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For example, our Citation Bravo is actually closer to $1,200 per hour in Direct Operating Costs (fuel, engine programs, etc.). I've read that owning vs chartering starts to make sense around the 200/hr per year mark, although I've never done the math.

Agreed. That's typically the 'rule of thumb' but it can vary from machine to machine. Charter operators will give you numbers that support chartering 100% of time, and aircraft brokers will give you the same numbers to support buying a machine yourself.

We fly private "semi regularly", however there are times where it just doesn't make economical sense, which we'll then go commercial. My Father flies private most always. You'd sooner meet God himself than find him standing in line waiting for a gate rape from the TSA. He'll go commercial over the pond.

There is nothing in the world that truly justifies the cost. However the quality of life is incomparable. It's truly an earned privilege.

 

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First Class overseas is the creme de la creme, with of course a major carrier. Luf, NW, U, AA, UE, etc. Granted, it's no G550.... but it's also not 15K an hour.

People can't compare it to domestic first class, which, IMO, is a step above a grayhound bus with a slightly larger seat. You can't think "domestic first class" when talking about overseas service. Or intercontinental, outside of the US.

 

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Global 5000
True Platinum Baller. One of 11 or so (different planes) in their fleet.
We saw one of their G5's a few weeks back.

FAA Registry - Aircraft - N-Number Results

 

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for those of you who fly private... what makes you choose private over commercial?

Convenience and Schedule.

 

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Got to check out the fantastic 2010 Challenger 300 today! Got to sit in the cockpit as well. Very cool.

YouTube - Challenger 300

Very nice machine.

 

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Just be careful out there when it comes to charter, etc. I don't want to get into too many details, however there are various "degrees" of safety out there. Just because a company meets the FAA Regulations when the FAA shows up... does not mean they are doing it all of the time. If you use a company a lot, you might consider having them audited. I have some first hand experience with some very shoddy operations...

Examples?
The whole "donkey and the carrot" trick means you have to give the donkey the carrot once in a while.

You may also want to revisit the forum rules regarding sigs and commercial links / promotion.