In the world of Championship Air Races, Bruce Bohannon is considered to be royalty as well as his “Flyin’ Tiger”.  They broke 30 world records in air racing.

The Exxon “Flyin’ Tiger” will no longer race as Bruce decided to put it into retirement as he himself will just be a mere spectator to future Air Races. Bruce Bohannon is extremely proud of his aircrafts. His first, “Pushy Galore” set the world record six times before it was donated to the EAA Air Venture Museum.

The second aircraft, Flyin’ Tiger broke 30 world records since Bruce started using it in 1999 but what makes the Flyin’ Tiger unique and extremely special is the fact that it is the fastest climbing aircraft in piston category from 20,000 up to 40,000 feet and up to this day it still holds the record.

People already expected it to be heading to the museum as it has broken too many air racing records but the owner still wants to enjoy the aircraft while he still can. Bruce and the Flyin’ Tiger will still continue to fly but only in leisurely pace as the owner said it is still is a great commuter plane and is still in a very good condition.

Bruce continues to teach aerobatics, tail dragger and aircraft engines failure recovery courses in his 93 acre “Flyin’ Tiger Field” airport in Texas.

Check Bruce Bohannon’s world record here.

Photo Credit: Aero

It has taken around 70 years before another Zeppelin successfully flew over the American skies. Airship Ventures offers this unique option again. It has the comfort and privacy of a private jet but not the powerful engines that it offers. Zeppelins are more like for sight-seeing or traveling in leisure time.

The Zeppelins were used during the World War I not only as a means for travel but as bombers as it was pioneered by a German Count. It did not really prosper in America because of the 1937 tragedy when the Hindenburg Zeppelin caught fire when it was about to dock at a naval station in New Jersey killing 35 people on board and one on the ground. Nobody can pinpoint the cause so no one dared use them again.

Today, it is quite different. With the technology we have now, a husband and wife team of passionate aviators decided to put up Airship Ventures to offer zeppelin services to the public. They have established a partnership with ZLT and some investors and they were lucky enough to secure airship hangars that were decommissioned back in 1994.

Their very first Zeppelin was transported from Friedrichshafen, Germany to the U.S. last May 21. From then on, Airship Ventures were able to offer a different kind of travel which takes passengers for a cruising speed of 35 – 40 miles per hour to a maximum speed of 75 miles per hour to an altitude of 1,200 feet. It is safe since the materials used for the zeppelin was the same materials used by NASA for their space suits.

It is bigger than a Boeing 747 and has the capacity to accommodate 12 passengers. Definitely it offers a different way of flying.

Photo Credit: AirshipVentures

At last, the Phenom 100 has been certified today by ANAC or Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil, Brazil’s version of FAA or the Federation Aviation Administration.

Embraer is probably the happiest aviation company in the world. They were able to deliver what they promised to do four years ago.  They are beaming with pride as they were not only able to meet the original specifications that they conceptualized on the Phenom 100 Executive Jet; they were able to surpassed them resulting to a more dependable aircraft.

Most of the original key features of the Phenom 100 were enhanced such as it has a longer range; it is a little bit faster that it was originally designed. Even the takeoff and landing capabilities were upgraded. It has been certified without restrictions. It can fly day or night and even on ice.

We will just wait for the FAA certification and it is ready to fly especially since Embraer made sure that the first 100 Phenom customers were already trained regarding its mechanical and technical capabilities. The different Embraer aviation centers around the world are already equipped to give support for the new aircraft.

Owners I believe are quite excited by this news. After the FAA certification in the United States, expect aircraft deliveries soon.

Photo Credit: Embraer

The team handling the most anticipated jet, Cirrus Vision, from one of the newest personal aircraft manufacturers in the industry, Cirrus Design , is quite positive that everything is going as planned in the development of the new aircraft.

Cirrus Vision

The CEO of Cirrus Design himself along with the company’s Vice President announced recently regarding updates and new information about Cirrus Vision. We learned that the new aircraft was under the test pilots for around 120 hours and they are quite happy of its performance. Although there are still tests that are being done, they said that some of the features of the aircraft were adjusted to improve all its functions. There are some parts of the aircraft that will be removed such as the right side door to lessen the weight and there are some things need to be added to make it more safe and spacious. It will have the capability to fly at 1,100 nautical miles at a maximum speed of 300 knots.

They also announced that they will be seeking for a type certificate in the next two weeks from the FAA but will not yet get certification from the EASA for Europe commands high fees on jets in the Cirrus Vision weight category.

If you are one of those who likes personal jets, this single-engine aircraft is definitely one to watch out for. Right now the base price for a Cirrus Vision Personal Jet is amounting to $1,000,000.00. However, we all know that with the recession, inflation and other economic factors it will change when ithe time that it is already available in the market.  Although, the management said that they will try their best to have the final price close to that amount.

Reserve you position now with $100,000.00 and be among the first to experience the Cirrus Vision in 2011 or 2012.

Photo Credit: Cirrus

Why Boeing?  Well, they boast that they do have an unfair advantage towards their competitors which is mostly Airbus. What kind of ‘unfair advantage’?  I am not so sure about that so I round all the different models of BBJs or the Boeing Business Jets.

BBJ has a space of 807 sq. ft., BBJ2 has 1,004 sq ft and BBJ3 has 1,120 sq. ft. They do have massive space which we can put everything we want and need when we are thousands of miles above ground.

The three BBJs do enjoy an intercontinental range like New York to Sydney, Los Angeles to Tokyo and Moscow to Buenos Aires to name a few.

How about customer support? Boeing offers global support. Just look at the photo below. They have field service, modification supplies, spares distribution centers, component service centers, training centers, etc.

The unfair advantage they are referring to might be the number of years they have in the industry. They have perfected the whole process in dealing with commercial aviation and so when they brought it over to private aviation, they had an easy time in making it work for those who want the commercial aircrafts outfitted for private use.

Photo Credit: Boeing

If I am to choose an aircraft from the Embraer Executive Jets, Legacy 450 will be included on my top 3 list. There is something in it that aircraft that tells me that it is just the right size and power I need to go around my business.

Let us take a look why Embraer call it: “A New Definition of Freedom”.

This private aircraft is categorized as mid light jet which means that it is neither small nor huge. A perfect comfortable aircraft for around 7-8 people that can depart and land on shorter runways which is great, the more airports means more choices and more chances of using the nearest airport from your point of origin or destination.

While it is called a mid light jet, the height of the aircraft is one that can rival any other private jet out there. It has a 6 feet tall cabin where almost everyone can stand without bending their heads. It has a range of around 4,260 kilometers or 2,300 nautical miles

It is not only the interiors of the plane that makes this aircraft so special, it has Honeywell engines plus the materials used to create it are lightweight materials which help lessen the fuel consumption which is totally great during a global economic recession.

Photo Credit: Embraer

Some aviation experts are saying that it is easier to get a private jet these days as I have posted here before, so I went around the auction sites to see if I can find some used private aircrafts and here’s what I have found:

2001 Beechcraft 58 Baron: $243,000.00

It is an “AS-IS” selling condition and it is located in Georgia. The price indicated above is for a 1/3 partnership/ownership of the aircraft. However, if you want the whole aircraft for yourself, the price is at $729,000.00

1977 Cessna 310R: $90,000.00 (Starting Bid)

In case you are interested with this Cessna, the owner is not accepting any reservations and just a reminder that it is the buyer’s responsibility for the pick up or shipping of the aircraft. Right now this aircraft is in Illinois right now.

Cessna Hawk XP: $55,000.00 (Starting Bid)

It has no financing option available and is for a private sale. It has fresh annual, in great condition and was installed with new seat upholstery and new carpet as well. The owner said that buyers need to have a PayPal account to bid for the aircraft.

1978 Beechcraft A-36 Bonanza, $146,595 (Starting Bid)

Restored and refurbished to something October of last year. The tires, battery, carpet, leather seats, pilot side glass/windshield glass/baggage glass are all new. They do not accept reservations too.

1973 Boeing 727-700 Jet Turbine, $2,995,000.00

It has a total flying time of 71000 hours and accommodates 56 passengers with footrests, electric power for computers, tech gadgets. It has a spacious bar along with a lounge area and tables.

There is a lot more aircrafts on auction at eBay. Just make sure you clarify all the impotant things with the seller before you bid on any of them.

Photo Credit: eBay

What is so good about this Beechcraft G58 Baron that many pilots still prefer to fly it?  This piston reportedly is sold out until June of next year and so it must really be something worth a peek.

It has two “special edition” 300 horsepower TCM engines with an all glass Garmin G1000 avionics suite. Those two items are probably the main reasons why pilots dig this aircraft.

The Beechraft G58 Baron is not that big although bigger than the others in the same category. However, the cabin and cockpit specs are just right for pilots and people who are on are always on the go. It is also worth mentioning that this piston is for all seasons.  It is capable of flying even to known ice. It is versatile as well as powerful as it can fly into 200 knots. No wonder it is one of the most successful pistons ever built.

The use of one of the best avionics suites in the aviation industry, the Garmin G1000 help make the whole flying safer from takeoff to landing and easier work for the pilots.

Photo Credit: Hawker Beechcraft

The global economy is at risk with different countries succumbing to recession and almost every industry is in peril. The aviation industry is no exception. We have seen the cutdowns from aircraft manufacturers and the commercial airliners/private aviation operators are thinking of ways to make the people still continue to want to fly. Inspite of these economic difficulties, we still see a silver lining in every type of crisis and one of them is buying aircrafts, used or brand new.

Photo Credit: Jay Dugger

While there is quite a serious problem with credit crunch, it is not a problem for those eligible aircraft buyers as long you are not picky with the terms and interest rates given to you.

Today, since the availability of funds is limited, those who need them badly will definitely make a go for the extra luxury items in their list, the spare ones usually go first. This is the best time to find nice deals or great bargains for aircrafts. The word on the street is that the toll on the economy is creeping in and so these luxury toys are on the trading list.

Photo Credit: Djenan                                           Photo Credit: rastafabi

It is not only the used aircrafts that offers high valued deals, most general aviation manufacturers these days are cutting down the prices to gain more buyers. They do not only offer a more reasonable, lower price, the purchase also comes with many perks such maintenance and flight training for free or a better insurance incentive.

Is it really the best time to buy an aircraft?  Maybe but it also depend on your ability to purchase.  If you love flying and you have money to spare, why not?!

Airbus A380 was built originally to be the world’s largest passenger airliner carrying 525 to 853 people depending on the seating configuration. Several months ago, we were astonished to learn that a Saudi Royal ordered one and have it configured to be his very own personal jet.  Just imagine that massive space just for the billionaire and his party.

Photo Credit: o palsson

We have seen the Airbus A380 on active service starting with Singapore Airlines back in 2007 but we have not seen it as a personal aircraft. I have rounded up several videos about this majestic aircraft and found these five-part YT videos created from a National Geographic documentary.

It is quite informative. Even if the documentary was geared more about the aircraft as a commercial airliner, we can still get a glimpse of how amazing the aircraft is. To be able to have that powerful plane at your own personal disposal is quite an incredible advantage. The perks of being a billionaire and the audacity of converting it to his own flying palace are ‘understandable’ since he is royalty.

Photo Credit: skuds

Watch the following videos and be amazed on the magnificence of Airbus A380. It is truly an excellent work of art and incredible engineering.

Airbus A380, Part I

Airbus A380, Part II

Airbus A380, Part III

Airbus A380, Part IV

Airbus A380, Part V

Video Source: Youtube