Sunday, August 2, 2009


WHITE PLAINS, Dec. 26 — With the demand for private air travel increasing and space at most airports in urbanized areas at a premium, fixed-based operators — the companies that perform maintenance and other services for noncommercial aircraft — are under pressure to expand into whatever areas they can find, or to improve the facilities they have.
Take the case of Avitat Westchester, which has been storing and servicing private aircraft here since 1993. Using some of the last property available for new construction at Westchester County Airport, Avitat opened a high-security $9 million, 48,000-square-foot office and hangar complex this month. In addition to renting out space in its two hangars to corporations and businesses, Avitat also refuels private aircraft and provides other ground services for clients like J. P. Morgan Chase, American Express, Hillary and Bill Clinton, Paul Newman and Richard Gere, said Michael W. Dolphin, the company’s president and chief executive.
The company caters to its clientele from its gleaming new glass and steel building with a two-story lobby, five floor-to-ceiling fish tanks, a baby grand piano and a Starbucks.
Avitat is one of a handful of thriving fixed-based operators that have long-term leases for hangar and tarmac space at the airport.
But further development of private ground services at the Westchester airport, which also handles commercial flights, is sharply limited because of its proximity to densely populated residential neighborhoods in Westchester and in adjoining Fairfield County, Conn., said Salvatore J. Carrera, Westchester’s director for economic development.
Rents paid by fixed-base operators have risen sharply as a result

Whether you're interested in a new or used private jet, now is a great time to buy. Many airplanes are on the market. New private jet manufacturers are eager to sell their inventory. A used airplane bought today, in three to five years, may sell for more than what you paid.Whatever your reasons for deciding to purchase a private jet, you will have unsurpassed freedom to go where and when you chose. With your own private jet, you control your air travel - no long lines or restrictive airline schedules to deal with. You can move fast to take advantage of a business opportunity or a break in your hectic schedule, allowing you more time to spend with your family. You’re always in control. It’s a great way to travel.

Piper SeminoleThe Piper Seminole is a four seat, low-wing, twin-engine “complex” aircraft, powered by two 180hp engines with constant-speed (variable pitch) propellers, in which the landing gear is retractable. This complex and high performance aircraft is used by many flight schools to train students seeking their Multi-Engine Rating, Multi-Engine Instructor Rating, as well as Instrument Rating

Beechcraft Be-76 “Duchess”The Beechcraft Be-76 “Duchess” is a four seat, low-wing, twin-engine “complex” aircraft, powered by two 180hp engines with constant-speed (variable pitch) propellers, in which the landing gear is retractable. This aircraft is one of the most popular multi-engine training aircrafts. This twin-engine aircraft is used by many flight schools to train students seeking their Multi-Engine Rating, Multi-Engine Instructor Rating, as well as Instrument Rating.

Piper ArrowThe Piper Arrow is a four seat, low-wing, single engine “complex” aircraft, powered by a 200hp engine with a constant-speed (variable pitch) propeller. The landing gear is also retractable which makes it faster than the fixed gear Piper Warrior/Cherokee. This complex and high performance aircraft is used by many flight schools to train students seeking their Commercial Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, or Flight Instructor Certificate/Rating

Piper Warrior/CherokeeThe Piper Warrior/Cherokee is a four seat low-wing aircraft, which is very stable and comfortable to train in. This aircraft is one of the most common airplanes used by flight schools to train students seeking their Recreational/Private Pilot Certificate or Instrument Rating as well as a popular rental aircraft.

Cessna 172 RG (Retractable Gear)The Cessna 172 RG is a four seat, high-wing, single engine “complex” aircraft, powered by a 180hp engine with a constant-speed (variable pitch) propeller. The landing gear is also retractable which makes it faster than the fixed gear Cessna 172. This complex and high performance aircraft is used by many flight schools to train students seeking their Commercial Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, or Flight Instructor Certificate/Rating.

Cessna 172 RG (Retractable Gear)The Cessna 172 RG is a four seat, high-wing, single engine “complex” aircraft, powered by a 180hp engine with a constant-speed (variable pitch) propeller. The landing gear is also retractable which makes it faster than the fixed gear Cessna 172. This complex and high performance aircraft is used by many flight schools to train students seeking their Commercial Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, or Flight Instructor Certificate/Rating.

Cessna 172The Cessna 172 is a four seat high-wing aircraft, which is very stable and comfortable to train in. This aircraft is one of the most common airplanes used by flight schools to train students seeking their Private Pilot Certificate or Instrument Rating as well as a popular rental aircraft.

Cessna 150/152The Cessna 150/152 is a two seat high-wing aircraft designed and built for the sole purpose of flight training. This aircraft is the most affordable training aircraft due to its low operating costs. The Cessna 150/152 is one of the most common airplanes used by flight schools to train students seeking their Recreation or Private Pilot Certificate

East Coast Aero Club has been providing high-quality flight instruction and aircraft rental since 1985. We are an FAA approved school under part 141. Our fleet has grown to over 30 aircraft, including two multi-engine airplanes and three Robinson helicopters, maintained by our staff of aviation maintenance technicians. We have over 25 certified flight instructors, offering instruction for Private and Commercial Pilot Certificates, Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings. We are located at Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts (KBED), a tower-controlled airport convenient to Boston and surrounding communities, and at Boire Field, Nashua, New Hampshire (KASH).

AirlinerSeats: 20-500Flight Range: Greater than 4000 milesTypical Hourly Rate: $6000 per hour and upFeatures: Chartered aircraft in the airline configuration provide the best platform for moving a large number of passengers in the timeliest manner. Political campaigns, college and professional sports teams, music tours, and vacation specialists all benefit greatly from having their own dedicated airliner

Heavy JetSeats: 8-16Flight Range: Greater than 4000 milesTypical Hourly Rate: $5000 per hour and upFeatures: Heavy jets are more than just a status symbol, but they are an effective business (and pleasure) tool for carrying more than 10 passengers and crossing oceans. Aircraft such as the Gulfstream, Challenger, Falcon, Global Express, and Boeing Business Jet offer comforts unequaled by any other mode of transportation.

Super Mid-Size JetSeats: 5-9Flight Range: 2500-3000 milesTypical Hourly Rate: $4000-4500 per hourFeatures: If you need a guaranteed non-stop coast to coast plane, consider a Super-Mid. While not quite as pricey as the heavy jets, you can still fill all the seats, bring all your luggage, and jet set across the continent!

Midsize JetSeats: 5-9Flight Range: 2000-2500 milesTypical Hourly Rate: $2500-3000 per hourFeatures: The midsize jet offer a stand-up cabin, space for bags, and more! All of your fellow occupants will enjoy a plethora of legroom and personal space for longer flights

Light JetSeats: 4-7Flight Range: 1500-2000 milesTypical Hourly Rate: $1700-2200 per hourFeatures: Smaller jets cover ground quickly, but still retain the ability to land at smaller airports. 1000 miles can be covered in as little as 2 hours, giving you the flexibility to make important deadlines and still be home for dinner

TurbopropsSeats: 5-9Flight Range: 600-1000 milesTypical Hourly Rate: $1300-1600 per hourFeatures: For intrastate trips and excursions to neighboring states, turboprop aircraft are the perfect blend of speed and efficiency. These planes combine the pressurized comfort and space of a light jet with the flexibility of propeller driven airplanes.

PistonsSeats: 3-6Flight Range: 300-500 milesTypical Hourly Rate: $700-900 per hourFeatures: If you’re on a tight budget, but your travel needs still necessitate a private airplane, then this is your category. Piston-engine planes are smaller than most chartered aircraft, but their size and slower speeds allow access to shorter runways than standard turboprops and jets

HelicoptersSeats: 3-5Flight Range: 200 milesTypical Hourly Rate: Features: Helicopters are the perfect vehicle for moving you from the airport directly to the doorstep of your destination. Whether it’s a Manhattan Sky Scraper, or a secluded island getaway, the convenience of the helicopter is unparalleled.

Don’t pack them off to summer camp by Greyhound, send those well-deserving kids off in style.
Why not send your children off for the summer by private jet? Costing a mere $8,000 you too can save time & book a flight for your little Timmy. The jets will treat your young one to a specialized menu including chicken fingers, ice cream & colas.
Because, aren’t they worth it?

Tuesday, July 28, 2009


The Aeroplane
Mark Jefferies flies the German designed and built Extra 300S because power and performance are of paramount importance. This single seat variant is one of only 31 sold worldwide, and has even better performance than the more common two seat variant – not least due to the consequent saving in weight – this aircraft has staggering power-to-weight performance.
The aeroplane is built specifically for World class unlimited aerobatics, with a wing designed to ultimately withstand a bone-crunching +/- 25G, i.e. 25 times the force of gravity.
The airframe is constructed from steel tubing, carbon fibre, wood and a carbon/Kevlar wing skin. The combination of these high-tech materials combined with its weight saving single seat configuration give this aeroplane stunning performance. Roll rates exceed 360 degrees per second, and speeds varying from 260 mph to, well backwards!