Jetlife

If the 135 certificate calls for two crew, then that's how.

flydog431

Sort of. If the opspecs do not authorize use of an autopilot in lieu of an SIC (or they do and the autopilot is inoperative), then an SIC is required when operating under IFR. 135.105(b)-(c).

stis202

Or if you have the low visibility takeoff opspec which requires an FO.

Slatsnflaps

Are there plans to grow into the bay area? I would love to be based there. Anyword on a timeline for expansion?

Panzon

Their intentions are pretty clearly spelled out on their web site.

Being a startup, it's safe to assume that the investors expect them to prove the business model with the current routes and aircraft before additional funds are committed to expand service. Unless they are wildly profitable right away, history suggests that the actual rate of expansion will be slower than Management's plans.

Hawker445

Well they have taken well over 4,500 applicants. With a $500 initial deposit Plus $1650 a month, that is well over 6 million dollars in the first month alone..

The PC12 is also pretty nice to operate per hour. SO i think this company is going to be very successful

Hawker445

Their initial flights are between KSQL and KBUR.

San carlos is my home airport, so once i get the hours i can just take a 10 minute drive and hop into an airplane!

Panzon

Actually, they have only accepted 150 applicants, but they have 5,000 on a wait list. This per their CEO.

150 initial members X $1,650/month = $247,500/month gross revenue, not $6MM. Subtract operating costs, salaries, sales and marketing, and debt service and there won't be much left over.

In a number of interviews their CEO has said they will run the four planes, gather data, and adjust the model. He has identified 52 cities where he thinks the model will work. Given the math above, they will be under tremendous pressure to add members and adjust routes, pricing, frequencies, and rules just to cover their fixed and operating costs.

They are launching service in California for the moment, and hope to expand within the state, but have not announced firm expansion dates.

They have posted several interviews and a recruiting video on YouTube.

Hawker445

Well that is just the thought that the waitlisted already paid their deposit to be on the waitlist. But obviously wouldn't make sense because Paying permonth for something you aren't getting is pretty much a rip off.

Though i do believe they got another round of $7M in funding.

But yes, it would be pretty tight with money right now.

Jetlife

There is no such thing as single pilot IFR pax 135 ops. Freight is another matter, but the FAA is pretty open about not allowing an autopilot in lieu of an FO when pax are involved.