Aircraft in the News and Odd Stories

taxation without represention.

the way many bussniess owners see what is going on in the world econeomy the spread between the haves and have nots is going to widen dramaticly the the years to come if there is not an absolute need don't spend the money

just a thought travler

may they rest in peace. i'm sure we will never know the story but a 78 year old pilot and 21 year old co pilot with limited experience doesn't sound like the best combo to work with.

just a thought

travler

There has been some questions about the captain's type rating: "Limited to not carrying passengers"...

The report of the 2005 accident, to an airframe already 35 years old, is not reassuring either.

One of the many "bum" operators in our business, unfortunately. South america is typically very lax about maintenance and regulations which this is a representation of - despite the aircraft being based in Texas. That aircraft was probably not Pt. 135 certified and the pilots were unqualified (read the older pilot's "Temporary Airmen Certificate"). Many operators charter illegally and fly with uncertified crew which is the sad reality of this business. This is why people should pay more attention to whom they are chartering from, ask for certificates of insurance and pay attention to safety designations such as IS-BAO, Wyvern, ARG/US, ACSF, etc... These accreditations are not just for show, and prove that these operators spend time and money on safety. I know that QBE is in the process of suing Starwood management (and it's sketchy management) due to violation of insuring agreements. The cheapest price is not always the best and when/if you charter, be sure to vet the company out and particularly the aircraft/flight crew who will be assigned. I don't know any other charter companies with aircraft that were manufactured in the '60s...

you are right in your above info before we charter i personaly look at the plane and check the crew out and have a conversation with the crew and do a visual on the plane and yes there are few that still have planes in the sixties that are well maintained we recently chartered a DC 3 and it was realy good

travler

My charter reference was really geared towards chartering business aircraft, not a DC-3 or piston aircraft. There are commonly older, piston, aircraft flying up in the NW United States as well as around the islands. You will not find business jets from the 60's on any reputable company's charter certificate other than maybe Clay Lacy who operates them but not for charter. Some of these older aircraft run freight and such, but even that line of business is diminishing with banks processing checks electronically, etc...

you are right about the bussiness world if i am taking clients the last thing i want to do is take them in some old relic the comfort level is not very high , but some times in diffrent parts of the world the choices are very limited


just some thoughts

travler

16 flaps and he was done

Err, isn't "Galactic" a bit of a stretch for a sub-orbital vehicle?