There is little that says ‘romance’ like being whisked away by private jet, but to make a Valentine’s Day escape even more unforgettable, takeoff to one of these top ten destinations that you and your special someone will absolutely adore. Napa Valley, California World-class dining, hotels, and spas— Napa Valley is the ideal destination for […]
Type: Articles
Top 5 Healthy Luxury Lifestyle Destinations for 2018
As the holiday whirlwind winds down and the chill of winter sets in, New Year’s intentions heat up with a fury. Thankfully, these top five luxury lifestyle destinations— that place a healthy spin on fitness, re-focus, and refreshment— are inviting you to escape, by private jet, in 2018. St. Regis Resort & Iridium Spa— Mauritius […]
Aircraft Management, Maintenance, and Concerns Over a ‘Conflict of Interest’
In the realm of private aviation, there is an abundance of choices as to how an aircraft is managed and operated— with topics ranging from maintenance and cabin upgrades to crewing, fueling, insurance, subscriptions, charter, and more. The wide range of topics and expertise in each, that is required to make the best decision for […]
Top 5 Private Jet Destinations from New York City
Private jets offer an exclusive ticket to the world— granting access to some of the most iconic, stunning, and relaxing locations around the globe. Escape the bustle of the Big Apple, and expand your horizons, by chartering a private jet to one of the top five business jet destinations from New York. London, UK London […]
Timeline of a Corporate Pilot
Professional pilots, in corporate aviation, dedicate much of their lives to perfecting their craft and advancing their flying skills. To become a pilot, one must commit a significant amount of time and money to their career. The timeline for the profession is in part why many private jet operators and aircraft owners struggle to find […]
A Weekend Getaway from Santa Barbara by Private Jet
The cultured, yet casual, beach locale of Santa Barbara, California is an ideal departure point for private jet travelers. “Santa Barbara casts an intoxicating spell on visitors and locals alike,” says long-time Santa Barbara native and Story Bikes founder, Mark Gustafson. “But, there are many places— in very close proximity— that gift a refreshing interruption […]
Take A Private Jet To Super Bowl LVII
December 13, 2022 The largest, most anticipated VIP event of the upcoming year is scheduled for February 12, 2023. Glendale, Arizona, just outside of Phoenix, will host Super Bowl LVII; which draws athletes, entertainers, influencers, enthusiastic fans and a significant number of business jets. If you are interested in how to charter a private jet […]
Experience The Cessna Longitude At Clay Lacy Aviation
Owners of other Cessna models, like the Cessna CJ2, CJ3, CJ4 or Citation XLS+, will appreciate the latest and largest addition to the Cessna family; the Citation Longitude.” The Longitude has been quoted to be, “The evolution that will lead to a revolution.” This new, cost-efficient aircraft, by Textron Aviation, is a design that redefines the […]
How Private Jet Pilots Choose A FBO
FBOs, or Fixed Base Operators, are an integral component of the private jet experience— offering an array of services for customers, aircraft and crew. Pilots, working in business aviation, arrive and depart from FBOs so frequently that they begin to easily distinguish the ‘better’ from the ‘best.’ So, what criteria do professional pilots look for […]
Give The Ultimate Gift: Clay Lacy Preferred
Your loved ones may now unwrap the ultimate experiential gift with Clay Lacy Preferred gifting. Allow those closest to you to enjoy the gift of private jet travel; which translates to the unsurpassed rewards of time, peace, convenience, simplicity and luxury. Gift ‘The World’ with Clay Lacy Preferred How It Works Allow a Clay Lacy […]
The Pilot Shortage, Part 2: What Aircraft Owners Can Do To Attract And Retain Quality Pilots
Experienced and qualified pilots are a valuable and necessary asset in business aviation; now more than ever before. Over the next two decades, private jet operators will be challenged to quickly fill vacant crew positions; which could significantly impact aircraft owners and private jet charter. The Mismatch Economic prosperity, increased travel demands, mandatory retirement, […]
The Top 5 Winter Private Jet Ski Destinations For 2018
Los Angeles may have an endless summer, but in nearby locales, the weather welcomes private jet-setters to powdery bliss. There is much reason to celebrate with the upcoming ski and snowboard season on the horizon. For the smoothest ski slopes and the freshest powder, here are the top five ski and snowboard destinations to escape […]
Hidden Career Opportunities In Business Aviation
Business aviation draws aspiring pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians, but beyond the more well-known career paths, there are a myriad of employment opportunities within the private jet industry. Many who exhibit an affinity for aviation, luxury travel, customer service, or sales may not realize the less publicized professions within the industry. Aircraft Sales Tobias […]
How A FOQA Program Facilitates Safer Private Jet Flights
October 13, 2017 | Updated October 25, 2021 Flight Operations Quality Assurance Programs, or FOQA, facilitate the increased safety of private jet travel by offering an information snapshot of events that occur during a flight. Reviewed on a monthly basis, FOQA software allows private jet operators to track specific aircraft and flights— with the goal […]
Experience the Legacy 500 at Clay Lacy Aviation
Embraer invites the world to ‘rethink convention’ with the introduction of the 12-passenger Legacy 500. As a leader in its class, the Legacy 500 redefines standards of safety, comfort, performance, and technology in private jet travel. Embraer believes, without question, that the Legacy 500 is one of the most advanced private jets in the world. During […]
The Importance Of A Private Jet Cabin Attendant
A professional pilot is a necessary extension to any aircraft, but equally important is the private jet flight attendant to enhance the safety environment during a flight. While not required under FAA regulation, a private jet flight attendant, more commonly referred to as a ‘cabin attendant,’ is an essential component of a flight department’s operations. […]
Take A Private Jet To Kauai
Known as ‘The Garden Isle’— Kauai is the low-key and inviting counterpart to Maui and the sister islands of Hawaii. For private jet travelers, Lihue Airport acts as the aviation gateway to all that this diverse destination has to offer. From the lush greenery of the Nā Pali Coast to the sharp contrast seen in […]
Clay Lacy Aviation Teams Up With Sunni Brown For NBAA 17
Clay Lacy Aviation and creative visionary, Sunni Brown, connect a legendary history and engaging future— through visual storytelling— at this year’s National Business Aviation Conference, October 10-12, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Clay Lacy Aviation— a regular exhibitor at NBAA-BACE, the premier business aviation event and meeting place— is excited to partner, once again, with […]
Maintenance Timelines Of A Business Jet
Regularly scheduled aircraft maintenance is an essential component to maintaining the airworthiness of any aircraft. Unlike a car where maintenance is optional, every jet has a specific maintenance timeline— when inspections must be completed— that are outlined by a combination of governing groups. These groups include the Maintenance Review Board, aircraft manufacturer, and FAA; and […]
The Pilot Shortage Is A Reality In Business Aviation
The debate over a “pilot shortage” has gained traction in recent years due to the crippling effect a pilot shortage would have on the world today. For a professional pilot, the job outlook has had its ups and downs, but in the current economy, the balance has shifted. Now— and in the near future— there […]
Perspectives Of A Clay Lacy Pilot
One aspect that is apparent when flying with Clay Lacy Aviation is the inherent caliber and talent of the company’s pilots. These men and women are some of the best in the industry, display a history of excellence and continually represent a level of dedication and work ethic that is notably respectable. Pilots— more than […]
Top Destinations To Fly In A Private Jet— Labor Day 2017
You can fly a private jet almost anywhere. From the most remote and exclusive luxury destinations to always popular in Miami, New York or Cabo San Lucas, passengers on private jets have limitless options. With Labor Day fast approaching, where do private jet travelers choose to celebrate the remaining slivers of summer? Explore the top five […]
3 Questions To Ask When Chartering A Private Jet
There are many choices in private jet operators, but how does one know if they will secure the best safety, service, and value when chartering a private jet? Daniel Harris, Regional Sales Manager for Clay Lacy Aviation, shares three insightful tips on what to ask when booking a private jet charter. Q: “What happens if […]
Gogo Biz 4G Changes The Way You Do Business On A Private Jet
Clay Lacy Aviation was an early adopter of GoGo wifi systems; connectivity that revolutionized private jet travelers’ ability to do business inflight. Once again, Gogo Biz is transforming private aviation with the recent arrival of Gogo 4G, and Clay Lacy is at the leading edge of this new technology. Here are a few reasons why Gogo’s […]
Interview With A Corporate Flight Attendant
For a corporate flight attendant, the private aviation industry is competitive. With just over 12,000 business jets registered in the United States, and an even smaller number of aircraft requiring fight attendants, jobs are highly sought after. Only the best aviation professionals make their mark and build a lucrative career. At Clay Lacy Aviation, the […]
What To Consider When Buying A Business Jet
The benefits and appeal of owning a business jet are inarguably far reaching. More time spent with family. ‘Mobile office’ capabilities resulting in better focus and productivity. Additional exclusivity, privacy, and comfort. Business jet ownership is the epitome of convenience with a delicate dash of simplicity and luxury. From the initial curiosity of buying—to stepping […]
A Gulfstream Exclusive: Mach 0.90 Cruise
Saving time is the essence of business jet travel, and that won’t change anytime soon. Two aircraft in particular, the Gulfstream flagship G650ER and G650, can save operators more time than any other aircraft in service today. That magic number, computed by our engineers, is 52 hours, a significant amount of time for most. Two […]
The Onboard Experience: The Way Private Jet Travel Should Be
As jet-cards, jet sharing and other private aviation programs work to lower the cost of flying by private jet, one element that is often overlooked is the onboard experience. “The quality of one’s flight isn’t something that can be assessed beforehand. Therefore, many clients take the onboard service for granted. The assumption is made that, if […]
How Pilots Decrease Fuel Costs For Aircraft Owners
In business aviation, jet fuel is the highest variable cost of jet ownership. Professional pilots must calculate the optimized flying speed and altitude, based on a variety of factors, to determine what is both the safest and most efficient fuel burn. Technology exists— for many commercial jetliner pilots— to quickly calculate the amount of fuel […]
What To Know About Aviation Safety When Chartering A Private Jet
One in three adults experience anxiety or have a genuine fear of air travel, but flying does not need to incite concern. If a charter guest or aircraft owner knows what standards of safety and records of excellence have been met, maintained and surpassed, clients can fly with peace of mind. Not all private aircraft […]
Crewing A Private Jet: Hiring The Best Safety Professionals For A Business Aircraft
Much is involved in crewing a private jet, but the choice of who flies a charter guest or owner at Clay Lacy Aviation circles back to three simple foundational points— attributes very clearly stated by Chief Pilot, Preston Williamson. “I look for competence, character and attitude,” the retired United States Air Force Colonel says in […]
FANS 1/A: What the FAA’s 2020 mandates mean for business aviation
As the airspace system becomes increasingly crowded, Air Traffic Control agencies have established new avionics mandates to improve safety and efficiency of private jet travel. FANS 1/A technology—an acronym for Future Air Navigation Systems must be installed in business jets before a January 1, 2020 deadline or owners and operators risk the grounding of aircraft […]
5 Legendary Life Philosophies Of A Clay Lacy Cabin Server
Clay Lacy Aviation is a company founded upon a legacy of legendary achievement. When Clay Lacy, the man, first started his business in 1968, he was not only claiming the title of “the first private jet operator on the west coast,” but developing unchartered paths within both general and commercial aviation. His focused love for flying— […]
This Is the Best Time in Years to Buy a Business Jet
What’s behind the buyer’s market and how you can benefit If you missed recession-era opportunities to buy a business jet for a much lower cost, the pendulum has swung back your way. According to the UBS Business Jet Survey, prices for new and pre-owned aircraft have returned to 2009 lows, and will likely stay there […]
731 Falcon 20B
The Dassault Falcon 20 has always been a great airplane. It has been well received by customers and is also a good looking airplane with just the right proportions. The Falcon 20 was a superb candidate for re-engining and AlliedSignal’s TFE731-5BR retrofit program has certainly been a success. AlliedSignal brought a customer 731 Falcon 20B […]
Bell 609 Civil Tiltrotor
BELL’S 609 CIVIL TILTROTOR PROMISES NEW VTOL POSSIBILITIES By Clay Lacy – in September 1998 Professional Pilot Magazine’s “Flightcheck” ATP/CFII/Helo/Sea. Gulfstream II/III/IV, Learjet series, Raytheon Hawker, Boeing 747 and 25 misc. type ratings. BELL Helicopter Textron took the Bell Boeing tiltrotor program in house earlier this year with two products in the pipeline—the Bell 609 […]
Bombardier Global 5000
By Clay Lacy in 2004 Professional Pilot Magazine “Flight Check” ATP/CFII/Helo/Sea. Gulfstream II/III/IV, Learjet and Citation Series HS125, Boeing 747, DC3, and 25 misc type ratings BOMBARDIER GLOBAL 5000: $33.5 MIL, 8 SEATS, M.89, 4800 NM, FL510 Honeywell Primus 2000XP avionics suite, TCAS 2000, EGPWS, GPS, Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 turbofans with 14750 lbs of thrust. Introduced in […]
Bombardier Learjet 40
By Clay Lacy in 2005 Professional Pilot Magazine “Flight Check” ATP/CFII/Helo/Sea. Gulfstream II/III/IV, Learjet and Citation Series HS125, Boeing 747, DC3, and 25 misc type ratings BOMBARDIER LEARJET 40: $7.8MIL, 6-7 SEATS, M.81, 1824 NM, FL510 Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics suite, 4-display EFIS, EICAS, RVSM ready, EGPWS, Honeywell TFE31-20-AR turbofans with 3500 lbs of thrust […]
Citation Excel
By Clay Lacy In Professional Pilot’s December 1998 “Flight Check” ATP/CFII/Helo/Sea. Gulfstream II/III/IV, Learjet series, HS125, Boeing 747 and 25 misc. type ratings. The Citation Excel was designed as follow-on aircraft to the popular Citation V Ultra. It’s probably been the most successful new bizjet offering ever with more than 200 firm orders at this […]
Eurocopter EC120B Colibri
By Clay Lacy – in August 1998 Professional Pilot Magazine’s “Flightcheck” ATP/CFII/Helo/Sea. Gulfstream II/III/IV, Learjet series, Hawker, Boeing 747 and 25 misc. type ratings. EUROCOPTER REDEFINES THE ENTRY-LEVEL MARKET WITH ITS NEW SINGLE-ENGINE HELICOPTER. EUROCOPTER has re-entered the light single-engine helicopter market with the all new five-place EC120B Colibri. A joint venture with China and […]