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Let’s buy an airplane

Have you ever wondered about having your own private plane?
In fact, a lot of people would be interested in something like this. Because, after all, it is this type of luxury that we all aspire to, in which we can travel whenever and wherever we want without having to consider whether it is possible, whether there is space on the plane, …etc.

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Benefits of getting your own jet

  1. It saves time,
  2. Allows you to make your own schedule
  3. Allows you to travel more quickly.
  4. Avoid long line-ups at airports.
  5. You have got lots of privacy
  6. You have got complete control.
  7. Pets are welcome on private jets.
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You will save time and avoid the frustration that comes with entering an airport. When travelling commercially, you must not only arrive many hours before to departure, but you must also wait in line to check your bags, pass through security, and then wait for your flight to take off. It’s simple to avoid the regular airport inconveniences when you own your own jet.

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You can drive on the runway straight to your private aircraft and board your flight after checking in with the flight crew at select private jet airports. In some situations, a smaller, private airport setting, referred to as a fixed base operator (FBO), is also available where you can check into your flight swiftly and effectively without having to go through a lengthy security process. The flight crew would most likely request a form of identification before allowing you to board, depending on the private jet business and your trip plans.

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You won’t have to worry about the plane flying off without you if you travel by private jet.
Although it’s preferable to arrive 10-15 minutes before to your flight, there should be no issues whether you arrive just in time or are a few minutes late.

When you lease a private jet, you may create your own schedule, which is an advantage. If something crucial comes up, you don’t have to be concerned if the meeting lasts longer than intended.

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It is quite simple to reroute or delay your flights. Simply notify the flight crew so that they can make the necessary changes to your route or schedule.

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How to buy a plane

Buying a plane isn’t difficult; it’s just like buying any other vehicle or machine; you just need to think about it carefully and understand all of the specifications to ensure your safety. Some aviation salespeople may try to sell you a defective plane at a low price since they know you’re a beginner.
If flying is a new experience for you, it’s a good idea to bring along someone who is familiar with planes when you go plane shopping. He may be your flight instructor, a certified technician, or a pilot.

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You have to make a decision what you would like in terms of shape, size, weight, performance, and seating capacity before you start shopping for an aircraft
If you will do most of your flying on weekends near home, you’ll likely buy a low-cost, low-horsepower plane with a cruising speed of around 100 miles per hour and a range of about 200 miles.
If you purposes to fly cross-country, for business, vacation, or weekends, you’ll need a plane with higher speed, range, and baggage capacity. The flying vehicle you might buy will be medium-sized, with a cruising speed of around 130 miles per hour and a minimum range of 500 miles between refueling.

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If you plan on doing a lot of cross-country flying, you’ll need radio equipment, which isn’t included in any basic medium-priced personal plane. You will be able to receive take-off and landing information from airport control towers, as well as other information from the airways radio, during normal operations to assist you in your flight: Your radio will provide weather reports while flying through a storm. If you get lost in an emergency, the Federal Communications Commission’s radio-signal direction finders can pinpoint your location.

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Unless you’re forced to land in an emergency, you must have radio equipment to land at air terminals where commercial airliners make planned stops. In such airports, radio communication with the control tower is essential for efficient air traffic management. Planes are informed where and when they should land, when they should take off, and which runway to utilise by radio.

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Characteristics of aircraft engines that you have to look for

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First and mainly, there is a low weight to horsepower ratio. The weight of the engine should not exceed four pounds per horsepower.

Second, a prompt reaction. See how the engine responds quickly to speed adjustments from idling to full power and how it performs smoothly over a wide range of speeds at varying altitudes.

Third, fuel and oil consumption efficiency is a critical element.

Fourth, there is no threat of severe vibrations. The accuracy of the plane’s instruments may be harmed by vibration. At all operating speeds, the engine should be nicely balanced and relatively vibration-free.

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How would it actually cost?

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The sort of plane you want to buy has a significant impact on the price.

• Single-seat, single-engine recreational planes are known as ultralight aircraft. These can be purchased brand new for $8,000 to $15,000 up front.

•  Single-Engine Planes: These planes, which can transport two or more people and are less expensive to run and maintain than multi-engine planes, range in price from $15,000 to $100,000.

• Multi-engine Planes: You may expect to pay between $75,000 and $300,000 for a plane like this.

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Not everyone can pay all the money in cash. So if you aren’t one of those then you will need to take loan to buy your jet. Don’t forget that, in addition to the whole sale price of your plane, you’ll have to factor in the interest you’ll pay on top of that. But don’t get too comfy just yet, since you’re not quite there. There are other factors to consider.
Not only is there the cost of the plane, but there are also other costs to consider.

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  1. Maintenance & Operating Costs:
    Planes, like any other mode of transportation, require routine maintenance to ensure that they are operating at full capability.
  2. Insurance:
    Pilots, like everyone else, have a choice of insurance options to pick from, as well as a couple of insurances that they must have. Hull and bodily injury/property damage coverage are not included in all aircraft insurance policies. It’s also important to realize that insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine premiums, including aircraft hours, where the aircraft will be parked, how it will be parked (tie-down vs hangar), the state you live in, the age of the aircraft, the amount of coverage needed, and much more.
  3. Storage:
    You may either park your jet at an airport’s hangars or outside, although hangars are generally more expensive. In addition, airport costs vary depending on whether it is an urban or rural airport.
  4. Oil and gases
    Oil must be changed, and gasoline must be added. For example, if you have a small plane, you will need to change the oil about three times each year on average. It also burns between s23 to 45 liter every hour.
  5. Upgrades:            
    Last but not least. The Aerospace sector has a variety of upgrade choices, including the ability to replace nearly every component on your jet – literally. Many of these modifications are used to improve safety, connectivity, or comfort, therefore they must be accounted for.
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So, once you’ve considered all of these factors, you have two choices. If you’re willing to spend for things like maintenance and storage, go ahead and buy the plane.
However, if this is too much of a hassle for you, renting is a preferable alternative.

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What do you need if you want to fly internationally?

It is entirely dependent on the laws of the country to which you intend to fly.

There is no need to fill out any papers if you wish to fly between states in the United States. If you are flying under the visual flight rule and don’t need to fly through any restricted airspaces (much of the US airspace isn’t prohibited), you can travel any distance domestically without filing a flight plan.

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All flights over 25 nautical miles in Canada are required to have a flight plan. Filing a flight plan, on the other hand, does not always entail paperwork. The majority of individuals do it on the phone.

Flying in Western Europe is similar, except you’ll need to phone the destination airport because most European airports need advance notice (and payment of a landing charge). You can technically fly wherever you want without doing so, but you won’t be able to land.

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If you’re traveling into or out of the United States, you’ll also need to complete an online eAPIS (electronic advance passenger information system) form. All you have to do is provide them with the names, dates of birth, and passport numbers of everyone on the trip, and they’ll send you a preliminary clearance through email. Once you arrive, you must cross customs as usual.

As an international traveler, the first step is to get out your passport and double-check that it is valid for the duration of your journey. You or your passengers may require a visa to visit the target country, depending on your nationality.

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Your aircraft insurance will, in most situations, cover you across the border. Many pilots feel that additional liability insurance is required in Mexico. This is not always the case, though. You’re good to go, according to AOPA, if your liability coverage is equal to or greater than $300,000 and Mexico is included in your coverage region. However, regardless of the country, you are planning to travel to, be sure you are protected by your insurance provider.

An IFR or VFR flight plan, or a defensive visual flight rules flight plan if crossing an air defense identification zone, is a basic need for all international flights. It’s important to remember to open and close your flight plan. Many countries additionally demand that you fly within their borders on a flight plan, and other countries forbid VFR flight at night. You’ll also need to squawk a secret code when crossing the border, and it’s always better to communicate with air traffic control whenever possible.

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Required Documents for International Flights

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Pilot Documents

  • Each occupant must have a passport
  • Certificate of pilot competence (with English proficiency endorsement)
  • Medical certification is required
  • Permit to operate a restricted radiotelephone
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Aircraft Documents

  • Certificate of airworthiness
  • Registration of aircraft (no pink slips)
  • Operating restrictions Documents about weight and balance
  • License for a radio station (for the plane)
  • Decal from the United States Customs Service
  • Documents related to insurance
  • If you’re crossing the ADIZ, you’ll need 12-inch registration numbers
  • Form of a general declaration
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Equipment

  • ELT on 121.5 MHz and/or 406 MHz (depending on the country)
  • The transponder in Mode C
  • A two-way radio
  • Survival equipment (requirements vary)
  • Charts of navigation
  • For fees and gasoline, cash is required (certain airports do not take credit cards)

Having a private jet is fun and luxurious, but it is also expensive and involves a lot of hassle

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Credit: Reuters
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Sources

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