Clear on Top

For several years now, the President seems to have had his sights set on talking down corporate aviation. I suppose that the image of the fat cat living it up in his private jet is prime populist political fodder. I also suppose that, like most stereotypes, there is some element of truth when it comes to the “jet set.” But for every fat cat private jet user, I can name ten of the following:

The CEO of the medium sized consulting firm that cost justifies every flight hour in his turboprop by putting key employees in front of key business contacts 2-3 times each week.

The soft spoken, down to earth singer/songwriter that is in a different city every night while on tour and derives inspiration from the art and discipline of flying his own small jet.

The forensic medical team that provides expert legal testimony in six different states.

The large grading contractor that manages simultaneous jobs in several locations throughout the southeastern US – and still is able to get away with his wife and young children most weekends.

The TV producer that keeps important offices on both coasts.

The grassroots congressional candidate that makes four different campaign stops in a single day.

The transplant team that procures organs for needy patients in the middle of the night.

The Fortune 500 Executive VP of Operations that visits production facilities and vendor locations spread across 35 states and six foreign countries.

The small air taxi operator that transports construction crews to remote islands off the New England coast.

The factory equipment manufacturer that is universally praised by their customers for their ability to provide on-site technical service, usually on six hours notice, nationwide.

These people are the real face of general aviation. These are the corporate aircraft owners that I know, from daily dealings within the industry. Their business aircraft are assets not unlike their buildings, machinery, or semi-trucks. Corporate aircraft make it possible for business to take place whenever and wherever it needs to take place. And it allows the engines of our nation’s economy to maximize their efforts, both in the office and on the road.

Respectfully, Mr. President – Kindly keep hands off the mechanisms of entrepreneurial America. Kindly keep hands off the American general aviation transportation system.

To learn the facts, dispel the myths, and find out how to get involved in the discourse, visit the National Business Aircraft Association’s website: http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2011/20110630-054.php