Flying Privately Without Buying a Jet

Private Aviation Consultant, James Butler, Helps You Select the Jet Program That’s Right for You

Bethesda, Maryland • August 2009

In a special “Buyers’ Guide” edition of Business Jet Traveler, Shaircraft CEO, James Butler, helps you decide which of the three most popular shared use options in private flight today — fractional ownership, jet card programs or charter—are right for you.

Before making a decision, Butler explains that it is essential for you to understand your travel profile, budget and investment preferences. To do so, consider a series of important questions, including:

• How often do you fly?
• Where and when do you fly?
• How far in advance do you plan trips?
• How many passengers and how much luggage do you take?
• Do you prefer to fly on a fleet managed by a single operator?
• Is there a good charter operator in your area?
• Do you have specific aircraft preferences?
• What’s the best use of your capital?
• Can you take advantage of depreciation tax deductions?

Butler goes on to identify typical travel profiles that are best suited to each investment option. Butler’s bottom line: “Your goal should be to purchase maximum flight time on aircraft that best fit your needs from reliable and financially stable companies at a minimum cost. Making the wrong choice can cost you hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. Making the right choice can free you from the horrible service offered by the airlines in a way that does nothing less than change your life for the better.”

To read Butler’s complete break down of the various private air travel options, download the full text version of this article below.

Business Jet Traveler Buyers’ Guide: “Flying Privately Without Buying a Jet”

Download in PDF format (16kb)