I didn’t set out to be a publisher. I began my career directly out of college, to help business aircraft owners and users, pilots, and technicians – as well as the companies that sell to and support them – get the best return on their investments in aviation.
In 1999, after three decades working with manufacturers, charter and management companies, maintenance service providers, and FBOs, Business and Commercial Aviation magazine decided to tap me for my knowledge and experience as its publisher.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed many changes in our industry. Today, not only can you charter or own a fraction of or a whole aircraft, you can avail yourself of any number of new options, from prepaid charter and charter broker cards, to all-you-can-fly business aircraft airlines. Financing options expanded, then contracted. And since the economic crisis began in 2008, the conditions and assumptions under which owners buy, finance, operate, and sell aircraft have been dramatically transformed. Coupled with government and media demonization of “private jets” that same year (a result of the ill-advised trip to Washington in company jets by the “Big Three” automaker CEOs to ask for industry bailouts), it became clear that business aircraft owners and operators like you needed a new source of aviation information: one that focuses solely on the business – not the lifestyle – of business aviation.
And because aviation is not your primary business, it needed to be in plain English, without technical jargon. Enter Business Aviation Advisor, a print and electronic magazine in which experienced industry experts offer the insights and knowledge you need to fly safely, securely, efficiently – and yes, with privacy.
In our pages, you will not find articles on travel destinations or celebrity profiles. We do not accept advertisements for non-aviation, luxury products. What you will find are features and advertisements you need to make informed decisions about the best use of your business aviation dollars – to keep you abreast of those aforementioned transitions.
That’s exactly what you’ll find in this issue. Whether it’s how to respond to the transformation of aviation financing (“Mind the Gaps”), evolving aviation tax laws (“Less Vexation for Aviation Taxation”), the influx of new – and not always reputable – jet card programs (“Don’t Fly-By-Night”), or how and when to change aircraft management companies (“Breaking Up is Hard to Do”), the Advisor keeps you ahead of the curve.
While I didn’t set out to be a publisher, this transition best harnesses my 40+ years of business aviation experience – as well as that of our contributors – on your behalf. We know the Advisor is doing something right – your many calls, emails, and letters tell us so.
I continue to welcome your feedback – and thanks for reading! BAA
Publisher of Business Aviation Advisor, has nearly 50 years in business aviation including executive positions at aircraft management/charter and ground services companies. He is a past director of the NATA and Corporate Angel Network.
