Earning back time is a key reason why many businesses and individuals choose to own a private aircraft. Sorting through available options and manufacturer models can be daunting. Choosing an IADA accredited broker with experience like Skyservice, can assist you in identifying and purchasing the right private plane for your needs while providing insider knowledge for each aircraft maintenance and support requirements.
Must-have features when evaluating private planes for sale
There are many different types of private aircraft available on the market, and selecting a plane requires deep consideration of numerous features, and your selection criteria should go far beyond its price tag. Below, we consider the must-have features that you should look for in every plane for sale advert.
Aircraft Performance
Aircraft ownership provides convenience. As such, understanding how the aircraft will be utilized, the distances it will cover, and the passenger count is essential in identifying the appropriate size and range needed to meet your objectives.
Light jets
Light jets are ideal for owners looking to travel short distances. With the ability to travel 3-4 hours in a single leg and seat 4-5 passengers, a light private jet is an ideal choice for quick business trips or weekend getaways.
Mid jets
Mid-size jets offer enhanced cabin space compared to light jet models. Engineered for extended travel, these aircraft offer 5-6 hour of flight time with cabins comfortably hosting up to 9 passengers. Many models are designed to accommodate small galley kitchens and essential amenities, positioning these aircraft as an excellent option for transcontinental or extended journeys.
Super Mid
These aircraft can fly for up to 8 hours without the need for refuelling, offering enhanced amenities and a markedly superior level of cabin comfort compared to their smaller counterparts. These offerings typically include full or partial galleys, lavatories, entertainment systems, and Wi-Fi, along with baggage access, leather seating, and retractable workstations—enhancing productivity and enjoyment on longer flights.
Heavy
Large heavy private planes can fly for up to 9 hours of flight time and are ideal for passengers who seek a comfort as well as productivity. Spacuious cabins, robust galley kitchens, and advanced systems make large cabin aircraft the ideal choice for extended non-stop flights for small groups or teams up to 19 passengers.
Ultra Long Range
These premium private jets accommodate up to 19 passengers and offer approximately 12 hours of flight time, facilitating seamless global group travel. Designed for long journeys, these private aircraft provide unparalleled comfort, equipped with king-size beds, multiple bathrooms, and distinct zones for relaxation, dining, work, and entertainment. They provide advanced onboard entertainment systems, high-speed Wi-Fi, and fully equipped kitchens.
Key Features and Avionics
There is arguably little point in owning an aircraft if it fails to deliver a comfort benefit over commercial travel. A key selling point of private planes is the ability to travel in style and luxury, so look for an interior design scheme that aligns with your preferences, or check how much it would cost to upgrade the aircraft’s interior to suit your needs.
Evaluate aspects like in-flight entertainment systems, lavatory amenities, and private jet seating arrangements, especially if you plan to host clients during the flight. The club-seating or double club-seating arrangement, which includes two rows of facing seats with a central aisle, is perfectly suited for business meetings or social gatherings, facilitating seamless conversations. Also consider the type, speed, and availability of wireless communication needed onboard the aircraft. The variety of WiFi options available for aircraft is extensive. However, carefully evaluating the most suitable choice for your specific aircraft and requirements can lead to significant savings.
Buying New or Pre-owned
Depending on popularity and selected aircraft model type, average delivery times for a new aircraft can be approximately 24 months or longer. Many select an aircraft from the pre-own market. Assessing the aircraft pedigree requires a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). PPIs from an approved MRO is essential. Seek an independent inspection from the company that is selling the aircraft and request the full aircraft’s maintenance history to ensure that it has been properly maintained and is in full operational condition.
Review the aircraft’s safety features, including its emergency capabilities, avionics systems and navigation equipment to ensure that it complies with modern safety standards. Upgrading avionics and safety features is a major endeavour, but taking to the skies in an unsafe aircraft must be avoided at all costs.
Total Cost of Ownership
Cost remains a fundamental factor in every buying decision. Evaluating the total cost of ownership guarantees that the chosen aircraft will remain valued after purchase. As an investment, it must deliver. Therefore, evaluate not just the purchase price, but also the ongoing operational costs. Included in this will be hangar fees, insurance premiums, maintenance expenses, fuel costs, and the expenses associated with hiring a pilot and crew. Furthermore, it is essential to manage aircraft scheduling and handling, as well as oversee billing and the necessary government paperwork and filing. Selecting an aircraft management company such as Skyservice can streamline ownership complexities and provide significant savings, all while guaranteeing that experts are managing the safety and operations of the aircraft.
In conclusion, buying a private plane is a significant investment and must be conducted following thorough research and consideration. Prioritize the features that matter most to you and seek advice from a specialist organization such as Skyservice to ensure that your chosen plane will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
Whether you are seeking luxury, convenience, freedom or a combination of all of these, seeking the right advice and investing in the right plane will elevate your travel experience to new heights.