“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generation of business aircraft – the Lear 20’s series and Sabre 40/60’s that started the revolution in the 1960’s have been replaced by more efficient and sophisticated machines.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.
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Celebrating Our 18th Year!
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. 
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.
"I was recently traveling for business and brought my family along in our company Citation Jet to enjoy some of the beautiful sites out West. Owning a business such as Flight Solutions for the last 18 years I certainly have talked enough about all of the advantages that owning and operating a business aircraft can give someone. There is absolutely no comparing the experience of private travel to airline travel. I should know having experienced both just in the last few weeks (I sit on a commercial flight as I write this - having been delayed two hours). During our flight out West we were able to fly direct to all of our stops (using small airports and avoiding Commercial traffic), accomplishing what otherwise would have been simply impossible on commercial carriers.Our sense of security and privacy was unmatched. No lines, no waiting, no cramped cabins, no delays (unless we wanted one) and no cancelled flights.The experience was truly enjoyable and getting there was all the fun. What an amazing privilege it is to be able to travel in such a fashion. To be apart of this growing world of business aircraft and see the acceptance being granted around the world is really exciting.
