S. jobs, and 42% of private aviation flights are to communities with little or no airline flights. Globally, business aviation operations make up only 0.04% of man-made carbon emissions. Private jets also make over 15,000 humanitarian flights per year and provide life-saving organ transplant flights, as well as bringing first responders and resources after natural disasters. Visit PrivateJetCardComparisons.com About Private Jet Card ComparisonsPrivate Jet Card Comparisons is a buyer’s guide to private aviation programs, from on-demand charter and jet sharing to jet cards, memberships, and fractional ownership. Its database includes over 250 programs and more than 40,000 data points updated regularly. Subscribers compare programs by over 65 variables in minutes, saving weeks and hours of research. They can also receive a complimentary custom analysis identifying the best solutions, providers, and programs for their specific needs.

By duPont REGISTRY – October 12, 2022

Customize Your Weekday And Weekend With A Bell

Presented by Bell. Many believe time is the one resource that cannot be bought. We’d like to argue otherwise. Ever think about the time you spend commuting from work, to your home, to the airport, or to client engagements? Imagine if this time could be reduced exponentially with a world-class solution. Bell offers unique platforms with varying capacities and capabilities that can serve you and your business. From the Bell 505 with enough room for passengers and gear for any adventure to the Bell 407 which famously handles like a _ (fill in the blank with your favorite high-performance sportscar, we don’t want to start an argument…). All the way to the Bell 429 and 525, with incredible power, performance, and capacity. How much is several hours per week of time savings worth to you? If the helicopter solution is able to deliver 6 hours/week, 50 weeks/year of “time capital” savings, that’s 300 hours. 300 hours on top of a weekend and vacation tool that can save the hassle and headache of traditional airport travel. With more time available, think of how much more you could achieve with an aircraft. Our products offer enhanced safety and performance to serve pilots and passengers – backed by more than 85 years of industry expertise. Consider smooth, rapid flight that saves time, money, and effort. Congestion is a perennial issue for urban centers across the world and one that is rapidly worsening. Economic expansion, increased urbanization, and the rise of ride-hailing services are exacerbating this and there are no signs of reprieve on the horizon. We must embrace alternative transportation solutions.Bell offers a unique solution to travel and commuting Helicopters enable you to travel almost anywhere within a metropolitan area in a matter of minutes. Visit BellFlight.com Now

By Edward Jones – September 09, 2022

Verijet Announces New Northeast US Expansion

Presented by Verijet. Verijet, the safest and most convenient private jet charter experience, is now available to more people in more places than ever before. Verijet expanded into the Northeast US recently. Using West Chester, NY as a base, flyers can now get private jet charter service within a 600 nm radius. Verijet can fly clients as far north as Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upper State New York; as far west as Ohio and parts of Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky; and as far south as Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We also provide limited service in the Caribbean. Verijet’s other regions include the Southeast US, centered in Orlando, Florida, and the Western US, centered in Santa Maria, CA. Travel the US with much more convenience than you can get from commercial airlines, without the hassles, and without almost weekly service schedule meltdowns. Our expanded network provides you with more business and leisure travel options on demand on your schedule. Today, Verijet can serve clients at over 1,400 airports in 33 states across the US. Verijet started limited service in the Southeast back in November of 2020. In less than two years, we’ve expanded to cover three primary regions of the US. The Southeast US at more than 400 airports. The Western US at more than 350 airports. The Northeastern US at more than 675 airports. Discover a new world of traveling speed and convenience with Verijet. Explore new destinations in your region and enjoy the best of what your area offers by booking one of our private jets for your next trip. Our jets can access many more local, municipal, and regional airports than commercial airlines. Direct point-to-point flights cut down travel time and stress dramatically. You control who travels with you. Arrive quickly and fresh for business meetings or leisure activities. Get a true “first class” experience that you will be eager to tell your family, friends, and business associates about. If you need to fly across regions, don’t despair. Verijet has a “floating” fleet of jets that are constantly moving around. Chances are, we can accommodate your interregional flying needs as well. It just takes a bit more planning in advance. Call 833-Verijet for more information. And don’t forget, Verijet takes the health and protection of our planet very seriously. We fly the most fuel-efficient jets today. Our jets burn a quarter of the fuel of other jets in the class. In addition, we invest in sustainability projects and already offer clients 100% carbon neutral flights at no extra cost. We are already considering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) purchases to further reduce carbon emissions. You can continue to enjoy all the benefits of private jet travel without being concerned about your carbon footprint. Verijet, has you covered. And we will continue to build towards a Net Zero emissions state as quickly as possible as SAF production increases and other technology improvements become commercially feasible. We’re also doing our part with our own artificial intelligence and computing resources that help optimize flight routing, fleet deployment, and overall operations. Call 833-Verijet today to book your next flight reservation. Visit Verijet.com

By Edward Jones – July 27, 2022

Bell 407GXi: An Advanced Flight Experience at an Unbeatab...

Presented by Bell. A standout platform in Bell’s extensive commercial rotorcraft portfolio, the Bell 407GXi builds on more than 26 years of experience and nearly 6.5 million flight hours delivering excellent performance and comfort to global pilots and passengers. The aircraft’s proven track record in navigating hot and high environments continues to be one of its best customer benefits. Recently, one of Bell’s 407GXi owners, Maksym Lunov, pilot and owner of Heliclub took delivery of the Bell 407GXi at Bell’s Commercial Assembly and Delivery Centre in Mirabel, Canada, and flew it home, making stops in more than 13 countries. “This Bell aircraft is comfortable, safe, and reliable. It enabled us to have a unique travel experience that most people don’t get the opportunity to do,” the 40GXi customer said. “There were many highlights on the trip, but some of the most memorable were seeing the icebergs in Greenland, volcanoes, and waterfalls in Iceland, and the Alps in Switzerland.” The Bell 407 offers exceptional operational readiness rates, low operational costs, and high spare parts availability. Bell’s extensive global customer service and support network keep owners flying and operating, in an effort to reduce downtime for maintenance weeks at a time. Whether it's business or pleasure, you can always count on the 407 to get you to your destination with ease. Discover more about the Bell 407GXi at bell.co/corporate.com. Visit BellFlight.com

By Edward Jones – July 20, 2022

Private Jet Card Comparisons Gains Excellent Trust Pilot ...

Presented by Private Jet Card Comparisons. Private Jet Card Comparisons, the buyer's guide to jet cards, memberships, fractional ownership, on-demand charter brokers, and jet sharing, has achieved an Excellent rating from Trust Pilot. It scored 4.9 stars on a scale of 5. The service saves subscribers time and money by putting critical buying information at their fingertips through its online comparison guides and personalized assistance. "Our goal is to help subscribers sort through the dozens of options and based on quantitative data help them identify the best solutions for their specific flying needs," says Doug Gollan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the website. "The buying process – spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, can be stressful. There are lots of competing and conflicting claims. Everyone wants to make a smart decision. Data provides clarity. We always tell subscribers we are there to help you as much or as little as you need." Unlike private aviation lead generator websites, Private Jet Card Comparisons does not sell subscribers' contact information, nor does it accept referral fees from jet companies. Instead, it offers unbiased advice and data-led information. So far in 2022, it has made over 50 database updates following 137 updates in 2021. “Buying private aviation is a devil in the details exercise. If you don’t consider the nitty gritty, it’s easy to join a program where the rules and policies don’t fit your needs. You may not be able to fly when or where you want, and you can spend tens of thousands dollars more than necessary,” says Gollan. Much of the information is not available on provider websites and brochures, and for jet cards and memberships subscribers can compare programs by more than 65 variables. Another unique feature of Private Jet Card Comparisons is its QUICK COMPARE FLIGHT PRICING. The calculator allows subscribers to compare peak and non-peak flight pricing based on specific flight length. The tool considers annual membership fees, base hourly rates, fuel and other surcharges, how taxi time is charges, and daily minimums, so users can quickly get apples-to-apples comparisons of costs for their specific trips. There is also a calculator for fractional ownership options enabling subscribers to figure actual hourly flight costs based on program structure and residual value at the end of term. Additionally, Jet Card Decider, a VIP concierge-like service, offers a custom analysis. More resources for paid subscribers include Premium Content, articles designed to save readers thousands of dollars in a single flight, easy access to recent news posts, a directory of private aviation legal, tax and operational specialists who can assist readers who have deeper needs, and the ability to have random questions about private aviation answered, as well as telephone and email assistance. "From the sheer magnitude of information and guidance, to the personal responsiveness of Editor, Doug Gollan, Private Jet Card Comparisons is a must-have for anyone contemplating spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in private jet privileges. I cannot overstate how helpful this resource has been," wrote one subscriber in her Trust Pilot review. Another stated, "I've worked with Doug twice now -- once for an initial card purchase and recently again to evaluate options for a renewal. His organization provides valuable, proprietary insights and he's extremely responsive. Was able to make a fully informed decision both times. Highly recommend for all considering private aviation options." A third subscriber added, "Having been flying private for several years, non-business. Doug has been super helpful. His newsletter gives you the very detailed information, but his included review of your flight legs, is worth 10 times the price of the newsletter. I was able to find a superior supplier for a competitive rate. Would not have been possible without him." A veteran media executive and journalist, Gollan launched Private Jet Card Comparisons after researching a series of articles on jet cards and discovering the varied terms and conditions of the contracts, and how they impacted finding the best provider options. A paid subscription is priced at $250 for 12 months. The service is also popular with wealth advisors who buy gift subscriptions for their UHNW clients. Visit PrivateJetCardComparisons.com

By Edward Jones – June 28, 2022

Hill Helicopters Brings High-end Luxury Car Glamour to It...

Presented by Hill Helicopters. It only takes a quick glance at the stunning HX50 to see why it’s attracting attention from would-be owners at a pace that has surprised Jason Hill, chief engineer and CEO of Hill Helicopters. And the appeal is global. This is a helicopter that would not be out of place in the most exuberant action movie; it belongs on the deck of a super yacht, on a remote mountain top, on a private island. Everything about the HX50 says glamour and luxury and power, but there is much more to it than that. Apart from accommodating 5 passengers and their luggage comfortably for a 5-hour flight, cruising at 140 knots, and enjoying views that are nothing less than sensational, there are some very practical aspects to this aircraft. In fact, the aim was to design a helicopter that every pilot would love to fly and find easy to fly. And so, from the beginning, owners have been kept in close contact during the development progress. Going back further, Jason Hill’s singular idea from an early age was to create the first truly private helicopter, and in doing so give a much overdue shake-up to the aviation industry. Thus, Hill is using the latest technological innovations, designing their own engine, digital cockpit, and avionics, and manufacturing their own components, so that they get exactly what they, and their customers, want. Having devised a completely original ownership model for the HX50, Hill has been able to keep the price down to a reasonable £495,000 (US$665,000). Visit HillHelicopters.com

By Edward Jones – June 23, 2022

Your Jet, Your Way With Park City Aviators

Presented by Park City Aviators. The thought of flying commercial—even in first class and with expedited security procedures—is probably not a prospect that strikes you as appealing. Your flight is likely to be filled to the brim with other passengers. Any private conversations may be overheard by those other passengers and airline staff. And that's all assuming your flight isn't delayed or canceled, which is becoming the norm for thousands of travelers each weekend due to staffing shortages in the airline industry. That’s why 79 percent of ultra-high net worth individuals choose to travel on private aircraft. Among those who fly private, the majority choose to participate in fractional jet ownership because of the public perception that they can experience the true luxury of private aviation for a “fraction” of the cost. In reality, what they experience is more akin to owning a flying timeshare that operates frighteningly similar to a commercial airline. Participants are left with a familiar lack of control over how their aircraft is managed. They’ll rarely (if ever) fly on the aircraft in which they have a share, so any customization is out of the question. Traveling during peak seasons or to popular locales will be met with the same restrictions and congestion that we’re all familiar with on commercial flights. Just like airlining it, a fractionally-owned aircraft isn’t really yours. You’re still beholden to your management company and the other fractional owners. Once new fractional owners begin to experience these frustrations, the shine really comes off the apple and many find themselves questioning whether economical, luxurious travel is really possible. This is the point at which Park City Aviators meets most of our future clients. We’re given the rare opportunity to rekindle people’s faith in luxury aviation through the prospect of whole aircraft ownership, and for many it’s a prospect that’s far more realistic than they had previously thought. Naturally, the cost of ownership will play a part in your decision. After all, just because you have the finances in place to purchase a private jet on your own, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. And understandably, there’s a vast disparity in the upfront costs of fractional ownership and that of whole ownership. But here’s a factor that many fractional ownership companies keep to themselves: your investment in a shared aircraft comes with far greater depreciation. The resale value of a private aircraft is largely contingent on the total hours flown. Thus, if you’re sharing an aircraft with multiple other fractional owners, your share can depreciate at 2-4 times the normal rate due to the excessive use of the aircraft. This translates into a substantial loss of the owner’s initial investment. Private ownership minimizes this problem, and proper management of your aircraft can nearly erase it. In fact, Park City Aviators management team has proven that it’s actually possible to sell your aircraft for more than you paid for it a few years ago; thanks to proper maintenance and timing in the market. And let’s be realistic: owning your own jet comes with immeasurable perks. You can choose the capacity and capability of your aircraft. You can choose how often to use your jet—and when. You can recoup significantly more of your initial investment once you’re ready to sell. Of course, whole ownership comes with a higher upfront capital outlay, but not only is this route far more cost effective over the long term, but it provides a level of comfort and a freedom of choice that’s priceless. But, even if you’re convinced that owning your own aircraft is the way to go, there’s still the question of which company should acquire and manage your aircraft for you. You’ll want to evaluate this along several factors. What mechanisms do they have in place to ensure the quality of their pilots and crew? Does the company encourage you to be involved with your aircraft as much (or as little) as you prefer? Are you viewed as a dollar value and a statistic, or as a person with unique travel needs and preferences? Will they charge you hidden fees because they’re aware of your net worth and think you won’t mind or notice? Park City Aviators is an independently owned company that has provided private aircraft acquisition and management services to our clients for over a decade. Our approach is simple: Your needs take precedence. What this means is that you can rest assured that you’ll fly with consistent pilots and crew with excellent safety records and substantial experience; not just whoever is in your area. It means that if you forget your shoes on the plane, we’ll have them polished and ready next time we see you. It means that our team has decades of industry experience, and is ready to put every ounce of it to work to give you the experience you deserve. So why do we go the extra mile? Because we genuinely care for our clients. You deserve to be treated well, and so does your money. That’s why Park City Aviators provides authentic experiences, exclusive access to exotic destinations, luxurious accommodations, and a range of other customized services for our clients, all on your terms and in your own private jet. Honestly, how can fractional ownership compare? Visit PCAviators.com

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