Pilot Training in America: Everything You Need To Know

There is no better time than the present to consider piloting a plane. If there is one industry that is showing no signs of faltering, it’s aviation. More people are traveling by plane than have in the past. In fact, according to the International Air Transport Association, or the IATA for short, by the year 2036, there will be around 7,800,000,000 airline passengers.

It’s not easy, though, and it not only requires a determined spirit but also lots of money and time. Before you decide you are going to work to train to be a pilot, figure out it’s right for you.

Different Types of Pilot Licenses

The first thing you need to be aware of if you have decided to pursue that aviation career as a pilot is that there are three different types of pilot licenses you can work towards achieving.

These are:

• Commercial Pilot License
• Private Pilot License
• US Air Force Pilot license

In the following guide, we have provided an overview of all that’s involved in the pilot training for each license, to help you work out what kind of pilot you want to be.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

If you are interested in becoming a pilot to earn a living, you need to hold an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate. Once you hold a CPL, you can earn money from carrying out jobs such as aerial photography and banner towing. You will be able to make money instructing other trainee pilots (though you need to have a specialist instructor certificate).

However, to become a pilot on a commercial plane, you need to work through additional training and recorded flight time to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, known as an ATP for short.

How Do You Qualify For A Commercial Pilot Training Course?

To qualify for Commercial Pilot Certificate training through the FAA, you need to:

• Be a minimum of 18 years old
• Speak, write and read English fluently
• Hold a PPL (See further down)

Hold an up to date 2nd-Class Medical certificate from the FAA (This certification can be obtained by participating in a medical examination conducted by an FAA-appointed Aviation Medical Examiner or AME.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Pilot Training Course

You will find there are several different training courses available. It depends on what you want to do with your certification and the level of training you have already as to the course that’s right for you.

Generally, most trainee commercial pilots enroll in the Commercial Multi-Engine Land or CMEL training course. Some sit the Commercial Single-Engine Land or CSEL course.

The aircraft most complete their training on will be the same as the one they flew to gain their private license – i.e. a 4-seater plane. A requirement of training is all students must record 10 hours of flight time in a high-powered plane. Because of this, many trainees opt to complete the whole training course in larger planes. It is important to note this is a lot more expensive, though.

After figuring out which training course you want to participate in, investigate the flight schools in your area. We recommend you look for a flight school offering a training program fully certified by the FAA because these generally involve a higher quality of facilities and must meet specific standards with regards to the course equipment, curriculum, and staff.

Make a shortlist of the training courses and flight schools that interest you the most. Think about the attributes important to you. You will find most top schools and programs offer open days where you can look around the facilities, speak to students and find out more about the possibility of employment after graduation.

Training costs a lot of money. You will find some training schools offer payment plans and scholarships that can reduce the expenses somewhat.

What the Course Entails

As you will see even from our overview, the training course for your CPL is a lot more intensive and thorough than that for your PPL. However, it follows a similar plan with it being separated into three categories:

• Ground Training – This primarily involves the study of various flight theory topics, like ATC procedures, air law, flight principles, radio navigation, general navigation, meteorology, monitoring, flight planning, and balance and mass.
• Flight Training – The training for commercial pilots is tougher than that offered for private pilots and you need to record at least 250 hours of flight time, which includes 100 hours where you are the commanding pilot and 50 hours’ worth of cross-country flying. You also need to record a minimum of 10 hours’ worth of training using the various instruments and complex aircraft flying. During this part of the training, you will be able to work on your precision and achieve mastery over the more complex maneuvers. All flight training courses will involve one single flight covering more than 30-nautical miles at the very least.
• Examinations – Along with the two pats outlined above, you will also be required to complete an examination on flight theory. This is best sat in the earlier stages of your course as you will be able to put what you learn doing it to good use when it comes to the flight training. This test features 100 questions with multiple choice answers picked out from the bank of FAA commercial pilot tests. You can only pass if you get 70% of the questions right or more.

Additionally, you need to participate in flying an aircraft overseen by an inspector appointed by the FAA or an alternative, but suitably authorized organization. Although it sounds similar, it is a more intense test than that required when you are going for your PPL. Your conduct both before you take-off and when you land will be assessed along with your professionalism in general and level of precision in the air.

How Long Does it Take to Qualify?

Although it will depend on student to student, the average length of time it takes to fully complete training to become a commercial pilot is often between 15 and 18 months. To meet this kind of timeframe, though, you need to train weekly at least 5 times or more. Once you have achieved your Commercial Pilot License you then need to log aircraft flying of as much as 1,500 hours before you are a commercially qualified pilot. By logging flights frequently, this may only take you 2 years or less.

How to Apply

It is easy to put forward an application to enroll on a commercial pilot training course. Once you’ve met the basic criteria for students and have a 2nd-class FAA medical certificate and PPL, you must make sure you have the financial side of things sorted. At this point, you should consider speaking to student provider schemes or applying to be accepted onto scholarships. You also must make sure you apply on time. Choose a suitable starting date. Bear in mind, though, that once you reach this point in the process, it is non-transferable and non-refundable.

How Much Does Commercial Pilot Training Cost?

There are a variety of factors that determine the training costs, including the location of and type of flight school you attend as well as the kind of aircraft you are going to learn to fly. In most cases, $15,000 is what you can expect to pay towards achieving your CPL. If you aspire to become a fully-fledged commercial airline pilot and need to obtain your ATP, you will more in extra charges and rental fees.

As it’s expensive, students often look to scholarships and loans to cover the expenses. You may benefit from one of the programs sponsored by airlines though. To find out if this is possible, try phoning airlines to see which offer funding.

Career Opportunities

Once you hold a CPL, there are a wide variety of career opportunities open to you. An interesting employment choice would be to work as a jump or skydive pilot. This comes with its specific challenges, like making sure you can control the position and speed of the aircraft, compensating for the drag that results from the skydivers jumping out and positioning the plane at the right high and correct geographic location for safe jumps.

If you are interested in passing on your love of flying and aircraft piloting to others, then you may want to consider working towards becoming a qualified flight instructor.

The most potentially lucrative career in commercial aviation though is as a corporate airline pilot. This involves flying business-class private jets on domestic and international flights and communicating with Fixed Based Operators at airports to work out the best flight routes and where you should stop for fuel.

Jobs can be found on various career pages and forums online, as well as at job fairs and other employment conferences.

Private Pilot License (PPL)

If you are interested more in flying planes for fun or looking to purchase a private jet eventually, then it may be that a Private Pilot license or PPL for short is the best option for you. This is generally recognized all over the world as an official license and means you can’t be compensated for any flights, but you can take your friends and family to the destinations of your choice.

How Do You Qualify For A Private Pilot Training Course?

To qualify for Private Pilot Certificate training through the FAA, you need to:

• Be over the age of 17 to pilot gyroplanes, helicopters, and airplanes
• Be over the age of 16 years old to pilot gliders and solo balloons
• Speak, write, read and understand English with fluency
• Have a 3rd-Class medical certificate at least or something higher
• Have general competency in math

How to Choose the Right Private Pilot Training Course

You will notice when you start searching there are numerous places where you can train to obtain a PPL. You need to choose the school and course that’s right for you. Look first at those available in your local area. You will find you can enroll in pilot training at many airports and many colleges and universities also provide suitable training.

As is the case if you were looking to obtain a CPL, we would recommend you seek out private pilot training from a program certified by the FAA. These offer higher quality instructors and facilities because they need to meet FAA standards related to equipment, curriculum, and staff.

There is also the advantage of not needing to log as many flight hours to achieve certification when attending a fully certified school. For example, you only need to record 35 hours of flight time at a school approved by the FAA, whereas you need to log at least 40 hours when attending a school that isn’t officially certified.

As you will find you need to log more hours during the course, this number is generally considered to be irrelevant. However, we feel it’s worth noting, nonetheless.

Make a list of available pilot training courses and schools and list the most important attributes they should have for you. Is it possible you may want to try and obtain an advanced license further down the line? You should consider attending a school that already offers those courses. Are you employed full-time? It may be necessary to attend a school with flexible study and lesson schedules. You can find the one that’s right for you by conducting your research, speaking to the staff behind the courses or visiting their facilities, reading the aviation industry and interest magazines and talking to other pilots.

Private pilot training, similarly, to commercial training is very expensive and although you may wish to save some money, we would strongly recommend that you make sure the quality of the training offered by a school or on a course is appropriate.

Even once you have qualified, you will need to complete a specific number of flight hours yearly to keep your skills sharp. You will also need to renew your license every 5 years.

What Does the Course Entail?

As noted, when discussing what is involved in the commercial training course, there are similarities in the structure and content of the private pilot training course. It is divided into the same sections, as follows:

• Ground Training – this part of the course involves the study of flight theory and the topics related to it, such as airplane systems, principles of aerodynamics, federal regulations of aviation and meteorology. You will find that most flight schools and training organizations split the course work into three different stages with exams at the end of each stage.
• Flight Training – This involves learning about topics like pre-flight operations, controlling aircraft, taking off and landing, traffic patterns and emergency operations among many other crucial aspects of flying a plane. You will spend 10 flight hours at least piloting a solo flight under supervision. 5 hours of those 10 need to be spent flying cross-country with landings at two aerodromes along the way that is different to the one you departed from.
• Examinations – You will also be required to complete a theoretical exam comprising of multiple-choice questions. The test will cover the 9 main subjects of the course – Navigational and Communication Procedures, Enroute Flight, Aircraft Performance, Weather and Weather Service, Procedures and Airport Operations, Regulations, Flight Instruments, Aircraft Systems, and Basic Aerodynamics. To pass you need to answer 70% or more of the questions correctly and you are only able to sit the practical flight exam after you’ve successfully passed the written exam.

How Long Does Qualification Generally Take?

Obviously, like qualifying as a commercial pilot, the length of time it takes to successfully qualify as a private pilot will vary from one person to the next. However, on average it can take anything from 45 to 65 hours to complete everything, including the flight hours and passing the exams. It is down to you how hard you work, as this can be achieved between as little as 2 weeks and many years. According to experts, though, the best way is to try and complete the assignments as quickly as possible one after the other to retain the knowledge.

How to Apply

It is relatively simple to apply for PPL training. Once you are sure you meet the basic criteria and have your 3rd-Class medical certificate as approved by the FAA, it is best to take some introductory lessons so that you can be sure piloting an aircraft is something you want to learn. When doing this, make sure those flight hours will be logged as part of the hours required to get your license. Then simply apply to the flight school or training provider for the course you are interested in before the start date.

How Much Does Private Pilot Training Cost?

The amount you need to pay overall for private pilot training will depend on the location of and type of flight school you attend as well as the kind of aircraft you learn to pilot. Generally, though, PPL will cost between $10,000 and $15,000. Numerous flight schools charge by the hour, with their rate calculated by adding the hourly instruction fee together with the hourly rental fee for the aircraft.

Career Opportunities

There aren’t any real career opportunities open to you if you obtain a PPL. You are not allowed to charge for your services. Therefore, if you would like to earn a living from piloting a plane you will need to obtain the CPL.

Military Pilot License

By far the highest level of achievement in the aviation world is becoming a US Air Force pilot. US Air Force pilots are used in missions that take place around the world involving the defense of the USA and its citizens. One of the major benefits of this position is the chance to fly the world’s most cutting edge and advanced aircraft. Because the training offered to Air Force cadets is of the highest caliber, qualified pilots are among the best in the world.

Like all roles in the armed forces, as well as being taught how to be the best pilot you can be, you will also be molded into a strong leader and exemplary role model. There are numerous opportunities for careers and if you are sure you have what’s required to be the best of the best (think Maverick in Top Gun), the US Air Force may be right for you.

How Do You Qualify as a US Air Force Pilot?

The United States Air Force is a highly elite group and it is a demanding and intensive task trying to work your way through the ranks. All students must meet the basic requirements:

• Have US citizenship
• Started training to become a pilot between 18 and 29 years of age
• Have a bachelor’s degree from the Colorado Air Force Academy or a traditional education institution
• Have basic knowledge of flight theory, directives of flying, operating procedures of aircraft, mission tactics, meteorology, and navigation
• Have completed either Air Force Reverse Officer Training Corps, Air Force Academy or Officer Training School
• Have completed Single Scope Background Investigation or SSBI
• Have completed Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training

The most direct route to becoming a pilot for the Air Force is by completing an undergraduate course through Colorado’s Air Force Academy. This is a highly prestigious course and placements are competitive. OF more than 12,000 applications received, only a little more than 1,000 are given a placement every year. To be given a placement you need to pass intensive fitness and medical examinations and have a congressman or congresswoman’s nomination.

The height requirements for candidates are 5ft 4in to 6ft 5in, with your height when seated being 34 to 40in. Your vision needs to meet a specific standard and be correct either by contact lenses or glasses to 20/20. If, though, you suffer from asthma, other allergies or are colorblind, you cannot apply to join the Air Force Academy.

You will be required to complete and pass the rigorous Air Force Qualifying Test with 50 at the very least for the combined pilot and navigator portions and 25 for the pilot portion. This test takes around 3.5 hours to complete and is designed to test your personality, math skills, verbal communication skills, and academics.

What Does The Training Entail?

If you are successful in gaining a place in the elite and prestigious Air Education and Training Command located at the Randolph Air Force Base, you will begin your training with introduction training. If you do not have a PPL already but are graduates of either the Officer Training School or ROTC, you need to log at least 25 hours of instructor-led flying lessons. These are normally conducted in single-engine planes by civilian instructors. You must have flown at least once on your own before you achieve your 17th flight hour. Additionally, you need to participate in 25 hours’ worth of classroom lessons on flight techniques and theory.

After passing the introductory training course, you then need to take more specialized training. This very intense program involves long hours and days in classroom settings along with aircraft and simulation training. You will be taught basic flight skills at either the Texas-situated Laughlin Air Force Base, Oklahoma-based Vance Air Force Base or Columbus Air Force Base located in Mississippi.

Afterward, you will advance to the more specialized training determined by your standing in the class and personal skills and ability. This is the point when you will learn to pilot an aircraft.

How Long Does Qualification Generally Take?

You are required to be an officer before you can participate in the pilot training program, so it normally takes around 4 years at the very least to become an Air Force pilot.

How to Apply

You can start applying by contacting an Air Force recruiter, who will discuss what the right path for you is by asking you questions and assisting you in the admission procedure. You have the option to either become a fully enlisted Airman and work through the ranks or by participating in officer training.

What is the Cost?

If you are successfully enrolled in the Academy, you will be given tuition that’s fully paid for to the sum of $400,000 and you will also be given your room, board, low-cost lift insurance, interest-free loans for emergencies, monthly stipends and medical care.

Career Opportunities

Once you have graduated and contracted, you will be required to commit to active duty. This generally involves committing to 4 years as a 2nd lieutenant, though you may wish to stay on longer to build your career.

Once leaving the US Air Force, you may be able to secure work for big commercial airlines or opt to work at NASA instead. Other options include working as a corporate pilot.

Top US aviation courses: a rundown of universities and their aviation degrees

For those wanting to embark on a university course to study aviation and / or aeronautics, the choice can be overwhelming. Here, we examine some of the best US universities offering courses in these subjects, as well as how much each course costs, what the content is and how long each course of study will take to complete.

An overview

With demand for air travel continuing to increase, career options for those who wish to work, or develop their careers, in the aviation sector look very promising. A growing need for pilots to fly commercially and well as privately, as well as for individuals who want to work in the aircraft manufacturing industry and those seeking employment in airports around the world continues to create a buoyant jobs market.

As well as continuing demand from clients wanting to travel the world for business and leisure, the emergence of new, cutting-edge technologies as well as new innovations in the way aircraft are made is starting to provide opportunities for mechanics and avionics experts who need training to work on certain aircraft.

This coupled with positivity in the US economy as well as the growth in international firms coming to the aviation industry as well as a shortage of pilots means that the time is right to start an aviation career.

Why choosing the right degree is vital

Embarking on a Bachelor’s degree is not just a big commitment in terms of time, but also financially as it can take up to four years to finish. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you pick the right course at the right educational institution to further your studies and your future career.

Here, we take a look at a number of the best universities for aviation courses across the UK, providing vital information about each course which you could choose. To give you some important background, you will find information on how aviation education developed in the US, as well as key points about aviation courses on offer, and some insight into what the future of the aviation industry could hold, and how this could apply to aeronautics / aviation training in the future.

A look at how aviation education has evolved

Way back in 1883, the very first interest academically in flights carrying human passengers in America is recorded by a profession at Santa Clara College who embarked on a number of tests involving gliders. In 1890, students were then given lectures by Octave Chanute at the University of Cornell. He followed up his talk by publishing a book of the history of flight.

Meanwhile, interest in Massachusetts at the state’s famous technology institute dates back to around the same time when one of the students there created a wind tunnel which was used when he was studying mechanical engineering.

But, the real breakthrough in terms of aviation education came shortly after the Wright brothers made their famous successful first flight in 1903. At that point, universities worldwide sat up, took notice, and realized that courses teaching students about aviation were in demand.

In 1909, there was a breakthrough in aviation-related education. Wilbur Wright, who was one of the Wright brothers, gave training to two lieutenants before making a solo flight. At around the same time, another lieutenant in Texas managed to teach himself the basics of flying using the same plane, the Signal Corps No.1, which had been used in that earlier training.

However, it was not until the advent of the First and Second World Wars that the real need to make training available for large numbers of pilots was properly recognized. However, it was not until three years after the start of WWII that a training command center for aviation was set up by war officials in the US. The very first program teaching aeronautics in a US college was launched at Michigan University much earlier, however, in the same year WWI started. This was followed two years later when a specialist engineering department to train aeronautics was established along with an aeronautics program which took four years to complete.

In 1925, the famous aeronautics school named after Daniel Guggenheim was created at the University of New York. A fund to promote the training of aeronautics was also set up to provide grants to universities across the country, and is credited with being an important part of rolling out programs to train the aeronautical engineers of the future.

Aviation programs on offer at the best universities in the US

For those thinking about a career in aviation, which are the best courses and universities to choose from?

Purdue Polytechnic

At the Polytechnic Institute of Purdue, there are 10 degrees on offer including undergraduate as well as graduate courses in aeronautics and aviation. Part of the University of Purdue based in Lafayette in Indiana, the aviation school at Purdue has a choice of seven undergraduate degrees at bachelor level. The courses are:

• A program in aeronautical engineering which has content to train in engine maintenance and design. Students learn about both jet and turbine engines as well as wind tunnels. The course also covers the use of simulators in the production of aircraft.
• Finance – this course takes an in-depth analytical look at aerospace finances to show how companies in the industry can cope with the large sums and complicated data involved in staying financially viable.
• Management – for students more interested in the management side of airline operations, this course helps students to look at how airlines are run as well as the day-to-day decisions which must be made as a business which can make the difference between success and failure.
• Management for airports – if students want to make a career out of managing an airport rather than an airline, there is a course especially tailored to that.
• There is also a separation course on aviation management which trains students to take control of an airport as well as to be in charge of a traffic control team as well as taking policy decisions.
• For pilots, there is a flight course to train students if they would like to fly either commercial, business or private jets. A number of simulators are available for training.
• One for the future of the aviation industry, the university also offers a course which looks at what is happening currently in the field of unmanned avionics as well as what the future might hold.

Each of these courses has been designed to prepare students for a possible career in aerospace or aviation, as well as being prepared for the major changes being made in the industry as a result of advancements in technology. The program for graduates here is offered not just in person on campus but also as a remote online learning experience. These are the graduate courses available.

• The graduate course in management in the aerospace and aviation industries examines how the leaders of the future can contribute by using a skillset which will incorporate subjects including how safety systems are developed, the analysis of operations, project managing skills and how aviation leaders must address environmental issues.
• A course which can be taken online is a version of this aviation management course, designed to give aviation leaders of tomorrow within a thorough grounding in subjects which will give them the ability to take on a raft of different aerospace or aviation careers.
• Meanwhile, there is also a graduate-level technology Ph.D. which provides training in the area that students are most interested in. This is designed to give students a grounding so that they can go on to advanced careers as a supervisor, researcher or professor in aviation technology.

The school is also well-known for its facilities. There are five laboratories dedicated to aviation research, which are led by the department’s faculty. The focus of this research is about testing biofuels as well as looking at the issues of gender in the industry. Other areas of research are examining the use of fuels using soy-diesel for power, operations using high-performance turbines as well as human issues which must be considered in the industry and how crews should be managed as a resource. Here is what these labs do in more detail:

• Students are introduced to electronics in use in aircraft as well as in more complicated digital circuits used in aerospace in the electronics laboratory.
• There is also a materials laboratory on site which takes a look at how seals and hardware act when they are exposed to the aviation fuel of the next generation. The laboratory is also involved in carrying out testing off-site as well as being contracted to interpret data for a number of outside organizations.
• There is also a laboratory with a focus on coming up with cutting-edge ways to process data as well as looking at the lifecycle of the smarter aircraft in use today.
• A simulator base is also at hand to provide practical training both for students as well as for graduates which uses a number of realistic simulators and other devices.
• A center which acts as an operations control base means that students have the chance to examine and figure out how to optimize more than 100 flights each day. This gives students the grounding they need so they can enter careers in operations or control centers.

The PPI is particularly renowned for the links it has with the aerospace and aviation industries. Educators consider what is happening at the present in the aviation industries and also possible future developments when they are putting together the curriculum for their students. Professors are also able to help students by setting up internships along with other opportunities.

Meanwhile, its globalization specialists also give students the chance to take part in international study as well as other cultural experiences. Each year, university officials are able to decide to give scholarships of up to $600,000. Scholarships are decided on a combination of a student’s financial circumstances as well as their abilities. If they want to apply for a scholarship, students need to submit an application every year they would need financial help.

The university was first opened in 1869 and now has around 40,000 students which come from across the US as well as from across the world. Purdue holds the rank of being 56th in a list of 312 universities in the US as well as coming in at number 21 of undergraduate schools.

What could be exciting to hear for those who wish to study aerospace and aviation, is the part that famous aviator Amelia Earhart played in the history of the university. She acted as one of the university’s visiting advisors, offering help to women students in the 30s. At Purdue, she created a laboratory where she built her own aircraft, a Lockheed with two engines. Not only that, but she is not Purdue’s only claim to fame. The school also includes Neil Armstrong among its alumni.

Recently, opportunities have been offered alongside the air force in the US, with cadets attending Purdue for flying lessons. The university bases its decisions on which students it will accept based on whether they are properly prepared academically to take on the challenge of a Purdue course of study. The university will also be looking at how competitive a student is in relation to their peers.

Those who are applying to study at Purdue do need to pay $60 in application fees and must have their initial application in before November. This must be followed up by SAT or ACT test scores. The university accepts 57 percent of students who apply.

Anyone interested in applying for one of PPI’s courses can speak to us for advice. There is also more information about aviation grants on the Aviation Scholarships and Student Grants page.

The Institute of Technology in Massachusetts

A total of 14 graduate and undergraduate degrees are offered here in aeronautics and aviation. MIT is famous for offering the oldest aerospace courses at any university in the US. The experts at the program include a former astronaut as well as experts from the air force and NASA.

Giving students a raft of opportunities, the AeroAstro courses work in conjunction with those who are experts in their field from both the worlds of current industry and academia. Its science program is particularly recommended by students who already have a bachelor level degree and now want to move onto more in-depth analysis and training.

Meanwhile, its doctorates of philosophy and of science are tailored to students who already have a degree at master’s level and who now want to do their own research in the field of their choice. Students are able to choose from a dozen fields of interest at AeroAstro.

These fields take in aerospace engineering, the environment, the use of air-breathing engines, transportation systems, communications, controls, how humans fit into the aerospace industry, the materials and also the structures used in the industry as well as propulsion in space and space systems.

MIT students are also able to choose to take on a variety of master’s and doctorates in different disciplines through MIT’s affiliation with other departments and programs. The teaching topics at AeroAstro take in everything from used automated systems to non-traditional fuel for jets, to the type of space suits which could be used on different planets or other bodies that are in space to satellite and the communications of the future using ultra-wide bandwidth.

AeroAstro has 25 laboratories for teaching and practical training, which all have a number of central aims centered around the environment, health and safety practices in the industry as well as how humans can eventually surpass the existing limitation on the frontiers we can explore. Air transportation courses at MIT are committed to making safety and efficiency improvements for air travel in international and domestic spheres through the use of IT as well as analyzing human-centered systems. Current areas of research include infrastructure, economics, safety, how to deal with weather conditions, the management of air traffic, the human factors at play in the industry as well as developments in flight instruments and how aviation affects the environment.

There are a wide range of groups and clubs which provide students with opportunities outside of lectures.

Wannabe MIT students need to apply to join a course by going to the university’s own website. MIT has a ranking of third among universities nationally and is the top school for aerospace. It is very competitive in terms of its entry, with MIT accepting only eight percent of those who apply.

The aeronautics courses have developed at MIT in conjunction with advances made by the US in the fields of astronautics and aeronautics for more than a century. MIT concentrates on offering a robust scholarship program as well as having a focus on solving real-industry problems. Its team of industry and academic experts have an understanding of the current challenges in aviation and how technology could be used to combat these. Through the decades, entrepreneurs, explorers, industry experts, government and academic leaders have all been inspired through their study at MIT as well as taking away vital skills from their time at the university.

If you are looking to follow in their footsteps, speak to us to find out about making an application at your chosen university. Can also give scholarships in aviation for some of the top US universities and educational establishments worldwide. There is more information on the Aviation Scholarships and Student Grants page.

North Dakota University

A total of 10 programs for graduates and undergraduates are offered at North Dakota. Students are able to choose from eight bachelor-degree level courses in fields of managing air traffic, aviation studies, flying commercially, education in aviation as well as programs which look at unmanned aviation advances and business in aviation. They could also opt for a bachelor’s degree specializing in administration, either for management in aviation or airports.

Students who are accepted at North Dakota can undertake four specialist areas of study in safety in the industry, unmanned aviation systems, as well as human factors which need to be taken into account and also management. Meanwhile, there is flexibility to study online for those embarking on a master’s degree in aviation science. The Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. course can also be studied in person on-campus. Alternatively, students can study remotely.

There are around 500 members of staff at UND, catering for a student body of 1,500, who come from across the world to take advantage of the expertise on offer. The facilities at UND’s West Campus as well as at the international airport at Grand Forks included the use of 120 aircraft which are kept in 10 hangers. There are support crew who help to set up the aircraft each morning, making sure they are returned properly to their heated hangers in the evening. They are also on hand for re-fuelling and, if they are needed, jump starts.

Flight operations staff are based in HQ to give students their pre-flight briefings and to dispatch jets. Meanwhile, safety procedures are strictly followed with inspections of every plane carried out on a daily basis.

There is a thriving program of research at UND, where research teams either work hand-in-hand, or offer their services to the private aviation sector as well as government officials. Areas which are the subject of such research include looking at unmanned flight and traffic management. Every year, scholarships worth $370,000 collectively are awarded so that students can further their future careers. Aviation students who are enrolled in aviation studies can make an application in spring. Scholarships are given out depending on a student’s academic abilities as well as leadership potential and any achievements they have already demonstrated in flight. Students must already be majoring in a flight course to apply. In total, nearly half of undergraduates who attend UND are awarded a scholarship grant, with the usual award being just over $5,000.

UND’s aeronautics and aviation program can be traced back to the late 60s when it was gifted a couple of planes and took on just 12 students in its first training sessions. But, less than two decades later, UND was very much in demand for both its research and education programs. That led to the creation of a specialist aerospace sciences center. Now, this school is one of the biggest and most respected anywhere in the US for aviation studies and flight training.

Prospective aviation students can speak to us to get advice on applying to the university which most appeals to you. Is also able to award scholarships for aviation courses throughout the US. There is more information at the Aviation Scholarships and Student Grants page.

The Ohio State University

With five degrees in aeronautics and aviation, the university of Ohio State (OSU) has an aviation studies center which gives specialist tuition in engineering and management on top of a pilot training course which can be taken in conjunction with one of the university’s degrees. Students are able to gain their commercial pilot certification before they graduate and, if they choose to, they can follow up this course of study by training as a flight instructor following graduation.

Undergraduates can use to add on professional pilot training to majors which take in subjects including aviation engineering, global transport, and aviation management. In total, there are usually 17 aircraft available to students who are training, as well as the benefit of the expertise of 15 instructors. These are based at Ohio State University Airport, which receives the third-most air traffic in Ohio. This airport boasts a long history of training the aviation professionals of the future, having providing training opportunities since the early 40s. It is one of the key facilities for research at the university as well as the servicing industry in the wider Columbus area.

There is a focus on improving safety in the aviation industry as a whole as well as how to make air travel more accessible and more sustainable. Research teams of academics and aviation industry leaders come together to share expertise. The university recently hosted a meeting which brought together high-profile industry, research and academic experts to look at subjects including pavements in airfields which can be self-heating through the use of nanotechnology and at angle of attack, or the angle between oncoming air and an aircraft’s wing.

There are a number of scholarships available to students embarking on a course at UND, which tend to range between $1,000 and $10,000, with $245,000 being the total handed out. Students may also qualify for paid fellowship assistance or another type of financial help. Just under half of the undergraduates studying full time get some form of financial assistance. Acceptance rates at OSU tend to hover at around the 48% mark.

Ohio can boast a long history of providing aviation professionals to the industry, having been the training center of choice for the US military in 1917 when 16 cadets were sent to OSU to embark on flight training. The aviation center was handed a $10m donation in 2015 by the foundation set up by late philanthropist Austin Eldon Knowlton. The windfall allowed OSU to further improve its facilities on campus and at the university airport’s terminal.

Anyone who has a dream to work in aviation can speak to us to find out about making an application for the best aviation studies universities. Is also able to give scholarships in aviation and flying. You can discover more here on the Aviation Scholarships and Student Grants page.

The San José State University

There are two degrees for undergraduates and one for graduates in the fields of aeronautics and aviation at SJSU. Based in the thriving Silicon Valley area in California, San José specializes in the education of students who want to take up a career as a pilot, or in the technical or business spheres of the aviation or aerospace industries.

SJSU offers a choice of two degrees for undergraduates who can choose between an aviation degree or an industrial technology course of studies. The aviation course is aimed at students who wish to pursue a flight career or want to go into aviation maintenance, management, avionics or become air traffic controllers. Meanwhile, the industrial technology course has been set up for those who want to pursue careers in technical management where they will need expertise to work with complex systems, networks, and computers as well as gaining experience of working with greener technology.

There is also the option of a master’s degree in quality assurance which is designed for graduates who want to gain greater skills in technical management. The university realizes that those working in a number of fields including manufacturing, electronics, and technology may not be able to attend during normal university daytime hours, so it offers courses in the evening and online to cater for working professionals.

For students wishing to become pilots, or further their flying careers, or gain technical expertise training takes place at the nearby Reed Hillview airport at a variety of flight schools. Students are able to get instrument teaching in Cessna as well as Beechcraft and Piper aircraft. The university also has a proud reputation for its partnerships with a number of professional bodies and organizations representing airport executives, helicopter flying, women in the industry and engineering. There is a special SJSU flying club, named Flying Twenty, which all current and past students can join which means that they have access to reasonable cost flight instruction.

The history of the program focusing on aeronautics at San José dates back to the mid-30s when a number of students got together and created a club for flying, after taking advice from their maths professor. San José now holds the ranking of 33 in a list with a total of 140 schools. It is deemed to be fourth in the list of best choices for aviation studies in the US and is able to give out eight scholarships for graduates who want to pursue their aviation career ambitions.

If an aviation career is your dream, speak to us so we can give you information about applying to the university which resonates most with you. Is also able to provide flying and aviation scholarships not just for US universities but at educational establishments work wide. Take a look at the Aviation Scholarships and Student Grants page to find out more.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

The university of Embry-Riddle has a total of 32 degrees for undergraduates and graduates who want to study aeronautics and aviation.

With a history which dates back to the 70s and based at Florida’s Daytona Beach, ERAU is not only one of the largest universities specializing in aeronautics, but only one of the oldest. With 19 programs for undergraduates and 13 courses for graduates, it is renowned for the way it looks to what the future holds for the aviation authority.

Unique among aviation studies is ERAU’s course which looks at wildlife science and how the management of wildlife as well as ecology, wildlife population, and behaviour such as migration can have an impact on the aviation industry. There is also a choice of four certificates and a further four AAS-level degrees for students who would either like the flexibility to take the course online or who want to take their course in-person at a choice of the university’s campuses internationally.

Undergraduate bachelor-level courses that students can choose from include those looking at the fields of aeronautics, safety, engineering, physiology, as well as air traffic control practices, business, maintenance, security, unmanned aircraft, and global conflict. There are also degrees at master’s level in the likes of aviation sustainability, maintenance, business, entrepreneurship, safety and the continuing move towards unmanned systems. Meanwhile, a doctorate program also exists to offer teaching in aviation, engineering, and business.

The university is famous for its facilities and boasts a variety of cutting-edge laboratories as well as flight-training simulators. As well as simulators, there is an impressive aircraft fleet including Cessna, Pier, American Champion, and Robinson jets and helicopters. Students can also complete their training at one of the few laboratories in the country specializing in unmanned craft, while there is also specialized training for students who want to work in air traffic control fields.

On top of all this, the Daytona university also has a further eight laboratories set up for students learning aviation maintenance, there they are able to take part in relevant industry training. A center which looks at weather and the impact on the aviation industry as well as a laboratory for media broadcasting and a forensics center which looks at aviation accidents completes the facilities line-up.

Perhaps then, with all of this at hand, it is no surprise that the faculty staff and students at ERAU are part of a thriving research program looking at everything from safety to security, science to space and much more. A recent research topic looked at the simulated Mars analog habitat in Utah. Protocols that are now used to assess how a person can move around and work while in a spacesuit especially designed for extraterrestrial activity were created at Embry-Riddle. The aim of that research was to act as support for programs at NASA.

The university also works hard to form partnerships in the aviation industry to provide real-world training and experiences for students. There are a number of scholarships available which total some $75,000 per year. Students who study at Embry-Riddle campuses in other parts of the world are also able to apply for scholarships, with the application period running for seven months from the start of each calendar year.

The university has a humble background, starting off as the brainchild of just two men, John Paul Riddle along with Talton Higbee Embry, who launched a company in the 1920s because they wanted to teach people to fly. That small firm began at a desk based in the lobby of a hotel. From small beginnings, the university has now trained around 130,000 students so that they can embark on a career within aviation and aerospace.

If you would like to join them, you can speak to us for advice about applying to Embry-Riddle or another aviation university of your choice. Is also able to provide scholarships in flying and aviation for US and international universities. Take a look at the Aviation Scholarships and Student Grants page.

The University of Western Michigan

There are three degrees in aeronautics and aviation on offer at Western Michigan University (WMU). It is the only full, in-depth aviation program on offer at any Michigan-based public university, and is also one of the most sizeable aviation colleges nationwide. Students are able to choose between three bachelor-level degrees in the sciences. These include degrees in flight and technical operations which is taught in conjunction with management. As well as these, it is possible to study minors in the science of aviation as well as leadership in military aviation, more general studies in aviation and a preparation for a professional aviation career.

MSU also has strong partnerships with Air Force officer training and students have the chance to train to become officers in the US Air Force at the same time they are studying for their degree. Once they finish this training, they can become an officer in the US Air Force. There are a number of programs that are similar on offer at hundreds of US institutions.

The University’s aviation college has a number of focused training programs on offer where students can train to become a flight instructor, for example, or can receive training for specialist sea planes known as float planes. These can be studied alongside bachelor degrees so that graduating students will have a competitive edge when they apply for jobs in the aviation industry.

Just as other universities have their own bases at airports close by, the flight department at WMU is based at Battle Creek’s WK Kellogg airport. There are a total of 26 aircraft for training including Cirrus, Piper, American Champion, and Cessna models as well as flight simulators. The college is proud of having forged relationships with leading aviation companies in the region where students are able to complete internships. Commercial aviation companies also offer internships during the summer months to students at WMU.

There is also the chance for students at WMU to take part in networking events with their peers at aviation organizations set up for students, for women in aviation and aviation professionals from different cultures. In particular, there is one day set aside to bring students together with leading players from the industries so they can find out about future job openings and careers.

Each year, 12 scholarship awards are made to help students who wish to study aviation studies or maintenance. The university was first founded at the turn of the 20th century, at around the same time that the first flight by the Wright brothers made headlines. Four decades later, when WWII broke out, a teaching program was added for aviation students wishing to study maintenance. That early course led to the development of aviation training at WMU.

The aviation courses were so popular, that a college at WMU was dedicated to aviation training, and the university’s reputation for aviation studies is renowned throughout the industry. At any one time, there tend to be 800 students completing aviation studies. More recently, WMU has partnered with the airport at Punta Gorda to unveil a new campus there for students. The new development has been designed to help students to keep up-to-date with new innovations in the US aviation industry. Students who want to apply to WMU to study aviation must enter their SAT or ACT test scores by the beginning of September. Currently, WMU accepts some 82 percent of students who apply.

Do you want a career in aviation? Speak to us about how you can apply to attend your choice of the universities on this list. Is also able to give scholarships for some of the most renowned US aviation universities as well as worldwide. Take a look at the Aviation Scholarships and Student Grants page.

Texas-based Hallmark University

There are a total of four degree programs specializing in aeronautics and aviation at Texas-based Hallmark University. Sited in San Antonio, HU has been providing training to aircraft technicians for decades. Launched in the late 60s, it is rated first for the number of graduates studying aeronautics who pass FAA technicians’ training.

The degrees on offer at bachelor level include maintenance management in aviation as well as a trio of shorter courses that specialize in the technology used in airframes and/or powerplants, as well as powerplant technology. Rather than the traditional academic year which is split into two semesters, students at HU split their studies into eight-week blocks with shorter breaks.

Aeronautics training is based at the international airport in San Antonio where students have the chance to train in real-life situations on jet engines in hangers while they study towards a professional powerplant and airframe qualification. It is just one real-world training scenario on offer at HU where students also have the chance to train realistically to maintain jet engines, work on servers and take part in medical simulations. Recently, the HU partnered with Lockheed Martin to create a fresh training initiative. Lockheed wants to drastically increase numbers of its F-35 it produces so it has a need for new aviation manufacturing employees. Students are HU are being offered training so that they can put together the F-35 and, if they make the grade, could be employed at the firm when they finish their course. Students who need financial help in order to study are encouraged to make an application to HU or to look at scholarships funded by the wider aviation industry.

If you want to enter the aviation industry, speak to us to find out about how you can apply for a course based at the university you choose. Also has the ability to give flying and aviation scholarships for a selection of aviation universities nation and worldwide. There is more information on our Aviation Scholarships and Student Grants page.

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

There are 14 different diplomas and association degrees in aeronautics and aviation on offer at Spartan. Based in Oklahoma in Tulsa, Spartan provides students with training in maintenance, electronics, in HVAC, non-destructive testing, management, and flying for the aviation industries. There are also shorter courses which give students the opportunity to complete their training within two years. The subjects for these shorter associate courses include flight, maintenance, electronics, quality control, powerplant and airframe and specialist training the HVAC.

Six diplomas offer students the chance to graduate with professional pilot qualifications as well as qualifications in maintenance, non-destructive testing, powerplant and airframe, HVAC and electronics. There is also a hybrid course for students studying aviation maintenance where they can study half of the course online before completing their studies in person at Spartan.

Spartan prides itself on providing students with a combination of skills through practical learning with equipment being used now in the industry. That is why that Spartan has located each of its five campuses either at, or close to, an airport. There are campuses in Tulsa, Los Angeles, California, and Denver. Spartan is able to offer 19 aircraft for training for students studying for qualifications in maintenance and electronics in the aviation industry, along with two realistic flight training simulators. There is a further 45-strong aircraft fleet which includes Cessna and Piper jets.

Like other universities providing aviation degrees, Spartan has been able to build up a diverse array of partnerships with companies and organizations in order to benefit its students. There is no doubt that embarking on an aviation course can be expensive, so Spartan has its own dedicated team to help students with financial aid questions and funding.

Recently, Spartan held celebrations to mark its 90th birthday. It was founded in the late 20s with the aim of providing skilled technicians to the aviation industry. Spartan has so far trained some 140,000 students to equip them with the skills to become pilots or technicians in the aviation industry.

If you want expert advice on how to apply to one of these aviation universities, you can speak to us. Is also able to offer scholarships for aviation training at some of the most renowned US aviation colleges as well as those across the world. Take a look at the aviation Scholarships and Student Grants page for more information.

Arizona-based Rio Salado College

There is one degree course along with three certificate programs on offer at Rio Salado for those wishing to take part in aviation studies. Based in the Tempe area of Arizona, there is an associate degree course at RSC in the operating procedures of airlines on top of three certificates which can be taken in reservations and ticketing, services for passengers and ground operations.

RSC specializes in providing training as a result of the partnerships it has formed with the aviation industry. To meet eligibility criteria so they can enroll, prospective students have to already be in employment with one of Rio Salado’s partner firms, agencies or organizations. This model means that employers are able to attract talented members of staff who know that they are going to receive expert training as part of their employment.

RSC recognizes that training cannot always take part on-site during office hours so it offers an online training program that also has an around-the-clock help desk. Given the nature of the aviation industry often means frequent travel, this means students can complete their training wherever they are. There are grants available for students wishing to further their aviation career through study at RSC.

The college first opened in the late 70s, offering training at classrooms in Phoenix before it was able to offer online training two decades later. Now, the majority of its training is provided online. One of the innovations that Rio Salado is known for is its Early College program that provides opportunities for students still in high school to start to earn credits for college. It also provides scholarships which are provided based upon financial circumstances. RSC has been recognized by respected business leaders including the foundation set up by Bill Gates and his wife Melinda, and by Forbes for its visionary thinking.

Do you want to embark on aviation training to pursue, or future-proof your career? You can speak to us to get help on how to apply for your chosen course. Can also give scholarships for those wishing to pursue training at well-known US and worldwide aviation universities. You can take a look at the Aviation Scholarships and Student Grants page to find out more.

The Institute of Technology in Florida

Florida’s Institute of Technology has 20 graduate and undergraduate courses providing aeronautics and aviation training. With an enviable situation on the state’s space coast, FIT is able to offer four main areas of study for students who can choose to complete degrees in the human factors of aviation and the safety implications, aviation sciences, development and management in the aviation industry, and there is also a dedicated course for those who want to be traffic controllers.

For undergraduates, there are a total of eight bachelor-level science degrees covering the aeronautical science fields as well as courses looking at management, meteorology, safety and, air traffic control as well as flight operations. For graduates, there are a choice of three masters-level degree courses in human factors and design. There is the option for online study for some courses, and there are a further master’s degrees in subjects such as airport development, management, and safety. For those wishing to take their studies further, there are doctorates in aviation and aviation sciences, with the flexibility of some online study.

As a result of industry warnings of an impending shortage of pilots, the Florida Institute of Technology has developed partnership programs with airlines so that pilots can take a smooth route through from training to a career with one of eight major airlines. Facilities include a number of laboratories for research and training as well as simulators for flight training along with 40 jets for students to train in. Research is also carried out in a bid to improve aviation education as a whole as well as to improve on all parts of airport planning including design and development along with management and operations. A laboratory is also dedicated to looking at unmanned systems in the aviation industry and there is an office that looks at economic factors and external relations.

Meanwhile, there is a hangar and facilities for aircraft maintenance along with designated briefing areas for pilots on top of a lounge for those who are training. Flight training takes part at FIT aviation at the international airport in Melbourne. This is where the university’s flight training takes place, and there is also an organization, also based at the airport, to allow the university to provide training to individuals and airlines.

This aviation arm can provide training for all types of pilot from private jet pilots through to flight instructors. It also gives students a choice of courses which are unique to FIT including programs looking at complex instrument and advanced cockpit training. Training which takes place in the air is backed up with studies on the ground at FIT’s aeronautics college. The college is also dedicated to helping students who wish to conduct their own research.

It also has impressive industry partnerships with a number of organizations including NASA and a raft of associations for commercial pilots. FIT traces its roots back to the late 50s when it was created as an engineering college at around the same time NASA started its own work. It can now boast more than six decades of providing training from the time it was a school run in the evenings to becoming a major aviation training center, having given more than 60,000 people skills, training and education to enter the aeronautics and aviation industries.

If you are looking to become one of these aviation alumni, you can speak to us to receive help on how you can apply for training courses at your choice of the universities on this list. We are also to offer scholarships for renowned aviation universities nationwide and worldwide. Take a look at the Aviation Scholarships and Student Grants page for more details.

In conclusion

If you are considering embarking on, or furthering, your career in aviation, you need to consider a number of key issues that will affect air travel and the aviation industry as a whole for the next 10 years or more. These factors are.

• 1. Air travel demand is continuing to increase year on year, in a trend which is expected to see air travel double within the next two decades.
  2. US pilot numbers have fallen by just under a third in the past three decades.
  3. The majority of pilots flying in the 80s were once serving military personnel. However, that trend did not continue and the US Navy has been warning it will have 10 percent fewer pilots than it needs by the year 2020. Meanwhile, the US Air Force is making similar predictions as it expects to need an extra 1,000 pilots by the time 2022 comes.
  4. It is not just pilots that the aviation industry is short of. There is also a predicted shortage of mechanics set to hit the aviation by the year 2027, with a further 9 percent needed.
  5. Military forces in the US are increasing their fleet of 300 F-35 jets and will need trained personnel to fly and maintain them.
  6. Demand is also increasing for unmanned air vehicles and systems. Unmanned craft are already being used across a number of commercial sectors as well as by emergency services and unmanned aircraft production is set to almost hit levels of $90bn within the next ten years for non-military uses alone.
  7. Air industry stalwart Boeing has also revealed plans to create a hypersonic concept plane to meet demand from passengers who want to be able to travel further and faster.
  8. Meanwhile, a supersonic jet for business travel is also at the development stage through a partnership of Aerion Corporation and Lockheed Martin. Able to carry a dozen passengers, the plan is to certify the Aerion AS2 for air travel by the year 2021. This plane is set to surpass current private plane speed records by a long way by traveling at speeds of up to Mach 1.6. Currently, the fastest private jet is the Cessna Citation X+ which travels at 0.935.

These developments and the continuing growth in air travel means that there is a shortage of not just personnel, but also aircraft across the industry. Aircraft makers are continuing to ramp up production in order to meet the growing demand for air travel, which means there is also a demand for mechanics for the aviation industry.

As well as this shortage of pilots and other aviation industry staff, ongoing developments in technology, including the continuing trend for unmanned aircraft as well as the development of jets that can go supersonic or hypersonic, means that the future of avionics could look very different in just a few short years.

Already, the impact of demands for more air travel, for greater speeds and for more aircraft personnel is showing itself in the continuing development of partnerships being forged between academic establishments and aviation industry firms and agencies. This trend for working more closely together is set to continue, and increase further, to keep pace with greater advances in technology and demand.

This is great for aviation students looking to break into the industry. Because education establishments are already working hand in hand with industry professionals and well-known aviation companies as well as government bodies, it means there is a smoother flow from education and training into the industry. It is also hoped that these partnerships will also help to make training for aviation career more affordable.

Whatever the future holds for the aviation industry, it is obvious that this is the perfect time to embark on a career in aviation. Even the sky doesn’t have to be the limit when it comes to your career.

For the universities in this guide

If you are one of the universities featured here in this list, you can get in touch to give us details of any changes to courses or new developments in the future.

Cabin Crew Throughout The Decades

If you want to see how society has changed over the decades, taking a tour of how flight attendants have changed is just as telling. From the earlier days of air hostesses being certified nurses branding pristine white uniforms to sky girls wearing revealing short skirts to the modern crews of today, all of these changes tell a story and reflect our society well. Take another journey with us and buckle up to learn about in-slight cabin crew and how their appearances and roles have changed over the years.

1920s – 1940s: From male to female and new jobs

Ani interesting start to the story of flight attendants is that the first flight attendant was actually a man. Although male flight attendants are as common as, well, taking a flight today, this was not the case in the first decades of aviation. His name was Heinrich Kubis and an interesting fact is that he survived an air tragedy by jumping out of the plane’s window when it got near to the ground.

In the 1910s, all of the USA and UK airlines employed boys to assist with passengers on planes. They were known as the cabin boys, but this soon changed when World War I broke out. At this time men were needed to fight in the war and left their aviation roles. They were replaced by women, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The first female air hostess was a registered 25-year-old nurse by the name of Ellen Church. She initially wanted to become a pilot but Boeing believed her nurse skills would make her a better flight attendant. This started a trend of only hiring nurses to act as flight attendants.

Church’s manager of the time suggested that women made better air hostesses because they were tidier, neater and better at serving passengers, as well as looking after their welfare. By the 1930s, this trend had taken flight and around 300 female flight attendants had jobs as air hostesses – but it should also be known that to get these jobs they had to be young and preferably single.

By the 1940s, the responsibilities of these female flight attendants had changed. Not only were they there to serve food and be attentive, but they also had to prevent passengers from disposing of litter from the aircraft windows, clean the plane and sometimes even help with refueling.

During the same period, cabin-crew uniforms became popular. Howard Greer, a Hollywood designer came up with the TWA uniform and included a ‘blou slip’. This was a type of garment which did not need to be tucked in. At the end of this period, in 1945, flight attendants set up what is now known as the Association of Flight Attendants Union. At the time it was known as Airline Stewardess Association.

1950s – 1970s: From elegance to hot pants and space helmets

In 1950, flight attendants grew and so did the demand to become them among women. As a result, airlines added age-related clauses to air hostesses’ contracts in a bid to make sure their hostesses were as glamorous as possible. In 1956, the age restriction was set at 32, but by 1957 this was amended and raised to 1957. In comparison, any male flight attendants were allowed to do the job until they were 60 years old. Other clauses in air hostesses’ contracts included a no-marriage clause, ensuring their attendants were on the market and approachable to male passengers. This was also the decade in which in-flight entertainment crept in, starting with song performances by attendants and even hula dancing.

In the middle of the 1960s, airlines were not permitted to set their own fares, which had been the case since they began. For that reason, their air hostesses became a marketing weapon showing off their sex appeal. Some slogans would be playful such as “does your wife know you are flying with us?”. They ultimately made their hostesses into sexual objects to attract consumers. As a direct consequence, their uniforms changed from military elegance to bubble space helmets and more enticing overcoats. These uniforms were fashionable, which contributed to an even bigger rise in air hostess job applications. It is reported that at this time the TWA would accept fewer than 3% of all applications received.

The 1970s were a crucial time for airlines with federal courts making certain contract clauses illegal, including the no-marriage clause. They also made it illegal for airlines to throw out applications from men, based on their gender. Despite this, flight attendants’ uniforms became even racier with revealing hot pants and alike.

1980s – 1990s: from air hostesses to mainstream air travel

During this post, we have switched between the terms air hostess and the more gender-neutral flight attendant, but the latter term was not used until the 1980s. It was estimated that there were 19 male attendants for every 100 females. It was also a time where airlines started enticing male business travelers with lower fares rather than the sex appeal of their staff.

In the 1990s, more career opportunities became available for flight attendants. People were getting jobs overseas and with luxury private jet companies. The roles on chartered airlines became the most prestigious and in the greatest demand.

One milestone was achieved in 1990 which is worth noting. George H.W Bush officially recognized the 19th July as day to honor flight attendants’ contributions and how they had helped the aviation industry to flourish.

Present Day: cabin crew in modern times

Even the visionaries of aviation could not have predicted the popularity and developments of air travel. The number of people flying today has exceeded expectations, and with it, the roles of cabin crew have changed. Today is less about playing the ukulele or fluffing pillows and is predominantly about ensuring the safety of passengers.

You could argue that the glory days of exceptional air travel attention for a host is over, which is especially the case on budget airlines that prioritize cheap travel – just like their customers. However, you can still experience this bespoke and personal service when you fly with the best airlines on long-haul flights, as well as on private chartered jets. The same way that engineers and manufacturers discovered ways of creating motorcycles that fit all budgets, the same is being achieved in the aviation industry. The jobs of cabin crew are thus being affected by these new priorities and changes.

How has the shift in in-flight needs changed the demographics of today’s flight attendants? The answer is a lot. A 2015 report from the Bureau of Labour Statistics states that the average age of today’s flight attendant is almost 47 and more surprising is that male attendants are younger than their female colleagues by two years. The report also illustrated the jobs they have to complete; today a flight attendant will spend between 75 and 100 hours in the sky per month and complete 50 hours of paperwork.

Ultimately, there jobs a more complex than the flight attendants of yesterday. They focus their attention on the safety and specific needs of passengers. They also have a more in-depth knowledge of weather and turbulence. Not to forget all the safety checks they must complete on their equipment and before allowing passengers to disembark the aircraft.

What About Private Jet Crew?

There is an argument that the roles of private jet crew and attendants working on commercial planes is different. Although they both concentrate their efforts on keeping passengers as safe as possible, private jet flight attendants are more likely to also provide a stellar service that goes the extra mile. They may be more attentive and more responsive to requests as well.

Most private jet flight attendants have a history of working on commercial planes. They use their experience to step up and progress into private jet attendants via specialized training. Many of the people who are selected to work for chartered jet companies are selected based on their experiences with other companies but also because they have useful skills and other service backgrounds such as being a personal chef or other high-profile roles in hospitality. Most private jet workers also need to work with discreteness and confidentiality because their passengers are celebrities and people in the public eye.

The world’s richest and most famous people often have high expectations from their flight attendants – and these attendants are up to the challenge. It requires dedication, hard work, professionalism, and great problem-solving skills. Just like the expectations placed on them, the sky is also the limit for earning potential in these roles.

Becoming a Pilot in America

Becoming a pilot seems to be a dream held by many youngsters. The problem is, the idea of becoming a pilot and soaring through the skies across the world appears to get put in the same basket as impossible dreams, like a pop singer or world-famous ballerina.

Yet, this shouldn’t be the case, as becoming a pilot is actually a very achievable dream for any child growing up. They just need the support of a parent, who will help their child soar through the clouds with some essential educational choices as they grow up. Or, perhaps you’re thinking of training as a pilot now, and you’d like advice on the steps you need to take.

Well, lucky for you, our guide to becoming a pilot here in America will take you through every decision and detail you’ll need to achieve before gaining your pilot license.

Choosing the Type of Pilot You Would Like to Be

Knowing you’d like to be a pilot might seem like a big decision, but you have another choice ahead of you – just what kind of pilot would you like to be? As, by choosing early on, you’ll be able to train at the best school for that type of pilot.

Commercial Pilot

Commercial pilots are those that have a license to take passengers on smaller aircraft such as a taxi or cargo charter. Although, a commercial pilot could also be booked to fly a plane being used for charitable or humanitarian trips, rescue operations or for providing aerial photographs or video.

It’s important to note, that if you have your heart set on flying a private jet, you should obtain your commercial license as a first step to this dream.

Salary expectations: Annual salary up to approximately $77,000.

Private Pilot

If your dream is to fly some of the richest and most powerful people across the globe, all on luxurious private jets, then you should look to receive a private license. One of the major plus points of a private license is that you can have the flexibility to visit far more airports across the world, which you might never visit as an airline pilot. Your earnings will be limited though, as you cannot receive payment for anything other than your time in the air flying.

Generally, a private license is extremely popular for men and women who wish to fly their own private plane. As this cuts costs of employing a pilot as well as providing the excitement of flying your own plane.

Just remember, you’ll most likely need a commercial license as well as a private pilot license to fly a private plane.

Salary expectations: Dependent on the work undertook.

Airline Pilot

For most, airline pilots are the dream job, as it is these pilots that get to fly those amazing and enormous airplanes across the world. Of course, because you’ll be flying a very large plane with a lot of passengers, you can expect this pilot’s license to be the most intensive to receive. However, it is more than worth the effort.

Salary expectations: Up to approximately $127,000 annually.

Multi-Crew Pilot

While the multi-crew license isn’t exactly the most exciting way to fly a plane, as here you’ll only be able to fly a plane with a co-pilot under specific conditions. Don’t disregard this training though, as this is a wonderful first step towards gaining a more fulfilling pilot’s license.

Salary expectation: Low earnings due to the basic nature.

Types of Certificates and Licenses Available in Pilot Training

Gaining the pilot certificates and licenses below should be viewed as ticking the boxes required for obtaining the pilot job you’ve always dreamed of. So, once you’ve decided on the pilot career you’d like, it’s time to work towards the license required for that career.

Student Pilot Certificate

Before you start training for any license, you’re going to need a Student Pilot Certificate. So, no matter what career you crave, you must gain this certificate first, as it will be needed for you to fly solo in a plane.

Gaining this certificate can be quite simple, with applicants (who must be over 16) needing to pass certain requirements. Firstly, you will need to be able to communicate and read in English to a high level (this will be to Federal Aviation Regulations). You will also need to pass a medical exam, which will look at a number of areas including: sight, hearing, mental health, fitness, heart health, lung health, urine test and blood tests. The doctor will also take your medical history into account.

Lastly, before you can achieve you student certificate, you need a letter of recommendation from a flight instructor.

Private Pilot License

After receiving your student certificate, the next fundamental step in your career as a pilot is to look to obtain a private pilot license. As you’ve already obtained you student certificate, it’s known that you can speak and write English to a high standard, however, this time you will need to be at least 17 before applying.

With a private license you can show that you know how to perform elementary flying, so you can now take small planes into the air for your own use. Just remember, when flying with other people on board, you cannot make your passengers pay for this flight.

This is generally the license level that those people who own a private jet will seek to obtain, as this means you can fly that jet yourself.

Commercial Pilot License

While a private license won’t allow passengers to pay for your flying, you can achieve this when you gain your commercial license. This is more involved that those licenses mentioned above, which will include lessons on how to fly in high altitude. You’ll also need to learn about the safety of your passengers and what to do in an emergency.

This license will not allow you to pilot a plane for an airline, though. For this you will need further training. Like the student certificate and private license, though, you need a great command of English and be in good health. You will need to be 18 or over in this case.

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

For most, this airline license is the ultimate goal and is essential for those looking to work for an American airline. Because an airline license is more involved, there are more stringent requirements before you can even apply for training.

Firstly, you’re going to need to be 23 years or older before you can apply. You’ll also need in excess of 1,500 hours flying in the sky. Like other licenses, you’ll need to be in good health, however, the health checks here will be far more intense. After all, you’ll be flying planes with a large number of passengers.

To get your ATPL certificate, there are two main approaches. Firstly, with full-time study, your teaching will take around a year to 18 months to complete depending on the flight school or university you choose. You can also choose a less intensive method – known as modular training – where you can choose to learn in your own time, ideal for those needing to work to fund their studies.

Multi-Crew License

Although less popular than other licenses, the multi-crew variety still holds a lot of merit for those looking for a career in the skies. To apply for yours, you will need to be 18 or older, have 250 air hours under your belt and a hefty 750 hours studying in aviation.

How to Find a Flight School for Your Training

When choosing a flight school, it is essential that you pick an FFA-approved school. As, you can learn in a non-credited school as much as you like, but you will be unable to fly here in America without qualifications from a credited school. You can find a list of FAA-approved schools online.

While studying at a flight school, you will gain experience in both flying as well as being taught lots of theoretical knowledge. This study will help equip you with everything you need to know to pass your exams for the FAA and usually occurs in a classroom or through online learning.

When it comes to flight training, you will either learn in a simulator or approved plane.

Applying for a school will mean you need to complete a number of tests and showcase a number of attributes, as these flight degrees are very popular and the schools will only want to accept the best in applicants. What you will be tested on will depend on the university or college you apply to; however, you can expect to be tested on how well you work in a team, your plane knowledge, simulation tests and exams on math and spatial awareness. There is likely to be an intensive interview to test your mental strength and how well you cope under pressure.

How Much Does Training to Be a Pilot Cost?

As well as years of intensive training, it’s important to realize that this studying can also be very expensive. Indeed, you can expect to pay from $15,000 to $125,000 to gain your chosen license. Plus, you will also need to pay to complete the required hours in the sky that is needing to get a job in the industry – for instance, an airline pilot needs at least 1,500 hours in the sky.

This can seem a lot of money – because it is! Just remember, the money and the hard work will be worth the employment and prestige you receive at the end. Plus, with airline pilots receiving enviable salaries, you’ll soon pay off your student debt.

If you are considering a career in the skies, here at Air Charter Service we have an aviation scholarship that seeks to help the best individuals have the career they deserve.

Applying for a Job in the Plane Industry

Once you’re training is complete, you might just be a little shocked at how easy it is to apply for a job in the industry. Indeed, especially with airlines, these companies are happy to snap up eager and talented pilots. Here it’s best to start out small, applying for short-haul, regional flights is key. That way you can gain experience and work your way up to becoming a prestigious international pilot.

Other Careers in the Flight Industry

Not everyone who trains to be a pilot wants to head off to be an airline pilot. In some cases, you may wish to become a teacher instead, putting your knowledge back into a new era of pilots. Indeed, many pilots who have worked as a commercial or airline pilot for a number of years will choose to become a flight instructor as a less intensive career.

Becoming a flight instructor is also popular amongst students, as this is a simple way to increase your air hours. Plus, once you’ve completed training to be an instructor, you can use this as a way to earn money while studying and increasing your hours. It will also look good on job applications.

Instructor courses that increase flight hours include:

• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
• Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)

To start one of these courses you will need to be 18 or over and have either a commercial or airline license.

Whether you’ve always dreamed of being a pilot or this is a relatively new goal, life as a pilot is an incredibly rewarding career. The training might be intensive, but it will be worth every bit of blood, sweat and tears.

How Much Does It Cost When Hiring A Private Jet 

In the past, flying was one of the most glamorous ways to travel. With many classic movies showcasing men and women dressed in their finest outfits, sipping champagne from crystal flutes. Which is a stark comparison to flying these days, where passengers feel like they’re being cramped into planes like sardines, as airlines try to make the most money from every flight. Worse still, forget that champagne, you’ll be lucky to get a warm glass of cheap white wine included on your flight.

So, what do you do if you really want to enjoy the glitz and glamour of flying in the Golden Age of Aviation? No, you won’t need a time machine – you simply need to fly private!

What is the Usual Cost to Fly Private?

It’s not just the glamour and privacy that makes using a private jet so wonderful. By owning your own jet, you have the flexibility to fly off to anywhere in the world whenever you want. Which means you won’t have to spend hours getting frustrated on flight comparison websites, looking for a flight at a time and date that suits you. Plus, just think how spectacular that private jet shot will look on your social media pages.

Of course, with such benefits, if we could all fly private, we would. What stops us, though, is the fact that a private jet flight comes with a very large price tag. So, just how much will flying private or owning your own private jet cost you?

Well, answering that is rather complex, especially when you need to take so many different considerations into account. For one, flying privately as a one-off will be cheaper than buying your own jet. However, if you plan to fly privately on a regular basis, owning that jet will be far more economical. Then, of course, you also need to take into account your destination, costs associated with a plane and the size/specifications of that particular jet.

Where Can You Buy a Private Jet?

If you’re looking to buy a private jet, our team has some of the best expertise in the flight industry. This knowledge, matched with our Jet Advisors collaboration, allows us to match our clients with their ideal aircraft. Even better, we have a global reach that spans across the globe and over a century of knowledge in the airport sector. Which means, we can introduce you to the best new and second-hand private jets currently available, all with a simple and pleasant experience for customers.

Here are a small number of the aircrafts available to buy through our services:

Private Jets Currently On The Market

Cessna Citation I SP

Year built: 1980
Price: Offers accepted by owner
Passenger capacity: 7
Specifications:

• 967.9 AFTT
• 3879 Landings/Cycles
• Certifications: RVSM, MNPS
• Freon Air Conditioning: CESCOM
• Thrust Reversers
• Provisions for HF radio
• ADF: Collins ADF-60A
• Dual Air Data Computers: Shadin
• Communication Radios: Collins VHF-20
• Compass: Dual Sperry Rand/Honeywell C-14 Gyrosyn
• DME: Collins DME-40
• Flight Director: Honeywell FZ-500
• GPS: King Bendix KLN-90B
• Navigation Radios: Dual Collins VIR-30A
• Radar Altimeter: Sperry Rand/Honeywell
• RMI: Dual Collins 332C-10
• Transponder: Dual Collins TDR-90
• Weather Radar: Collins WXR-300

Cessna Citation II

Year Built: 1982
Price: $295,000
Passenger Capacity: 9
Specifications:

• 17,261 AFTT
• 13,147 Landings/Cycles
• Maintained: EU OPS
• Not on any maintenance program, always hangared
• Certifications: RVSM
• Equipped with: CESCOM, RVSM
• Avionics: ADF: Dual Collins
• CVR, FDR, RMI: Dual Collins
• Avionics Package: Collins Pro Line II
• DME: Dual Collins
• Navigation Radios: Dual Collins
• Aircraft will be delivered with fresh Phase 5 inspection
• In addition to the asking price, three spare engines and spare parts are available to purchase
• On current AOC with EU operator (EASA) Danish registration

Bombardier Learjet 35A

Year Built: 1982
Price: $395,000
Passenger Capacity: 8 (includes belted toilet) or 1 stretcher and 5 seats or 2 stretchers and 3 seats
Specifications:

• 17,747 AFTT
• 11,985 Landings/Cycles
• EASA Compliant, still on AOC
• Long range tanks
• STC for medical equipment/stretcher
• Avionics ADF: Dual Collins ADF-60A w/dual ANT-60A antenna
• Altimeter: Aerosonic standby
• Autopilot: J.E.T. FC-200 w/YD-202 yaw damper
• Communication Radios: Dual Collins VHF-21C w/8.33 spacing and dual CTL-22C controllers
• CVR: Fairchild A100A
• DME: Collins DME-40
• FDR: Fairchild F800
• GPS: Dual Trimble 2101 I/O Plus
• Hi Frequency: King KTR-953 w/KAC-952 antenna and Motorola NA-135 SELCAL
• HSI: Collins Pilot
• Navigation Radios: Dual Collins VIR-30A
• Radar Altimeter: Collins ALT-55B
• RMI: Aeronetics
• TAWS: Honeywell Mark VIII EGPWS
• TCAS: Honeywell CAS-67A TCAS-II w/change 7.1
• Transponder: Dual Honeywell MST-67A w/PS-550 controller
• On current AOC with EU operator (EASA) Danish registration

Hawker 800B

Year Built: 1985
Price: $890,000
Passenger Capacity: 8
Specifications:

• 12,465 AFTT
• 8,169 Landings/Cycles
• EASA Compliant
• Maintained on CAFAM, Engines and APU are not on MSP. E Inspection (12 Mths) – 15 April 2019, F Inspection (24 Mths) –15 April 2020, G Inspection (48 Mths) – 15 April 2022, B Inspection (800 Hrs) – 718 Hrs to go, C Inspection (1600 Hrs) –1518 Hrs to go
• TCAS 7.1 Compliant
• Honeywell MK VIII EGPWS
• Honeywell Class B TAWS
• Collins Five Tube EFIS 86C
• Dual Collins VIR 32 Navs
• Dual Collins VHF-22B Comms
• Dual Collins EFD-85 Flight Directors
• Dual Honeywell MST67A Transponders
• Dual Collins Air Data Computers
• Dual Universal UNS-1Msp FMS
• Dual King-956 HF Comms w/ SELCAL
• Collins APS-85B Autopilot, Collins DME-42
• Collins ADF-60B Collins ALT-55B Altimeter
• Collins WXP-85 Color Radar
• Collins ALT-55B Radar Altimeter
• Trimble 2000 GPS, SAT/AFIS
• Multi-Function Display
• Certifications: EASA, RVSM, MNPS, Aug 2017
• Interior refurbishment and March 2018 exterior

Hawker 800XP

Year Built: 2000
Price: $2,450,000
Passenger Capacity: 8
Specifications:

• Cabin: 21 feet long, 5 foot 8 inches tall,  6 feet wide an
•  Enclosed lavatory
• The jet has a long range that can fly from New York to Singapore
• 6,087 AFTT
• 3,958 Landings/Cycles
• Maintained: JAR OPS General and EASA Compliant; Maintained on CAFAM, B & D inspections c/w 11/14. E, F, G & 16-Year Structural inspections c/w 12/04/15. Gear overhaul due 02/24
• Engines on MSP Gold. APU on MSP
• Two owners since new
• Professionally operated and maintained
• Refurbished and repainted 2016
• Certifications: RVSM
• Avionics: Dual Honeywell RNZ-850
• Autopilot: Honeywell SPZ-8000 IFCS
• AFIS: AlliedSignal AFIS
• Avionics Package: Honeywell Primus II
• Communication Radios: Dual Honeywell RCS-851E w/8.33 kHz spacing
• CVR: Universal CVR -120
• Navigation Radios: Dual Honeywell RNZ-850 w/RM immunity
• EFIS: Honeywell 5-tube
• DME: Dual Honeywell RNZ-850
• FDR: AlliedSignal
• FDR; Flight Rules: IFR
• Flight Director: Dual Honeywell EDZ-818
• FMS: Dual Honeywell FMZ-2000 w/GPS
• Equipped with: Engine Maintenance Program, 8.33 channel spacing, FM immunity, Traffic Collision Avoidance System, Flight Data Recorder
• Not equipped with Winglets, XPR Upgrade

What Should You Consider When Purchasing a Private Plane?

Just because you’d like to buy a private jet doesn’t mean you should run out and buy the first plane your come across. Rather, to get the best private jet for your needs, you need to take a step back and consider what size and type of plane you need. After all, private planes come in a large number of sizes:

• Small: light jets and small turboprops 
• Medium: midsize jets or the larger ‘super’ variety
• Large: heavy jets

Passenger Capacity

Firstly, the most important factor you need to think about is how many passengers your jet should carr, that is, how many seats you will regularly need for your private flight. If it’s just you travelling mostly, you will only need a small jet. However, if you plan to travel with your large family or a number of business associates, you will need a larger jet with more seats.

Travel Distance

While your passenger number will quite clearly dictate your jet size, it’s also important to take your travel distance into consideration when choosing the size of private jet to buy. For instance, if you choose a small plane because of small passenger numbers, yet you plan to take your jet on a lot of long-distance trips you might have made a poor choice. This is due to the fact that, because you chose a smaller plane, you will have a smaller fuel tank, too. Which means you will need to make a larger number of fuel stops. This will not only increase your journey time, but will also incur you airport charges. So, although the smaller jet seemed cheaper, a larger private jet could have been a better choice economically.

On the flipside, if you buy a large jet and only travel short distances, this can mean you waste money as well.

Buying New or Second-hand

Unlike other areas in life, when buying new is a must. When it comes to your private jet, there are advantages to both new and second-hand aircrafts, with many people choosing to save themselves money by opting for a pre-owned plane. So, which should you go for when choosing your perfect jet?

First of all, it’s important to realize that an aircraft’s age isn’t really counted in the number of years it had been built. So, even though you’ve seen a plane for sale from say, 1982, which seems very old, this plane may be considered young in comparison to a jet built in 1992. That’s because the lifespan of an aircraft is associated with the number of hours that plane has spent in the air, as well as the number of landings it has made. This means, although a jet might be decades old, it can still be a very shrewd purchase.
Here are some price differences between new and second-hand aircrafts:

• Cessna Citation M2 (seats 7) will cost around $4.5 million new and $3.5 million pre-owned
• Learjet 75 (seats 9) will cost around $13.5 million with a second-hand around $7 million
• Gulfstream G650 (seats 10) is a super luxury jet and will cost around $64.5 million new and $62 million pre-owned
• Bombardier Global 6000 (seats 17) starts at around $60.5 million new and $50 million second-hand

While a pre-owed jet might cost you less initially, it is important to remember that an aircraft comes with a lot of maintenance costs. Indeed, your maintenance and repairs could put you back thousands, even millions, every year on a pre-owned plane. Whereas, if you bought a jet new, it will come with a warranty that will cover repair costs for the first couple of years you have it.

Other Costs Associated with a Private Jet

These aren’t the only costs associated with owning your own private jet, though. When putting together your budget, you will also need to consider insurance for your plane, the cost of fuel and a hanger space to store that plane. There will also be salaries and expenses needed for your pilot and members of your plane’s crew.

You may wish to change how the cabin of your jet looks – both new and pre-owned – in order for it to suit your needs and taste. A luxury interior can cost a staggering $100 million to make your cabin look perfect. Generally, though, you may just wish to change the seating arrangement to suit your passengers or alter the design so it matches that plane you always dreamed of. That’s the wonderful thing about owning your own aircraft, you have the freedom to do as you please with your interior.

Charter a Private Plane Instead

Now that you’ve seen the large expenses owning a private jet brings, you may wish to consider renting a private jet instead. Indeed, for most travelers, a private charter makes far more financial sense, as you get all the perks and glamour of private flight, without the additional costs of owning that flight. As here, although your charter will include expenses such as refueling your plane, charges for using an airport and the cost of the flying team – you will not face the costs of maintaining that plane, which is often the most expensive part of owning a plane.

Pick a Different Plane for Every Trip

Another advantage of a charter is the fact you don’t need to choose one plane for all your travelling. Instead, you can keep your jet cost-effective by choosing an aircraft that suits both the number of passengers flying and the distance you plan to travel.

As an example, you can travel on a Piper PA-34 Seneca that holds 5 people, where flying from Boston in Massachusetts to a small island called Nantucket will cost around $3,000. Or, for a Hawker 750 that seats 8 people, a Boston to Chicago trip would cost around $21,000. Which shows, if you have the ability to choose the best size jet for your needs every flight, you can save yourself a lot of money.

It’s also important to note that when you own a private jet, it might not be suitable for the flight you wish to make. This is particularly true for those who own smaller aircrafts, where for longer flights you might need to use a bigger aircraft or choose to fly commercially. There are also airports – such as St Bart’s and Courchevel, where the runway isn’t suitable to all aircrafts due to the short length. So, in cases like this, you would need to charter a smaller jet to get to these destinations.

If you would like to find out more on how much a charter might cost, you can read our dedicated article here.

Save Yourself More Money with ‘Empty Leg’ Flights

As well as choosing the correct plane size, you can also save money on something called an ‘empty leg’ flight. These flights occur when a private jet is heading back to its home hanger or when that aircraft has to travel to another airport for a booking. Because these flights will happen with or without passengers, you can bag yourself very large discounts on private flights. In fact, your flight could be nearly 75% cheaper than what a chartered flight on the same leg would cost. You can discover more about empty leg flights when you read our Cheapest Private Jet Charter Trips article.

If you’re interested in either buying your own private jet or travelling via an arranged charter, simply get in touch with our team today. We’ll help you pick the correct jet and method of travel for your needs.

Conquer Your Aviophobia: The Fear Of Flying

Flying has become the go-to form of transport, whether trotting across the globe or relocating within the same country. Thanks to an excellent safety record and cheap fares, the demand for commercial aircraft seats is growing. Despite the surge in demand, the International Civil Aviation Organisation has found that 40% of surveyed adults have a fear of flying. This fear is also called aviophobia.

What Exactly Is Aviophobia?

Aviophobia, also known to some as aerophobia, is a fear of flying that is so prevalent that those who suffer from it will do everything they can to never step on an aircraft. If they do have to go on a flight, they can experience panic attacks and anxiety. Aviophobia appears to be a fear of flying, but it also comes about through other psychological conditions. These are:

1.Acrophobia

Most or all of us are afraid of heights – or afraid of falling from them – but some of us have that fear to a debilitating degree. Acrophobia is when our fear of heights is excessive and prevents us from doing a number of things. One of those things is getting on a plane. People with acrophobia are not likely to fly without good reason and the thought of flying can send them into a severe panic.

2.Claustrophobia

This condition is when an individual has a fear of small and confined spaces with no perceived room for escape. When someone experiences claustrophobia they may have shortness of breath and other panic-like symptoms. It is crucial to remember that it is not just a small space that causes these feelings, but rather any space which feels restricted or confined.

The relationship between claustrophobia and flying is easy to spot. People may feel restricted in many instances of flying, from airport terminals, queues and on the aircraft itself.

3.Agoraphobia and Enochlophobia

Enochlophobia is another disorder that could arise when flying. It is a fear of crowds and the consequences of them such as struggling to be heard or that their personal space is going to be invaded. If this is the real underlying fear that contributes to a perceived fear of flying, the only way to avoid crowds would be to avoid commercial airlines and use chartered airlines, which is not an option for everyone.

Agoraphobia is similar but not the same as Enochlophobia. It is another phobia but in this instance, it is the phobia of environments where the person does not have any control, such as on a subway or in a large shopping mall. Flying is another one of these situations and can also be triggered from the airport terminal to the plane. It can result in anxiety and panic attacks.

What Do the Phobia Experts Say?

Author of The Worry Trick and Panic Attacks Workbook, David Carbonell, is a psychologist who specializes in phobias and fears. He has stated that most people who are afraid of flying do recognize that their fear is exaggerated. However, these people try extremely hard to empty their minds and reduce their anxiety that they become even more afraid. Their techniques are counterproductive.

Other people may have never had a problem with flying but an incident or experience changes their thinking and causes them to become afraid of flying. Examples include flying to see an ill relative or flying because they have become weaker themselves. Flying transforms from an easy experience to something that may be worried about or uncomfortable.

Some people with aviophobia will even refuse to go near an airport terminal, let alone get on a plane. One leading doctor has stated that these people are trying to distract themselves rather than process their experiences. When these people affirm the dangers of flying in this way, they allow their phobia to materialize.

Are There Any Aviophobia Treatment?

Treating aviophobia is important because it can prevent you from enjoying vacation time with friends and family, and not being able to fly may even harm your career if you reject to meet clients or carry out assignments overseas. The good news is there are ways that you can overcome aviophobia and mitigate its effects on you. Here are some of the best:

Controlled Flying Exposure

Robert Bor and Matthew price, a psychiatric consultant and pilot in the US Air Force and a clinical psychologist working at the University of Vermont respectively, agree that the most effective way to combat aviophobia is to control your exposure to flying.

The mainstream method of controlled exposure to flying involves the sufferer to expose themselves to the different stages of the flying process in stages. For example, one day them may experience the airport terminal and in time they may look around an aircraft. This is usually done with the assistance of a qualified therapist.

This can now be achieved with flight simulators as well. Some augmented reality simulators will allow you to experience every aspect of the flying process from crowded terminals to flying itself. This is one of the most innovative ways to implement controlled exposure techniques. There is more on other tech advancements shortly!

Whichever method a sufferer chooses, they should undertake controlled exposure with the help and support of a certified professional who understands the process needed to overcome a fear of flying.

Technological Savvy Solutions

Augmented reality simulators are not the only developments in tech that can help people who are scared of flying. Alec Gervash is an EASA and FAA commercial pilot who also holds a psychology degree. He has created a new app by the name of SkyGuru, which can be used to help people with flying fears.

He had the realization that those that have to fly despite their fears will experience the flight better if they had an expert on hand to explain what is happening during the flight, providing them a personal level of reassurance. This app does that and will explain turbulence, weather conditions and more. Here is how SkyGuru works in two simple steps:

1. The passenger will enter the date, departure time and their flight number into the app prior to flying. The app collects data about the previous seven flights that took that route and compares this data with real-time meteorological information.
2. The app uses the data it has to give the passenger updates on why there may be turbulence and other comforting reassurance when in-flight attendants are not available. It can be especially helpful during key stages of the flight such as at take-off and landing.

SkyGuru is already available on your app store and just like a therapist or pilot sitting with you – just a much more cost-effective option.

Pharmacological Medicines

Some people with a fear of flying will speak with their general practitioner and ask for prescribed medications to help their experiences be less traumatic. Any medicine that your doctor gives you is to be used as a short-term solution to that particular problem.

Remember that what your doctor prescribes will not be a cure for your fear of flying, these medicines may only reduce the severity of your symptoms when flying. You should never self-medicate to cope with flying.

Anxiety Therapy

Anxiety therapies are another way of getting professional help to conquer your fear. There are different types of anxiety therapies available to choose from, including cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy and psychotherapy.

Mr. Carbonell who was referred to earlier offers a treatment plan to get sufferers to first accept their fear of flying and then implement coping mechanisms. The plan makes the most of breathing exercises journaling when on a flight and desensitization methods. His groups are known for taking flight together to go through the process as a supportive group. The flight is not there to make them afraid but as a way to help them accept their fear. He states that the fear can only be mitigated when they experience flying for real.

No matter which type of coaching or therapy that you settle on, it is important that you follow all the rules of your program when flying. From reading materials to breathing exercises and any other techniques learned during therapies, make sure they are all implemented.

Are There Any Natural Remedies?

Breathing exercises may be given to you by a professional, but they can also be considered a natural remedy for aviophobia. There are plenty of breathing exercises ready for download, which you can listen to on your flight and put into practice.

Food and drinks which contain high levels of sugar must be avoided. The sugar in these products will increase your energy levels and make anxiety even worse. Alcohol has sometimes been recommended to ‘take the edge off’ but alcohol can have the same effect as sugary foods and drinks – once the effects wear off.

What About Chartering a Private Plane?

Not everyone can afford to fly by private jet, but chartering a plane could be another way of reducing the symptoms experienced when flying with aviophobia due to the additional comfort and seamless experience. Chartering a private jet means:

• Quicker check-in
• Effortless and crowd-less boarding
• No worry about having personal space invaded – lots more space
• Relaxing atmosphere
• Attentive and personal crew who are there to reassure you and provide explanations
• Unrivaled comfort

You do not need to live with your fear of flying any longer, or at least, you do not have to live with severe symptoms of aviophobia. Whether you choose augmented reality, prescriptions, professional therapy or a private jet, there are many options for you to explore and benefit from. You can overcome your fear of flying!

Florida to Michigan: Why Not Charter A Private Jet?

2020 will be an incredibly fun year in Michigan. You can enjoy time at the Cross-Country Skiing Championship in Houghton, the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival or the UP State Fair. If you are planning a getaway to Michigan, now is the time to book your travel plans if you are flying out of Florida. We have created this informative guide to taking your flight in a chartered private jet, allowing you to transport in elegancy. You will face no lines, visit luxury lounges at the airport, and have ample room to relax or get some work finished. More benefits await you.

Florida’s best private airports

• Miami Executive Airport, is easily accessible by driving southwest from downtown Miami for only 13 miles.
• Palm Beach International Airport sitting three miles away from the beautiful area of West Palm Beach is a luxurious airport for private jets.
• Key West International Airport is very quick to get to by driving two miles to the east of Key Wests’ commercial center.
• Jacksonville Executive/Craig Airport, this favorite airport with leisure and business flyers who want to use private jet charters can be driven to just eight miles east of the business district of Jacksonville.
• Orlando Executive Airport can be found just minutes from the business and industrial districts of Orlando, heading east in Orange County for three miles.

Michigan’s best five airports

Michigan is a midwestern state with a name that originated out of the original Ojibwe descriptions of the U.S. Great Lake. “Mishigamaa” is a term meaning “large lake” or “large water”. Michigan has the only two peninsulas in America and is bordered from the south by Indiana and Ohio, and at its east by Wisconsin, while sharing a border of water with Minnesota, Illinois, and Ontario, Canada. Five of the best airports serving Michigan can be seen below:

• Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the home of commercial flights, and sits southeast of Grand Rapids by 13 miles, while it serves the state as Michigan’s second busiest place to fly out of.
• Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City’s central business district is two miles northwest in the county of Grand Traverse and offers perfect business flights and casual jet charters that are private.
• Bishop International Airport is located in Flint, Michigan and has become a top luxurious airport since 2007, following multiple renovations.
• MBS International Airport serves the close by cities of Saginaw, Midland and Bay city, working out of Freeland, Michigan.
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport with six runways, this airport is Michigan’s biggest and busiest and one of the United States’ largest hubs. Private charters of jets are easy to accommodate here.

How long does the flight from Florida to Michigan take?

Flights to Michigan from Florida will take between approximately two and a little longer than three hours. The difference in travel times depend on the airports you fly to and from, as well as the jet’s size and flight speed in which you fly. We provide some flight time examples and the best private and business planes for your use:

Flying from Orlando’s Executive Airport to Detroit’s Metro Wayne County Airport is approximately a little less than two hours and thirty minutes. A Cessna Citation will get you and four guests there easily.

It will be a slightly longer than three hours to arrive at Bishop International Airport via Key West International Airport. You and eight additional passengers can take this quick flight on a Bombardier Challenger 300

A flight for Cherry Capital Airport out of Jacksonville International Airport is usually two hours and thirty minutes in a Hawker Beechcraft 400 that fits up to seven passengers.

The best events Michigan has to offer in 2020

Michigan is host to tons of fair and festivals involving everyone’s favorite staples of culture, music and food, all year long. It would be a smart move to pack a bathing suit to be able to enjoy any of the fun activities that occur around and on Lake Michigan, which is one of the United States’ great lakes. Here are some popular 2020 events taking place in this great state:

2020 U.S. Cross Country Skiing Championship – From January 2nd to the 7th, 2020, you can watch this exciting skiing championship in Houghton at the Center for Tech Nordic Skiing.

Ironwood Snowmobile The professional vintage Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus has been moved closer to the public and is bigger and more fun than ever before. There will be three huge races at the Gogebic County Fairgrounds at 648 West Cloverland Drive.

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival – you can’t miss this year’s 10-day long celebration of Lilacs beginning June 5th and continuing through the 14th in 2020. This family-fun event is the largest kick-off of summer programs the island holds and is visited by thousands of people. You will enjoy the Lilac Festival Queen and her Court coronation, the Lilac 10K Walk/Run, touring around in a horse and carriage, listening to the vast number of concerts, many wine tastings, Mackinac’s Culinary event, a pony and dog program, and of course the children’s favorite Lilac Grand Parade.

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest – The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is a premier event during the summer, filled with family-fun entertainment. This event has planned activities for anyone who visits, including stunt kites, skydiving shows, fireworks, rides for the kiddies, fun activities for the little ones, and the most popular attraction, balloon launches, and maybe even a few fly-ins before the adult evening glow. You will discover several new attractions and events in store for this year’s festival, so be sure not to miss it June 26th to the 28th, 2020.

UP State Fair – Michigan’s grand state fair takes place in August from the 17th through the 23rd of 2020, marking more than a decade of independent operations without state funding. This has become Michigan’s lone state fair.

What is the cost of chartering a private flight on a jet to Michigan from Florida?

A private charter jet to Michigan out of Florida will have a set cost based on the type of plane and the path of flight it takes. You can take a look here for a better understanding.  Each jet boasts a unique collection of amenities that include entertainment systems, lounges and bedrooms. 

The Fastest Private Jets in the World

According to experts in the aviation industry, we are on the cusp of real advancements in travel by faster jets than ever before. Especially with the class of aircraft known as Supersonic Business Jets revolutionizing charter flights in private jets. Already still in development, the first SSBJ in the world is set to be launched in 2023 at the latest. The AS2 by Aerion is reportedly going to save businesses around 662 flight hours a year, with 34% of those accounting for international flights. That translates to a staggering 3 ½ weeks or 142 hours for each passenger.

While we await with great anticipation the introduction of the Aerion AS2, let’s take a look at 10 of the fastest private jets currently in use or production.

10. Bombardier Aviation Challenger 650

First on our list is the Challenger 650 private jet from Bombardier Aviation. Not only can this fly at 554mph and cover 4,000 nautical miles, but it offers a lot more. Thanks to the steep approach certification that this, like so many other Challenger aircraft before it, meets it can fly to and from tricky airports like Lugano in Switzerland and Aspen in Colorado and easily land in London City Airport. What stands out about the Challenger 650 though above all that is the fact its cabin dimensions are the widest for its class with room for 12 passengers. Add to that the fact it has the lowest operating costs mean that it is often the go-to option for private jet charter companies and corporate flight departments around the world.

The cockpit of the Challenger 650 is a high-tech affair that utilizes a cabin management software built from Ka-band-inspired tech to provide the world’s fastest internet connectivity while in the air.

9. Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X and Falcon 8X

Next up we have both the Falcon 7X and more recently launched 8X from Dassault Aviation. These can both reach speeds of Mach 0.90 leaving them sitting pretty in the speed rankings at around 600 miles per hour. The Falcon 8X boasts a cabin that’s 43-feet long and offers room for 14 passengers. It’s slightly higher than the Bombardier as it can fly without stopping across 7,400 nautical miles. Another aspect of both Falcon aircraft is their ability to handle the steep ascents and descents required for many of the world’s airports in awkward locations that bigger jets just can’t get to. Interestingly, the 8X also beats out many of Dassault’s rivals as its 35% more efficient when it comes to fuel use. This is largely due to the improved Pratt & Whitney Canada PW300 engines and the upgrades to the wing design.

Recently, the company curiously secured the trademark on 10X, leading experts in the industry to suspect Dassault’s first foray into the SSBJ market might be coming in the not too distant future.

8. Gulfstream Aerospace G550

From Gulfstream Aerospace, our 8th place fastest jet is the remarkable G550, which with 2 high-performance Rolls Royce-built engines is capable of greater thrust than other private jets of a similar class. It can cover a reasonable 6.750 nautical miles and reaches speeds of around 670 miles per hour making it an obvious choice for many business passengers looking to travel in style from city to city without requiring irritating layover. It’s not just the miles it can cover or the speed it can travel at though, that makes this a special private jet, it’s the comfort it provides its passengers. A maximum of can sit with the opportunity for 8 people to sleep.

With the company registering trademarks the names G1100 and G1200, though, and further entries into our list, it seems as if Gulfstream are looking to enter SSBJ sector.

7. Cessna Citation X+

Cessna had already made its mark on the private jet industry with the original Citation aircraft. In response to the demand from customers for an even faster plane, came the Citation X+, which is 7th in our list. Its passengers wanted faster and faster is what they got as this model can reach top speeds of just under 720 miles per hour. This is due to its Rolls Royce-built turbo fan AE3007C2 FADEC-controlled engines.

6. Bombardier Aviation Global 7500 and 8000 Jets

The second appearance of Bombardier Aviation in our list is for the Global 7000 and forthcoming 8000 models. Reportedly, their Global 7000 reached speeds of over 650 miles per hour in flight tests, making it the biggest of its kind to travel at such speeds. It was first launched into the private jet sector in December last year and can cover 7.700 miles non-stop at the slightly lower but nonetheless impressive operational speeds of around 610 miles per hour. Thanks to its 54-feet+ cabin dimensions, the company received a prestigious Red Dot Design Award.

Although it has yet to be launched, and is due in 2019, the Bombardier Global 8000 will be able to cover even greater distances of 7,900 miles.

5. Gulfstream Aerospace G500 and G600

Similarly, to the Gulfstream G650 model, listed next, the G500 and the G600 can reach the same flight speed of around 710 miles per hour. While the G500 can cover 5.750 nautical miles without stopping, the G600 can stay in the air for 7.130 nautical miles. Both aircraft can cater to 19 passengers with cabins that are 8-feet wide by 6-feet 4-inches tall, with the G500 measuring 41-feet 6-inches and G600 measuring just a bit more than 45-feet in length.

4. Gulfstream Aerospace G650 and G650ER

Another two entries from Gulfstream Aerospace are the G650 and G650ER. These max out with longer ranges than the previous two noted in our list above, with non-stop flight distances of around 8,055 nautical miles and 8,631 nautical miles. What does this actually mean in tangible terms? Well consider flying westward in the G650 can travel around the world within just a little more than 41-hours. These incredibly quick jets are already in the record books for 22 city-pair speeds. The cabins are generally sized at 47-feet long and can offer comfortable seating for 18 passengers and sleeping space for 10.

3. Bombardier Global 6000 and 6500

As we get closer to the top of our list, we have the Global 6000 and 6500 from Bombardier. Originally the Global 6000 was launched by Bombardier as the Global Express XRS. The great thing about this is the lighting and layout of the cabin have been greatly improved, while it is capable of longer ranged journeys and higher operational speeds than previous models. Its advanced flight range is improved by the inclusion of a 1,486-pounds fuel tank located at its wing root.

Other enhancements and improvements that the Global 6000 benefit from is the fact that it has cutting edge-mechanics and computer systems means the fuel tank is filled to full capacity around 15 minutes quicker. For many, the Bombardier Global 6000 is regarded by industry experts and fanatics alike to be one of the best and most advanced long flight range private jet designed for passengers and travelers who are highly demanding.

To join the G6000, Bombardier introduced the world to the G6500 in 2018, with this newer model being launched for service by December 2019. This model has been designed with an upgraded wing that provides an amazing high flight speed of around 690 miles per hour.

2. Dassault Aviation Falcon 900B

The second to the top, as far as we are concerned, is the Dassault Aviation Falcon 900 and 900B. While the Falcon 900 is capable of a flight range of around 4,598 nautical miles and can reach speeds of around 645 miles per hour. The 900B is a French-built business jet capable of seating an impressive 19 passengers and features an advanced S-duct-equipped centrally positioned engine, increase flight range and better engines overall.

What makes this such an impressive feat of private jet engineering? It’s an ingenious combination of materials in the fuselage (titanium, carbon fiber and Kevlar) meaning it has a much more lightweight build compared to similar twinjet models in the same class. Overall, this means it benefits from greater fuel efficiency.

1. Aerion AS2

Was there any chance it was going to be any other private jet at number one than the SSBJ from Aerion AS2? Development has not been completed, but the feeling in the industry is this 12-seater jet will really push things forward. Such is the interest in this SSBJ that Lockheed Martin and Airbus have been attached to its construction, with Boeing the latest to lend financial backing to see more than a decade’s worth of planning, designing and building come to fruition.
The plan is, once it has passed rigorous flight tests with a prototype for it to be certified as early as 2012. The speed Aerion are expecting the AS2 to reach is Mach 1.6, meaning it can travel at a jaw breaking 1,217 miles per hour. What does that mean for air travel?

Well, a New York to London flight could take a little under three hours to complete, completely revolutionizing the idea of what private jet travel means. As part of the company’s goal for business charter jet domination, they already have plans to build 5 test flight vehicles to help it achieve the necessary certification by 2025 at the latest. Following its work with Lockheed Martin, Airbus and now Boeing, the company also agreed to a special engine partnership contract with pioneers GE Aviation.

Deserving of an Honorable Mention – Lockheed Martin X-59 QueSST

A list involving the fastest private jets in the world, especially those reaching SSBJ classification would not be complete without giving a special nod to Lockheed Martin’s developments in this department. Consider first the SR-71 Blackbird from the company that was utilized by the United States Air Force as a reconnaissance craft for long-range missions from 1964 to 1998. That still has the pride of place at the top spot as the fastest in the world of its kind, capable of achieving 2,200 miles per hour.

Not content with just milking that standing, the company has been developing the X-59 QueSST pictured above. The cost of this aircraft is in the region of $247.5 million and the company hopes it will be the first to offer everyday civilians the benefits of supersonic air travel.

As hinted in its name, which is shorthand for Quiet Supersonic Technology, it promises to overcome the issue with supersonic flight that has derailed it in the past – sonic boom. It will hopefully be able to reach top speeds of Mach 2.2 in near silence.

The hope of Lockheed Martin is that it will be fully launched and available for flights by 2022. So, we would recommend you watch this space.

The 5 Most Expensive Private Jets In the World

Owning a jet cannot be just for wealthy people, more for the wealthiest among us. But the amount of jets owned by private individuals is rising rapidly. Because of this you have statistically more chance of flying on one of the private jets these days more than any other. We can look and see who owns private jets and the exact value of them.

The wealthiest men in the world, Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, both have private jets. While there were fewer billionaires this year than there were last year, there are still a great many billionaires left in the world. In fact, there are 2153 billionaires according to Forbes. And private jets are something that billionaires love for getting around more quickly than flying by regular aircraft. It saves time, and therefore money.

Many billionaires don’t just want a jet though. They want to thoroughly pimp those jets up, so they reflect the wealth and tastes of the ultra-wealthy. When you look inside these private jets you will find luxury that is only found in the best hotels in the world.

You can find gold everywhere. Gold trim on the double doors that are dotted throughout the planes. Gold on the crockery and cutlery. Gold sinks and gold taps. It’s awesome the amount of money invested in these jets.

It’s not just the gold that makes the jets so impressive. Even if you look in the cabin, you cannot help be impressed by the touch screen controls and electronically linked joysticks.

Everything you have ever wanted you will find on the private jets of the rich and famous. Beautiful cashmere blankets, leather seats everywhere. Fabulous designer crockery and glasses. Every touch is there to promote luxury and privilege. Even the flowers beside the beds are real, no fake flowers here!

Some private jets even have underfloor heating under marble flooring. Imagine getting out of bed, your feet feeling the smooth marble – and yet it’s warm. No need for slippers, just pad barefoot to your gold bathroom to use go through your morning ablutions.

How about your own 5-star restaurant in your private plane? Yes, private jets have beautiful dining areas with kitchens so that the staff can prepare the food for you and your family. Whatever you want to eat it can be prepared in the fully stocked kitchens. It is the life that we can only dream of.

Travelling by Private Jet – The Sky’s the Limit

The number of people with who are ultra-wealthy (folk with $50 million dollars or more) is set to grow by 43% by the year 2022. The numbers that are demi-billionaires – people whose net worth exceeds $500 million – is also set to rise by 39% by the same time period. And as this wealth increases, so to the number of private jets will increase. You might feel that the chances of flying in a luxury jet is small, but it is statistically becoming more and more likely.

While the general increase is likely, the amount of billionaires in 2019 is lower than in 2018 by 55. The net value of the billionaires on the list is $8.7 trillion, down slightly from last year’s sum. Economic downturns obviously still affect the wealthiest people, too.

China has 49 fewer billionaires than it did last year, generally the Asia-pacific area is the most affected by the loss of billionaires. The US and the Americas have the most billionaires including 14 out of the top 20 billionaires. The top two billionaires, or the two most wealthy are Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. There is fresh blood though, 195 new billionaires joined the ranks. So, to buy a private jet, what sort of money will they be spending?

5. Bombardier Global 7000 is $73 Million

This private jet was created in Montreal Canada for Bombardier. The world has been waiting for this amazing private jet because of some financial troubles within Bombardier, so we are more than pleased to see it now fully completed.

It is powered by turbofan engines and travels at 1142 mph. With a range of more than 8500 miles, this jet will travel from New York, US to Sydney Australia – on just one tank of fuel. There are 19 seats but obviously the jet can be customized to the buyer’s specifications. They can even specify a bedroom to be fitted. At 111 meters it is the longest private jet there is. Although other private jets are longer, they are just airline planes that have been converted.

This is truly a long-distance private jet that is purpose built for someone’s pleasure. It has a full dining room, a multi-media room which contains an entertainment theatre and a private bedroom. Can you imagine the ultimate joy of going to your own comfy bed in one country and waking up, bright and refreshed in another? Awesome!

4. Gulfstream G65 0ER

At number four on we have one of the pricier private jets – a Gulfstream G65 0ER. This is a flagship product for Gulfstream. It costs an amazing $66.5million, and it comes with many of the goodies you might expect from a private jet, and the complete cabin system is controlled by the recommended smartphone app!
The range of this jet is more than 7500 miles. It can fly for 15 hours straight!

It has a leather interior along with wooden veneers and stonework handcrafted by stone professionals. It is truly lovely with three spacious cabins. There is a conference cabin with seats and screens to watch videos or screenshots. Four single seats mean that executives can work together and at the other end of the cabin are seats with a table. Want more space? The two adjacent seats also have a table that can be pulled out so everyone can sit together.

It’s not all about work though, in the middle of this cabin is a relaxation section with a three-seater sofa opposite a pop-up HD TV.

Next along is a private cabin to work by yourself, although it also has a sofa with three seatbelts, but tuck the seatbelts in and you have a comfortable bed. The bathroom is lovely – forget those tiny bathrooms on commercial planes. The stone sink is set in a spacious shelf and there is floor to ceiling cupboard for clothes or bathroom essentials. The bathroom is approximately six-foot-wide and the width of the plane. Plenty of room to catch up with the newspapers!

You could get some fabulous tips for your own home from a trip in this particularly special private plane!

3. Boeing 747-8 VIP is $367 million

Clients have equipped these 747-8 with complete bathrooms, living rooms and master bedrooms with awesome moving sky windows.

No private jet is complete without a cabin for guests, and of course it has a bathroom that is en-suite. It also includes an office and a meeting room. Dotted around are wide screen TV’s and two living spaces with sofas. It wouldn’t be complete without the dining room seating 14 people. Speeding along at 645 mph it has a range equaling 9,200 miles.

The two planes that are used for presidents are called Air Force One and Air Force Two, and they were Boeing 747-200s. Now they have been retired and instead the Boeing 747-8s are being used.
Jets from the Russian airline known as Transaero, which was going to go bankrupt, have been bought and have been fitted with the necessary telecommunications also security equipment they will be valued at $660 million.

Also added is the mobile hospital including specialist doctors, operating theater and other staff.
It can carry one hundred passengers, 26 crew members and has 85 phones as well as 19 TVs, computers and more.

2. Airbus A380

The Airbus 380 is the world’s largest private jet. It is owned by Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal al-Saud. It is used by some airlines to seat 800 passengers, obviously without the facilities that the Prince has added. It is currently priced $432.6 million, perhaps the most expensive plane in the world. It was supposed to be a commercial aircraft, but it is popular as a very large private jet.

The Saudi Prince Talal al-Saud turned his Airbus 380 into a palace that flies including space for his Rolls Royce. Three floors boast both a lift and a spiral staircase. The lounge, decorated in cream and red, has a long table that seats about 12 people. The other side of the width of the plane are four seat sections with tables so you can play chess or mahjong.

Behind the lounge is the dining area. It has a table with 12 seats, all leather clad, in cream leather with blue trim. The crockery is blue and gold – it certainly looks like pure gold on the cups. And don’t forget the Versace crystal glasses!

The edges of every set of double doors is gold. The sink in the bathroom is gold and the taps are gold too. A sneaky look into the bedrooms shows the level of comfort you would expect in a five-star hotel. It does boast four family suites (VIP standard of course) and the prayer room including mats that automatically rotate to face Mecca. For his delight a hall for concerts including a piano, also the Turkish baths. Sadly, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal al-Saud doesn’t own the 380 Airbus anymore, as he sold it to a cleverly anonymous buyer.

1. Airbus Abi340-300

The top of the list is the Airbus Abi340-300 which is the property of Alisher Usmanov, a wealthy Russian businessman. When used commercially it can seat 300 passengers, has a fast speed of 567mph and its range is 8512 miles. The billionaire Usmanov named his jet Bourkhan which was his dads name. It has quad engines it can fly any flight-way in the world. It has had an extensive refit with many VIP addons.

Honorable Mention – B2 Spirit

This military aircraft was first launched in 1989. The Kosovo War was raging, but this B2-Spirity flew a great many sorties. This fighter plane has a design called “continuous curvature”. It is different because the lines of the plane defect radar detection. One of the ways it does this is by its cross section – the part that is picked up by radar – which is just 13 inches square, around the size of a pigeon.

This plane can get to a fastest speed 616 miles per hour, or as it is described in military terms 0.81 Mach. The range of the plane is 6,000 miles. Refueling is essential every six hours. $135,000 each hour is the operating cost.

The designers had to make provision for food for the long journeys and increased airtime, so this plane includes a hot plate, so the pilot can prepare food. There is also a toilet – obviously necessary, and a bed. One pilot can sleep while the other flies and vice versa. This means that flyer fatigue is reduced.

There are lots of technological gizmos such as a quad fly-by-wire control system, along with many others. One of the most interesting perhaps is the way the engines are not visible – having them in the wing means they are less likely to be picked by radar. It also means heat tracing is more difficult.

If you are one of the many successful people from different walks of life, you might feel you will never see the inside of a private jet. But no doubt you like to travel in style. Just because you are not at demi-billionaire levels, it doesn’t mean you will never travel by private jet.

It’s exciting to know that Emirates, on the LA – Dubai route, offers many of the luxuries available on private jets. Think about spa facilities, fully mattress beds and individual mini bars. All available in a partitioned private suit! This service is popular with businessmen and Hollywood stars. If you want to luxury of a private jet without the price tag, then you can fly like the ultra-wealthy. Well, you can if you can afford the ticket at $33,000!