What this guide delivers

It’s fitting that on June 3, right in the middle of production for our eighth annual BJT Buyers’ Guide, I had the privilege of traveling to Washington, D.C., to watch Gulfstream accept the prestigious Robert J. Collier trophy for its development of the G650 large-cabin, long-range business jet. The U.S. National Aeronautic Association presents the award annually to those who have made “the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency and safety of air or space vehicles.”

In business aviation, such achievements keep coming, as you’ll see in Mark Huber’s article “Game Changers”. As he reports, several upcoming aircraft models—including Dassault Falcon’s 5X and the PC-24 light jet from Pilatus—are poised to set new standards in their categories in the next couple of years.

The future looks bright indeed, but take off the shades and grab your reading glasses, because we’ve loaded this year’s BJT Buyers’ Guide with information you can use now. James Wynbrandt’s excellent piece on aircraft brokers tells you why you need to find a good one before you buy or sell an airplane. Wynbrandt also helps you sort through your private-lift alternatives in “Weighing Your Options”. And James Careless prepares you for the upcoming FAA aircraft mandates and for the deadlines, choices and costs you might be facing with these requisite upgrades.

Also in this issue are updated directories of aircraft models, manufacturers, completion and refurbishment centers and insurers; aviation financial institutions and caterers; and charter, jet card and fractional-share providers.

What it all adds up to is a one-stop shop for information to help you maximize your investment in private aviation. It’s an issue you’ll want to keep handy all year.

P.S. Don't forget to cast your vote in the fifth annual BJT Readers' Choice survey. When we publish the results in our October/November edition, the lift providers and aircraft manufacturers that shape your business jet experience will be paying attention. As we know from experience, your voice counts. Just click here to start the survey

Jennifer Leach English is BJT's editorial director.