Money » Taxes, Laws & Finance

Aviation Insurance 2010
July 1, 2010
Keep in mind that while premiums have dropped dramatically in recent years, t
After three straight years of historically low premiums and greatly expanded coverage offerings, the struggle among aviation insurance companies to gain or hold market share has begun taking its toll. Last year the industry experienced one of its worst for aviation claims since 2001, and 2010 continues the trend.
Tail-number Tangle
June 1, 2010
When searching for a specific aircraft tail number, it's easy to conclude that all the good ones are taken. The folks who operate the FAA registry in Oklahoma City, however, think they've found a way to make many of these "unavailable" registration numbers magically accessible to the rest of us.
How a security program can cut flying costs
April 1, 2010
Executives often hear about the tax advantages of security programs, but its
An oft-cited benefit of business jets is that they provide greater security than the airlines. This same benefit can reduce your taxes, too.
Financing in a changed market
February 1, 2010
Unless you’re Bill Gates, obtaining financing is no longer simply a question
The business jet finance field is unique because business jets are unique. For one thing, they move around-fast. A Gulfstream G550 that's in Zurich this morning could be in Tehran tonight.
Lessor Liability
December 1, 2009
If you own an aircraft and lease it out, can you be liable for damages caused when the lessee is operating it? The answer reminds me of a joke my securities law professor, Louis Loss, used to tell about a client wanting to hire a one-handed lawyer so the lawyer couldn't say: "Well, on the one hand...but on the other hand."
Financing a Business Jet in Today's Market
August 1, 2009
You may have heard that is almost impossible to secure business jet financing these days, but to paraphrase Mark Twain, rumors of its demise are greatly exaggerated. Though the feeding frenzy among aircraft lenders is over, you can still find financing if you know where to look.
Aircraft Interchanges
June 1, 2009
A citation bravo costs far less to operate than a global 5000, a potential pr
One seemingly enticing opportunity for business jet owners presented by the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) is the interchange agreement. The rule lets you "interchange" your jet with someone else's, allowing you, in the FAA's words, "to augment or more fully utilize" your aircraft.
Watch out for excise tax audits
April 1, 2009
Before feeling sorry for fractional owners, those who own whole aircraft shou
Nobody likes a tax audit. Even Internal Revenue Service agents would probably rather go fishing.
Aircraft Finance 2009
February 1, 2009
Ultra-long-term aircraft financing has proved challenging for lenders. A lot
The worldwide financial malaise that arose out of the subprime mortgage mess has finally infected business aviation. The industry initially appeared immune to the tightening of the credit markets, which seemed to encourage a "flight to quality" by lenders, straight to the nearest general aviation airport.
Is your airplane a hobby?
February 1, 2009
You’ll have an uphill battle trying to convince the IRS that you need a Globa
What do a business jet and a stamp collection have in common? According to the Internal Revenue Service, both may be hobbies. If the IRS considers your aircraft a hobby, you won't be able to write off all the related expenses for tax purposes.

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Quote/Unquote

“Let me be straight with you. What I'd rather have is an airplane. We just had a third kid. I don't like flying commercial. I like to take my family to Hawaii. When I go east, I'd like to have pilots I know. ”

-Steve Jobs