kevair464

Signature is an FBO, or Fixed Base Operator. They do not manage aircraft, they are a fuel and services provider such as hangers, catering, etc.

For your style of operation, I'd look into and contact EJM (Executive Jet Management), they handle a large number of heavy, long range international aircraft, and will help with crewing and other needs.

They aren't the cheapest management company by any means, but they are part of the Berkshire Hathaway umbrella and the little brother of Netjets, so they have a good reputation and pedigree

JOS66

Thanks, I am learning!!! Old Dog trying to learn new tricks!!!!! LOL
Will check out companies you and GF mentioned.

Any feedback on the jets I mentioned or a brand that is really favored by pilots, please feel free to tell me.

galaxy flyer

I didrnt know they did management, but looking at their website, I guess, they do. Can’t say anything on their reputation, but I named the best known ones above.

If you really see gong to London, I’d not go into a small jet with the plan of buying bigger in a year. You’ll rapidly be unhappy and spend more in the long run trading. Go for a plane that can do your travel without too many compromises. Falcon 2000, Challenger sized planes.

gf

JOS66

I completely agree. The issue I have is that a few of the airports that we may need to fly into in the Caribbean and some places in the USA, the runways are to short. With the smaller Jet, we will be able to access those sites. Also, before laying out a vastly larger amount of funds for the bigger plane, I figured it would be better to get feet wet with the smaller then step up. BUT my logic my be wrong as well.

But, we are re-evaluating where we for sure to be flying into. So it may come up, that going with the longer range/larger jet is a no brainer.

As stated, I may be wrong.

kevair464

For something with range and excellent shorter field capabilities look into a C-680, 680+ (Sovereign, Sovereign +). They aren't trans-Atlantic airplanes but will get you into shorter fields and still have a 5 hour range.

Many of the management companies people have recommended will also help you find an aircraft that fits your needs: airport field lengths, common destinations, $$$ you are looking to spend, etc.

JOS66

Thanks Kevair and everyone for the feedback!! Will be a great learning experience and great tool.

Not to do my own jet flying but for private enjoyment, my wife and I are plaining to work towards our Private Licenses. But she will only do so in a Cirrus since it has the Parachute. I asked her, "HONEY YOU DO NOT TRUST MY FLYING??, she said, HONEY I BEARLY TRUST YOUR DRIVING!!!!!"

All joking aside, learning to fly is one of the passions I have had since a boy and one of my partners is twin engine rated and is egging me on to do it as well. Cant let you guys have all the fun!!!

Vital Signs

To the OP, it may or may not be a factor for you but have you researched yearly operating costs? On a small to mid size jet flying approximately 200 hours a year and with only 2 pilots and outsourcing maintenance you can plan on 1 million plus a year. That is a ballpark number dependent on many factors and if the hours increase you will need more personnel. The plane purchase is only the beginning.
No doubt others here can give more precise numbers for per year cost.

SrfNFly227

What length are the runways that you are concerned about? I used to fly a Challenger 601 in to Tortola occasionally and it was right around 4000ft. Most of the time, we could make it out of there and get back to the states. If you’re talking shorter than that, you will really need start compromising on aircraft range.

It is really hard to beat a Challenger 604 for what you are suggesting. It has a 4000 NM range and will comfortably sit 8-10 people depending on how it is set up (comes with 10 or 12 seats). If your budget is a bit higher than that and you are set on the across the pond flying, then Challenger 605, Falcon 2000, or Falcon 900. Shorter range I’d suggest a Challenger 300 or whichever Citation model fits your mission and budget.

It has already been suggested, but speak to somebody at Executive Jet Management. They will be able to walk you through the process. They are under the Berkshire Hathaway umbrella and that comes with a lot of benefits (unbelievable fuel discounts, training discounts, and a relationship with Signature that will get discounts there).

If you send me a PM, I could put you in touch with the right people at EJM.

Dhood84

Don’t settle for a smaller plane when there are plenty of options for super mids with the capability of your mission. The 604 is a great bird but gets “sluggish” up high and heavy, but the space is fantastic for all parties, pilots included. It will cross the pond with ease and won’t “break” the bank. I’m trying to get my boss into a bigger plane (currently a Phenom 300) since he wants to do Europe (doable with stops) and Hawaii (obviously not) in the future. We are looking at a Legacy 450/550 as that fills the need. Go with EJM or one of the big management companies, it will make your life and the principals life a lot easier.

DH

capnflyright

Management companies exist because there is a profit in it. You can hire a lead/Dir of aviation (or whatever you want to name them) and that person ends up doing what the management company is supposed to do anyways AND not pay a management fee every month. Hire a professional who has your best intentions in mind and have direct control over your own department. Again, management companies exist because they know they can make a profit off of you, not out of the goodness of their hearts.