"One of life's most painful moments comes when we must admit that we didn't do our homework, that we are not prepared." - Merlin Olsen, NFL Tackle and Sports Analyst

Let's take them one at a time.

Owner Profile:

What is your vision and mission? Not just for the plane, but business, family, community and yourself. Where do you want to be 1,2,3,4 and 5 years from now?

"If we were to meet 3 years from today, and you were looking back over that three year period, back to today, what would you like to tell me has happened in your life over those three years, both personally and professionally, for you to feel happy about your progress?"

If you will spend some time on this question, possibly seeking assistance from those close to you or an outside facilitator, it will put you on the right road to help you make the best choices! Guaranteed!

Mission Profile:

What typically makes up 70-80% of your potential trips? No plane is best for all your trips, but if you can find the one that is best for 70%, you'll be doing the best you can do. So, consider the following:

• Distances: Longer trips require more fuel, which in a majority of cases will reduce the number of passengers and cargo that can be carried. Or, it may mean that a refueling stop will be required.
• Passenger Loads: More passengers mean more weight, thereby reducing the amount of fuel that can be carried, thereby reducing the distances flown. Typical passenger loads are 2-3, plus the flight crew.

Find out the maximum gross weight; deduct the empty weight to arrive at the useful load; deduct the fuel required for your typical "70-80% trip"; the weight amount left over is for people and bags. You will want to be sure that this amount is adequate for your needs.

Very few planes can carry full fuel and fill all the seats!

• Cargo Loads: More cargo weight reduces the amount or fuel that can be carried. It will also effect the center of gravity. A complete weight & balance evaluation of a prospective plane is a must. This information is required to be carried on each particular plane as part of the required documents.



• Desired Trip Times: Speed is over-rated. Forget it. The question is: "What is an acceptable range of time you want to be on board?" Most travelers are comfortable in the 1-2 hour range for "70-80%" of the trips. The occasional 3-4 hour trip is usually acceptable, and should not dictate your decision.



• Desired Comfort Level: Who wouldn't be more comfortable in a stand-up cabin?! The fact is you are seated 95% of the time. The aerodynamic challenge is this: the larger the cabin, the bigger the engines, and the more fuel it will burn to go the same speed. So, how much more do you want to pay for extra room?



• Corporate Culture: To some companies the idea of a corporate plane is hard to swallow. To others, a prop driven plane is acceptable, but not a jet. And to others, the only way to go is a jet! What plane will fit best in your culture and be acceptable to customers, vendors, employees, you and your mission?



• Runway Lengths: How long are the runways where you want to fly? What distances does the Aircraft Flight Manual say it takes? Remember, it was a test pilot that got those numbers! You may want to factor in 30-50% more for yourself. Additionally, shorter runways may require take-offs at reduced weights for certain planes. So, make this a part of the weight & balance evaluation referred to above.



• Other Factors: Personal preferences like "high wing or low wing", engine preferences, manufacturer, avionics preferences, age, etc. can be included. It is best to limit these to as few as possible.

Now that you have a fair idea of where you are doing and what you need and want, the next step is the budget!