As 2008 comes to a close we certainly have a lot to reflect upon. It has been indeed a year to remember! With the uncertainty of the elections now behind us we can all start focusing on the future and what it may hold. History tells us that one thing is for certain and that is “change”. We indeed have had a lot of that going around recently and it appears no end is in site. These arguably can be called “uncertain times” and many of us wonder what the years ahead may bring for our families, country, friends and business’? We have challenges on all fronts; the economy, national security and a new administration to name a few?

If you’re like me you’re asking “where is the good news?” It’s tough to watch the changes that have occurred in the markets. Values dropping across the board in about every commodity you can name. What’s interesting though is that sometimes we all forget that value and perception go hand in hand and when things get tough, we tend to revert to the basic instinct of survival and hoard the rudimentary elements needed to survive, and waive off anything perceived as unnecessary or risky. The bad news just feeds on itself as report after report describes more doom and gloom (Good news just doesn’t report as well). Expectation is one of the fundamentals of life. It is through our expectations that we set our goals, and lay our plans for the future. Simply put if we don’t expect much, we’re not going to invest any more than we have to in the future.

When things start to turn around (and they will turn around) it will be those same expectations that start to change. When the confidence returns in the economy and the “trillions” of dollars worth of “investment” start having the desired affect it will be “expectations” that start changing. And once we start expecting more of ourselves and our surroundings we’ll start receiving more. One of my favorite affirmations has always been “You receive exactly what you believe”.  Right now there are a lot of people believing in a pretty bad economy and expectations follow the same path. We have to start placing higher expectations on ourselves and those around us and begin believing again in this great nation and its potential. This economic storm has wiped clear years of value from aircraft as well as many other commodities, but with low fuel prices, low interest rates and trillions of dollars being invested to relieve the credit crunch things are turning around. And those with the “good expectations” will need reliable, safe and efficient transportation to go along right with it!

We are in exceptional times and there is no doubt that we know we are alive when we feel the pain and emotions that can go with it, just as we celebrated during the good times. We have a lot to be thankful for and although these times seem to be potentially crushing, we are still better off than so many generations before us. Regardless of how well we do and how much we achieve, familiarity can be a contemptuous force and dilute even the most beautiful of things.

I know one thing for sure, that I want to work with and be around people that share in the same expectations of success and prosperity that I do. It takes hard work, but when you enjoy this business as much as I do, it is hard to call it “work”. I am very blessed to be surrounded by a great team and a wonderful group of customers and friends that have exceeded my “expectations”!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Kevin McCutcheon
President
Flight Solutions, Inc.

Flight Solutions is extremely pleased to announce the sale of the very first privately owned "Business Aircraft" ever sold into Vietnam. With years of experience exporting aircraft around the world, Flight Solutions was selected to resource the ideal aircraft for a successful Vietnamese Businessman to become the first "private" owner and user of a corporate aircraft in the country. After months of analysis determining the client's needs and travel profiles a decision was made and the ideal aircraft was selected for the mission; a Beechcraft King Air 350. This aircraft offered the versatility and performance that was needed for the mission's many challenges but yet still offered the comfort and utility of an executive cabin.

Flight Solutions resourced the ideal late model aircraft and handled every step of the acquisition process, including all inspections, certificates, export and relocation processes to Vietnam. Also included with the sale was a spares package and technical training for the flight crews and mechanics.

Pictured are Mr. Kevin McCutcheon, President of Flight Solutions, the Buyer's representatives from Vietnam and Mr. Randall Chambers, Flight Solution's Director of Sales and Marketing during final delivery of the aircraft.

“Well – one thing for sure – “change”. Over the last twenty-five years we have witnessed the transformation of the “Business Aircraft” into a validated and substantiated tool that has allowed businesses to become more competitive and responsive like never before. The economy has gone global and having the tools to meet the challenge is simply not an option but a matter of survival. Throughout the growth of business aviation we have seen many changes. All but gone are the first generation of business aircraft – the Lear 20’s series and Sabre 40/60’s that started the revolution in the 1960’s have been replaced by more efficient and sophisticated machines. Business Aircraft lead the industry now with models that range the full spectrum with state of the art features – from global behemoths to the new class of jets called “VLJ’s” that make the private aircraft dream attainable to a whole new group of businesses and professionals.

Surprisingly though many predictions of the past have gone completely in the opposite direction. One for instance was that the age of the turbo props was coming to an end, to be replaced by the new family of efficient and high performance jets soon to hit the market. Years have gone by now since those predictions were made only to have the turbo-prop’s now selling at all time highs? Who would have thought that 25 year old turbo props of all models would be having such an impact on the market in 2007? Manufacturers of all type of aircraft have record order books with backlogs years into the future. Yes, the health of the Business Aircraft industry looks good – regardless if it is driven by a propeller or a jet!

The picture is not entirely all roses. There are indeed significant challenges to the industry. Increased regulation and costs have been on the front lines for sometime now, mainly the subject of “user fees” and the attempt to pass more taxes onto the general aviation industry. We have recently fought off a major assault that made it right to the door step of General Aviation, but the battle is not yet won and we need to remain diligent. Of course the health of the economy and fuel prices are also on everyone’s mind as we look to the future. The impact of rising fuel costs interestingly have not yet had a major impact on the industry but coupled with a slowing economy we may finally see a slow down in 2008. The ever weakening US Dollar though may have a silver lining, indirectly creating a “second wind” for the Business Aircraft industry as many growing economies around the world see the benefits of flying privately and look to the US Market to meet their needs. With the Presidential elections soon upon us many things remain unknown, but one thing we can bank on is that change will happen and that Business Aviation will be there to help us meet the challenges!

Kevin McCutcheon, President of the Flight Solutions, Inc.

Christmas is almost upon us and there is no better evidence then the Annual Goodlettsville Tennessee's own Fire Department's "Toys for Kids" program held at the local K-Mart Store! The Fireman from the local station work all year to raise money for underprivileged kids that otherwise might go without anything under the tree. These hard working men and women come together to raise money, working with local businesses and individuals, in an incredible demonstration of unconditional giving to make sure dozens of local kids have a great Christmas. Flight Solutions is proud to be just a small part of this event by having the honor of flying the big guy himself - Santa Clause - in our Bell Jet Ranger! The kids gather at K-Mart waiting in anticipation as Santa approaches over the horizon. As he flies overhead they scream out in anticipation of what's to come! Santa is greeted in the parking lot by fire trucks and police cars running their lights and sirens. If we didn't know better, you would have thought he was a rock star greeting his frenzied fans! What a day it was! Pictured in front of Santa's Sleigh is St. Nick himself and the sleigh pilot, Kevin McCutcheon, President of Flight Solutions.