Private Jet Charter News

NHL Impacted by Fight Between USDOT and CTA

The punches are flying already and the season hasn’t even started yet.  Last week Air Canada Jetz charter service, which has contracts. with 7 pro sports teams, filed a lawsuit to block enforcement of a USDOT order that Air Canada cancel its season-long contract.

The underlying problem is that Air Canada has been contracted to fly Canadian sports teams between cities in the United States without first returning to Canada.  This would be a violation of Cabotage, the commonly used moniker defining the law and treaty that prohibits foreign airlines from picking up passengers in the U.S. and flying them between U.S. destinations.  An example would be Air Canada flying their jet to Boston to pick up the Red Sox then flying to New York for series against the Yankees, then flying the Sox back to Boston.  Similarly, U.S. airlines are banned from doing the same in foreign countries.  The rules are designed to ensure that U.S. flights are flown by U.S. carriers.  So, the USDOT issued an order for Air Canada to cancel some of its contracts.

The Canadian Transportation Agency retaliated by banning flights by U.S. carriers that require multiple stops within Canada forcing a U.S. charter carrier, owning contracts with 10 NHL teams this season, to arrange for a Canadian charter to make intra-Canada flights last weekend for the Florida Panthers, rather than carry the NHL team itself.

The interesting thing about this fracas is that for years, the USDOT has allowed Canadian carriers to fly sports teams on intra-U.S. flights if the teams ultimately would return to Canada. The entire season of flights was considered one charter with the final destination being a city in Canada.  And, U.S. airlines ferrying American teams were permitted to fly within Canada.  So, everyone was happy.
 
But then the Air Line Pilots Association union, two U.S. aviation trade groups and a U.S. charter carrier began calling for a penalty last year because Air Canada won DOT-approved contracts to fly two American sports teams - the NHL’s Bruins and the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. The pilots want to ensure that U.S. flights are operated by U.S. pilots. In an order to Air Canada’s Washington lawyer, the USDOT said it had discovered that the airline previously carried individuals on Bruins and Bucks charters who were transported solely within the U.S. and never carried across the border during the season, contrary to the DOT’s agreement with the airline and issued the stop order.

As a fan of NHL Hockey (and my Philadelphia Flyers!), and having been in the position of having to deal with Cabotage regularly for the charters we arrange, I am disappointed that this argument has gotten this far.  Many NHL teams are struggling financially.  Small market cites, small fan base, poor TV ratings and revenues all conspire to place financial handcuffs on teams.  Having to now deal with a major travel disruption on the eve of the season will most likely cause irreparable damage to at least one team.  We’ll keep an eye on this and update as things develop.

Perfect for PGA, NCAA Final Four, or MLB Spring Training

The following jets are available as one-way charter flights. Many can be combined to create complete round-trip travel. With over 10 years of experience as a private charter agency, Executive Charter Services has the reputation for excellence and safety that you demand.  For pricing and other company information, please visit our website or feel free to contact me personally at 866.359.3932.
Kevin W. Godlewski, President

                                                               

International One Ways
Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, MX CA	March 8-10	Gulfstream 200	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Aruba, NA to New York	March 9	Hawker 4000	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New York to Nassau, BH	March 10-12	Lear 60	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
London, UK to New York	March 10-13	Gulfstream GIV	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Chicago to Buenos Aires, AR	March 14	Global Express	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
U.S One Ways
New York to Boston	March 9	Hawker 400XP	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New York to Naples	March 10-12	Lear 60	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Washington, DC to Aspen	March 11-12	Citation VII	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Los Angeles to Las Vegas	March 13	Hawker 800A	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sun Valley to San Francisco	March 14	Challenger 601	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
San Francisco to Aspen	MAR 14	Beechjet 400A	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Miami to New York	March 14-15	Hawker 400XP	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

Many NY-FL, FL-NY One-Way Flights Available, Check Back Often!

The following jets are available as one-way charter flights. Many can be combined to create complete round-trip travel. With over 10 years of experience as a private charter agency, Executive Charter Services has the reputation for excellence and safety that you demand.  For pricing and other company information, please visit our website or feel free to contact me personally at 866.359.3932.
Kevin W. Godlewski, President

                                                               

International One Ways
Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, MX CA	Oct 12-14	Gulfstream 200	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Aruba, NA to New York	Oct 13	Hawker 4000	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New York to Nassau, BH	Oct 12-15	Lear 60	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
London, UK to New York	Oct 15-17	Gulfstream GIV	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Chicago to Buenos Aires, AR	Oct 16	Global Express	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
U.S One Ways
New York to Boston	Oct 12	Hawker 400XP	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New York to Naples	Oct 11-14	Lear 60	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Washington, DC to Aspen	Oct 14	Citation VII	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Los Angeles to Las Vegas	Oct 15	Hawker 800A	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sun Valley to San Francisco	Oct 16	Challenger 601	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
San Francisco to Aspen	Oct 16	Beechjet 400A	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Miami to New York	Oct 17	Hawker 400XP	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Bahamas, London, & More One-Way Destinations

The following jets are available as one-way charter flights. Many can be combined to create complete round-trip travel. With over 10 years of experience as a private charter agency, Executive Charter Services has the reputation for excellence and safety that you demand.  For pricing and other company information, please visit our website or feel free to contact me personally at 866.359.3932.
Kevin W. Godlewski, President

                                                               

International One Ways
Cabo San Lucas, MX to Phoenix, AZ	Oct 25-27	Hawker 800	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Boston, MA to St Thomas, VI	Oct 27	Hawker 400XP	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New York, NY to London, UK	Oct 27	Gulfstream III	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
London, UK to New York, NY	Oct 30	Gulfstream GIV	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, BC	Oct 30	Lear 45	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
U.S One Ways
Chicago to New York	Oct 24-26	Hawker 1000	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New York to West Palm Beach	Oct 26-27	Gulfstream G200	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New York to Aspen	Oct 28	Hawker 4000	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Los Angeles to New York	Oct 28-30	Gulfstream G300	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sun Valley to San Francisco	Oct 29-30	Falcon 2000	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
San Francisco to Chicago	Oct 30	Beechjet 400A	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
West Palm Beach to New York	Oct 30	Hawker 400XP	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

The holiday season is in full swing.  Don’t forget to check back frequently to see what kind of gifts Santa has for your stocking!

The following jets are available as one-way charter flights. Many can be combined to create complete round-trip travel. Plan your family holiday travel now and check out the deals below.  Specials from New York, Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Chicago, Bahamas, and London.  With over 10 years of experience as a private charter agency, Executive Charter Services has the reputation for excellence and safety that you demand.  For pricing and other company information, please visit our website or feel free to contact me personally at 866.359.3932.
Kevin W. Godlewski, President

                                                               

International One Ways
New York, NY to Aruba, NA	Dec 3-4	Gulfstream G200	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Boston, MA to Marsh Harbor, BH	Dec 4	Lear 60	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
St Thomas, USVI to New York, NY	Dec 4-5	Hawker 800XP	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Punta Mita, MX to Los Angeles, CA	Dec 5	Hawker 400XP	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Vancouver, CA to San Jose, CA	Dec 6	Citation Excel	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
U.S One Ways
New York to Naples	Dec 2	Lear 55	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New York to West Palm Beach	Dec 4-5	Hawker 800	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Boston to Chicago	Dec 6	Hawker 1000	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Los Angeles to Las Vegas	Dec 7	Premier 1	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Chicago to Aspen	Dec 8	Gulfstream G450	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New York to Miami	Dec 8	Hawker 400XP	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
West Palm Beach to Boston	Dec 8	Hawker 400XP	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

Night Flight to Boston Leaves Good Impression

Last week, I had the opportunity to take an Eclipse 500 private jet flight from Hanscom Airport in Bedford, MA to Boston Logan Airport. While the flight was very short, it did finally, give me an up-close, first-hand, in-flight experience aboard an Eclipse 500.

Bedford Hanscom Airport is located approximately 20 miles from the Financial District in Boston, which is either a 20 minute drive or an hour and 20 minutes, depending on the time of day.  It is a smaller regional airport with no commercial airline activity, so any weather-related delays are minimized with only corporate and private traffic to deal with.  It is also the home for the Air Force’s 66th Air Base Group.  The car service, this time Boston Coach, dropped me off at the front door to Signature BED where I quickly checked in with the receptionist who directed me to the waiting aircrew for our night flight to Boston.  The Signature facility at Bedford is a bit smallish; however it is quite comfortably appointed and expertly staffed.  I’ve been there several times to meet clients either arriving or departing, and have always been impressed with how professional and helpful the staff has been; kudos to Signature there.  I also had a chance meeting with an old college friend who works for Airport Operations with Hanscom Airport.  He was kind enough to escort me around the ramp while I shot some video of the jet’s arrival earlier in the day.
Boston Logan International Airport, on the other hand, is a much larger and more complex facility.  Hundreds of commercial flights plus scores of private aircraft operate daily in its airspace.  The Signature facility is located at the northernmost edge of the airport property, which depending up on the runway in use can lead to lengthy departure/arrival taxi times. The lounge is quite a bit larger than BED’s facility, and a bit more nicely appointed.  Signature BOS also has an X-ray belt staffed by TSA employees as seen in the commercial terminals.  State Police troopers were also present providing over-watch security.  The indoor staff and ground personnel again showed amazing professionalism and attention to detail.  All areas of the facility were spotless and everyone seemed truly pleased to be at our service.

You may remember hearing the hubbub a couple of years ago about a new class of aircraft known as VLJs (for Very Light Jets) and their anticipated impact on the air-taxi industry.  While the timing of their arrival to the market (just before the financial market plunge in 2008 and subsequent black eye given to private aviation by congress) was unfortunate, their capabilities are proven and real.  The Eclipse is just one of these VLJs (Embraer Phenom and Citation Mustang are others) and after having ridden along on a very short flight I can assure you that the classification is right on the money.
 
With an interior cabin length and a cross-section approximating that of a mid-sized SUV, the passenger capacity is limited to 2-3.  In this particular case it was just me, and although the jet can be legally flown by one, there were two pilots.  After brief introductions to the crew at which time they checked my photo ID, I was escorted to the jet, where I quickly boarded while the crew finished the last second checks, started engines, and began to taxi.  On the way to the runway, I took a few moments to really look around the cabin – it didn’t take long!  Two of the passengers seats were removed leaving the two rearmost, one of which I occupied.  The interior was sparse, but tastefully appointed with leather seating, overhead lighting and air controls, and good sized windows, which gave the jet a larger feel.  With the two forward seats absent, I had all the legroom I could want.  The all-glass cockpit was really something to see especially in the dark of night.  Quite complex, yet thoughtfully laid out.  After a brief taxi-out at BED past much larger aircraft, we were cleared for departure.  With just the three of us, the jet quite literally leaped into the sky within what seemed like a very short runway length.  In fact this jet regularly operates from KLOM, Wings Field, in Philadelphia which is just 3700’ long.  We were vectored out west away from the city to join the trail of aircraft heading to BOS.  After about 10 minutes we were flying back east, in line, and making the approach past the Boston skyline.  Ambient noise from the jet engines was a bit loud, but certainly not uncomfortable. For a small jet, it had surprising stability during the decent through swirling winds and a 10 knot crosswind.  The approach and landing was quite smooth, with good visibility for the passengers through the front windscreen until touchdown.
 
Overall, I would highly recommend this aircraft for very short-range missions.  Charters in which you are not travelling more than 300 miles such as Boston to New York or New York to Washington, DC, with one or maybe two others, would be the best scenario.  Anything more than that and the aircraft lacks the performance to adequately measure up.  But for those regional day-trips where jet speed and the ability to get into a ridiculously short airport is essential, the Eclipse is the perfect aircraft for the job!

Many thanks to BlueBell Air for the opportunity to fly along, and to Dan and Bruce for their time and professionalism.

Following Incident Aboard SWA 812, Agency Acts In Public Interest

This, in my opinion, is a rational reaction to the metal fatigue fracture incident experienced by Southwest Airlines Flight 812.  Southwest had already voluntarily taken over 80 737s out of service for immediate inspections of their fuselage causing delays and cancellations on Sunday/Monday.  Boeing then recommended that all operators inspect their earliest production models 737s.  Yesterday the FAA issued an Airworthiness Directive mandating that all 737-300/400/500 series aircraft undergo structural inspections before they can be returned to service.  This will no doubt cause delays and cancellations during the week of April 5-12, but it really is the prudent thing to do.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CABIN DECOMPRESSES AT ALTITUDE
First it is important to note that pressurized aircraft are designed in such a way that if there is a significant structural failure, only the local area will be compromised while the rest of the structure remains solid and effective.  SW 812 was an example of this, a 3-foot hole opened up, but despite flying along at cruising speed and altitude the rupture did not get any larger or affect the pilots’ ability to control the aircraft. 
There’s a misconception that oxygen is pumped into aircraft cabins because there isn’t enough oxygen for us to breathe at high altitude. In reality, the same percentage of oxygen exists at high altitude as at sea level. But as altitude is increased, there is less pressure, which in effect leads to less oxygen available in a given breath.  Because of this, aircraft are pressurized to simulate a lower altitude inside the cabin. As an aircraft climbs to a high altitude, the cabin is pressurized, and as it descends for landing, it is gradually de-pressurized. This is similar to inflating a balloon, followed by slowly letting the air out.
If a sudden loss of cabin pressure does occur, the balloon deflates rapidly (or all at once) expelling the breathable air very quickly.  Sensors in the cabin detect the pressure loss, releasing oxygen masks above each passenger. An explosive loss of pressurization is an emergency that pilots simulate and engrain into their minds many times in training.
Some emergencies allow for a slow and methodical response, but this particular situation requires an instinctive reaction from memory. Priority No. 1 is restoring the ability of the pilots to breathe properly. In the cockpit, pilots have quick access to emergency oxygen masks, and are trained to put them on in mere seconds. Priority No. 2 is quickly and safely descending the aircraft to a lower altitude. At the lower altitude (below 10-12000’) the air pressure is sufficient to sustain consciousness.