Next generation PC-12 jet introduced

Swiss producer of single engine aircrafts Pilatus have introduced the PC-12 NG - where the NG stands for “Next Generation”.

As the name suggests, this is the successor to the top-selling PC-12. The spacious passenger aircraft, with room for nine, has been upgraded to make this NG the largest member of the Pilatus family. A more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine allows the aircraft to climb up to 30,000 feet. It also boasts a fully integrated Honeywell Primus Apex avionics system. This is topped off by an aesthetically pleasing cockpit design by BMW Group Designworks USA.

Even its hefty $3.78 million price tag has not been a deterrent, and the PC-12 NG is already more popular than the first. In fact, demand is so high that it is already sold out till the end of 2009.

Ready for the Beijing 2008 Olympics?

If you’re thinking about taking part in the excitement of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, the official website has a great deal of information you’ll need, including how to buy tickets, visa info, hotel reservations, competition venues and schedules and more. Of course, the best way to get to Beijing in comfort is by chartering your own Blue Star Jet.

Obama's jet clips wing of 2nd plane

According to an article in the Chicago Sun-Times relating to private chartered jet travel:

Flying back home from Nevada after a long day of campaigning, presidential hopeful Barack Obama was safely on the ground when his chartered plane clipped the wing of another plane at Midway Airport.

No one was hurt in the incident early Saturday morning, but the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration want to know how it happened.
Both planes sustained minor damage.

Obama, though, apparently didn't even notice what happened -- nor did anyone else on the plane.

"No one on board even felt it," said Ben LaBolt, an Obama campaign spokesman.
In advance of the Nevada caucus Jan. 19, Obama on Friday made two appearances in Nevada -- a rally with Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano and an event with a culinary workers union.
He left late Friday on a Gulfstream II jet, along with 12 other people, including the plane's crew.
LaBolt declined to identify the flight crew but said the campaign had flown with them before.
Back to Nevada today

The plane landed around 2:30 a.m., "safely, without incident," said city Aviation Department spokesman Gregg Cunningham.

It was taxiing to a general aviation parking area for private planes near the south end of the airport, off 63rd Street. At that point, the plane's crew was under its own direction and no longer under the FAA's air traffic control, FAA spokeswoman Elizabeth Isham-Cory said.

The plane's left wing then hit the right wing of a parked Cessna 208. No one was aboard the Cessna at the time.

Cunningham said neither plane was allowed to move from the spot of the collision until 9:15 a.m. Saturday.

The investigation could take weeks or months, Cory said.

Obama heads back to Nevada today.

The Right Jet for the Right Job

When it comes to private jet charter, the type of aircraft for your particular needs is an important decision. The charter company you choose should have a variety of aircraft types available. Blue Star Jets has access to over 4,000 aircraft worldwide. The aircraft shown below are representative models within their respective classes.

Turbo Props
The lightest aircraft aloft combines the use of twin propellers and a turbine engine to fly. With a conservative use of fuel, the turbo prop is the most cost-efficient aircraft for short-service flights. Ideal for short to mid-range flights. Capacity to hold 6-8 passengers, average cruising speed of 280-315 mph and average nonstop range of just over 1,000 miles. In addition, we have turbo prop airliners which hold 12-29 passengers.


Helicopters
Quick on and off the ground and agile in the air, helicopters are a versatile air travel option that allows ultimate accessibility. Capacity to hold 4-6 passengers, averaging cruising speed of 150-194 mph and average nonstop range of 450-591 miles.

Light Jets
A sleek entrance into the jet class, light jets feature pressurized cabins and can fly at higher altitudes than their prop counterparts. A smooth ride, with the luxury of a quiet engine. Most economical choice for short to mid-range trips. Capacity to hold 5-8 passengers, average cruising speed of 400-560 mph and average nonstop range of 1,500 miles.


Medium Jets
The most versatile of the fleet. With the comfort of the larger aircrafts and agility of smaller models, the medium jet ofers a best-in-class experience. Capacity to hold 7-9 passengers, average cruising speed of 510-590 mph and average nonstop range of 2,100 miles.


Super Medium Jets
A masterful aircraft for executive travel, specifically for long-range flights. A step up from the mid-size allows more space and fuel capacity. Capacity to hold 8-10 passengers, average cruising speed of 490-590 mph and average nonstop range of 3,400-3,600 miles.


Heavy Jets
With impressive cruising speed and cabin space, heavy jets embody optimum performance. The largest size aircraft that doesn't require a major airport runway, while still covering long distances. Capacity to hold 9-15 passengers, average cruising speed of 500-560 mph and average nonstop range of 4,000 miles. In addition we have access to Boeing Business Jets which hold 15-23 passengers.

Jumbo Jets
More commonly known as a commercial airliner, this aircraft, available through Bluestar Jets, is anything but. Traveling at higher speed with greater range, the jumbo jet can fly the globe delivering any entourage any distance. Whether it's a sports team or a rock tour, this member of the fleet can be configured for executive, coach or even private travel with bedrooms and any other amenity you can think of.


For more details on particular aircraft, visit the Blue Star Jets website.

Jet service flies jockeys, trainers around the world

An article in the Saratogian on private jet charters reports that privat jets ‘work miracles’ at getting leading jockeys and trainers to big races on time.

The aviation feats are the stuff of legend as they shuttle riders and horsemen from track to track throughout the country and all parts of the globe. Two years ago, Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey was in the third race at Saratoga, slated to race later that day in the $1 million Haskell at Monmouth Park. The plan was to fly Bailey from Saratoga County Airport to a facility adjacent to New Jersey's Monmouth Park, about an hour's air time away.

This month alone they've flown high-profile horsemen such as Shug McGaughey, Bill Mott and Todd Pletcher to major races outside Saratoga. Pletcher, for example, went to Chicago's $1 million Arlington Mile.

For trainers, to whom every second counts, private flights offer convenience, speed and a guarantee that they'll get where they're headed on time, not having to worry about cancellations, as sometimes occurs with regular commercial airlines. The price seems expensive, but to horse owners that want to protect their investments, it's worth every penny and the cost is divvied up when multiple clients share flight time.

Charter Flights Offer Many Benefits to Business Travelers

Due to the post-911 increase in airport security and boarding procedures, chartered flights have taken off as the new convenient way to fly. Last year, the air charter industry introduced thousands to the advantages of private jet charter.

Often the money saved is the biggest benefit to busy executives who otherwise would be at the mercy of the scheduled flights. Chartered jets offer luxury surroundings, and the convenience of traveling when and where you want. Security is not an issue on private jet flights and the increase in productivity can make up for the additional expense. There are instances when chartered flights are not the best solution. For example, if flying very long distances or overseas, chartered flight may not be the best solution. However, if you need to fly to many locations in a certain timeframe, are traveling in a group, are traveling to a location not close to a major airport, or if the scheduled flights don't suit your needs, chartered flights are the answer.

Additionally, the flexibility of charter flights is a major advantage. You have the ability to land and take off whenever and wherever you want without worrying about flight schedules. By setting your own departure time, you can save money on hotel rooms, car rentals and dining.

While more than 50% of commercial flights travel between only 20 of the country's major airports, charter flights reach 12,000 airports that are not accessible to normal airlines. This allows you to avoid the nosy, crowded major airports.

With all these benefits, chartered flights can meet your need for luxury, comfort, safety, and privacy that will allow you to more productively spend your time.